New year, New plants! And I’m starting with houseplants y’all!

Cultivating a lively indoor garden of flourishing houseplants in January is a great way to start the year.

The beginning of a new year always feels like a reset for me. Before outdoor plans get rolling and spring wish lists take over, I like to start small—and indoors. Houseplants have a way of easing me into the rush of spring growing. They slow me down and remind me to pay attention.

With that, thisear, I decided to refresh my own gardening brain power and enrolled in some horticulture courses through UCLA Extension. I’m only in week two, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t share a couple of things I’ve already been reminded of.

New Year, New Plants should be a thing

January is actually one of the best times to buy houseplants. The horticulture industry runs on cycles, and right now many shops are restocking for the year ahead. That often means healthier plants, better selection, and less stress on what’s available. If you’ve been thinking about