The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Plant Care in LA
Indoor plants can absolutely thrive in Los Angeles — but our bright sun, dry air, and micro-climates mean plant care looks a little different here than in other cities. Whether you’re in a beachy Long Beach apartment, a sunny DTLA loft, or a shaded Craftsman, this guide will walk you through exactly how to keep your indoor plants healthy, happy, and growing year-round.
Why Indoor Plant Care in Los Angeles Is Unique
Los Angeles has a warm, sunny climate and low humidity. Inside, that often looks like:
Strong, direct sunlight for part of the day
Dry indoor air from AC and heating
Rooms that get bright light on one side and low light on the other
Because of this, plants that might be “easy” somewhere else can struggle here if they’re in the wrong spot or watered like they’re in a humid climate. The good news: once you know what your plants need in LA, they’re much easier to care for.
Choose Plants That Thrive in LA Homes
Some plants naturally handle LA’s bright light and dry conditions better than others. These are great options for apartments, condos, and homes:
Snake Plant – Very low-maintenance, tolerates low to bright light, drought-tolerant.
Rubber Tree – Loves bright, indirect light and adds height and drama.
ZZ Plant – Handles low light and infrequent watering, perfect for busy plant parents.
Monstera Deliciosa – Thrives in warm, indirect light and grows quickly in the right spot.
Pothos – Very forgiving, grows in low to medium light and trails beautifully.
Bird of Paradise – Loves sun and warmth; a classic LA statement plant.
Tip: If your LA home gets strong afternoon sun, choose plants that won’t scorch easily, and place them a few feet back from the window or behind a sheer curtain.
Get the Lighting Right
Light is the most important factor in indoor plant care in Los Angeles.
Understanding Your Windows
South or west-facing windows: Get strong light and can burn sensitive plants in the afternoon. These are good for sun-lovers like Bird of Paradise, jade, and some succulents if they’re acclimated slowly.
East-facing windows: Ideal for most houseplants. They get gentler morning light that most tropical plants love.
North-facing windows: Best for low-light plants like ZZ, snake plant, philodendrons, and pothos.
Signs Your Plant Needs More Light
Long, stretched-out stems
Smaller-than-usual new leaves
Very slow or no growth
Signs Your Plant Is Getting Too Much Light
Crispy or brown edges
Bleached or pale patches on leaves
Soil drying out within a day
If you're unsure about your home’s light levels, a plant light meter makes it easy to measure exact brightness so you know which plants belong where.→ Here’s the one I recommend
If light is too intense, try moving the plant a few feet back, to the side of the window, or adding a sheer curtain to soften the sun.
Watering Plants in a Dry LA Climate
LA’s air is dry, especially indoors with AC or heat running. That can make plants dry out faster on top, while still staying wet deeper in the pot.
General Watering Guidelines (LA Homes)
These are loose ranges; always check the soil first:
Most tropical houseplants: every 7–12 days
Low-water plants like ZZ and Snake Plant: every 2–3 weeks
Thirsty plants like Fiddle Leaf Fig (in bright light): every 5–7 days
How to Check If It’s Time to Water
Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil.
If the top 2 inches are dry → it’s usually safe to water.
If it still feels damp → wait a few days and check again.
If you want an easier, more accurate way to water, a moisture meter removes all the guesswork and helps prevent overwatering.
→ This is the one I recommend
Common Watering Mistakes
Watering on a strict schedule without checking the soil
Using pots without drainage holes
Letting plants sit in a saucer full of water
Always pour out any excess water from the saucer 10–15 minutes after watering.
Raise Humidity (LA’s Secret Plant Stressor)
Most houseplants come from naturally humid environments. LA’s dry air can lead to:
Brown tips on leaves
Crispy edges
Slow, stressed growth
Simple Ways to Boost Humidity
Place plants on a pebble tray: a shallow tray with pebbles and water, with the pot sitting on top (not in the water).
Group plants together so they share humidity.
Mist occasionally, but not heavily every day, to avoid fungus issues.
If your home is especially dry, a small plant humidifier can make a huge difference for tropical plants and prevent crispy edges.
→ Here’s my recommended humidifier
You don’t need jungle-level humidity, just a little boost to make tropical plants happier.
Soil & Repotting Tips for LA Plants
Because LA air is dry, but overwatering is still common, soil needs to drain well while holding some moisture.
A Great All-Purpose Indoor Soil Mix
You can create a simple mix using:
60% high-quality indoor potting mix
20% perlite (for drainage)
20% orchid bark or coco coir (for structure and air flow)
Options to make it easy:
Indoor potting mix: Best indoor soil on Amazon
Perlite: Recommended perlite
Orchid bark: Recommended orchid bark
This helps prevent roots from sitting in compact, soggy soil.
When to Repot
You might need to repot if:
Roots are growing out of the drainage holes
Soil dries out completely within 1–2 days after watering
The plant feels very top-heavy or wobbly
It hasn’t been repotted in 1–2 years
Repotting in spring or early summer gives the plant a full growing season to adjust.
Fertilizing for Year-Round Growth
LA has a long growing season, so regular feeding can make a big difference in growth and leaf health.
Fertilizer Schedule
Spring and summer: Feed every 2–4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted as directed.
Fall: Reduce to once per month.
Winter: Pause or feed very lightly, as most plants slow down.
Types of Fertilizer That Work Well
Balanced liquid fertilizer (for example, 10-10-10 or similar)
→ Here’s the one I recommendOrganic liquid plant food for a gentler option
→ My favorite organic optionSlow-release pellets if you prefer a “set it and forget it” approach
→ Recommended slow-release pellets
Common LA Plant Problems (and How to Fix Them)
Brown Leaf Tips
Likely causes: low humidity, inconsistent watering, or hard tap water
Fixes: increase humidity, water consistently, and consider using filtered water for more sensitive plants.
Yellow Leaves
Likely causes: overwatering, low light, or old leaves aging out
Fixes: let soil dry more between waterings, move the plant closer to a bright window, and remove fully yellow leaves.
Spider Mites
Spider mites love dry, warm air and often show up as tiny specks or fine webbing.
Fixes: increase humidity, rinse leaves in the shower, and use a gentle neem oil spray or insecticidal soap weekly until they’re gone.
Fungus Gnats
These tiny flying insects usually pop up when soil stays too wet for too long — they love damp potting mix and will hang around until the moisture is under control.
Fixes:
Let the top few inches of soil fully dry out between waterings
Water with liquid mosquito control dissolved in the water to target larvae
My personal favorite: introduce a carnivorous plant like a Sundew or Venus Flytrap.
They act like tiny, natural gnat vacuums — and honestly, it’s entertaining to watch them work.
When to Bring in a Plant Care Pro in LA
Sometimes, even with good light and careful watering, plants still struggle. It may be time to bring in a professional if:
You’re dealing with repeated pest issues
Plants aren’t growing at all for months
Leaves keep browning, curling, or dropping
Soil stays wet for a long time, or roots are compacted
You feel overwhelmed by multiple plants in your home or office
St Clair Plant Care can help with:
Weekly or biweekly indoor plant care
Pest treatment and prevention
Soil refreshes and repotting
Residential and commercial maintenance
Staging greenery for listings, rentals, and events
Where to Place Plants in LA Homes
Apartments & Condos
Place plants near bright windows but a few feet back if the sun is harsh.
Avoid spots right in front of AC vents or heaters.
Use shelves, plant stands, or window-adjacent corners for trailing plants like pothos.
Single-Family Homes
South-facing living rooms are great for tropical plants and statement trees.
East-facing kitchens are perfect for herbs, pothos, philodendrons, and smaller plants.
Bedrooms often work well for low-light plants like snake plant, ZZ plant, and peace lily.
Offices & Workspaces
Low-light corners: ZZ plants and snake plants do very well.
Brighter desks: jade plants, small succulents, and pothos.
Reception or lobby areas: larger floor plants like rubber trees or Bird of Paradise.
Indoor Plant Care Checklist for LA
Use this quick checklist to keep your plants on track:
Check light levels and move plants if they’re stretching or burning
Only water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry
Empty saucers after watering
Wipe dust off leaves once a month
Add humidity with a tray or humidifier
Inspect leaves regularly for pests
Fertilize during spring and summer
Repot every 12–24 months as needed
Rotate plants occasionally so they grow evenly
Need Help With Your Indoor Plants in LA?
If you’re in Los Angeles or Long Beach and want healthier, better-looking plants without the stress, St Clair Plant Care can help.
We offer:
Ongoing indoor plant maintenance
One-time plant “rescue” visits
Repotting and soil refresh
Pest treatment and prevention
Staging plants for listings, rentals, offices, and events
Ready for happier plants? Contact St Clair Plant Care today to schedule a visit.
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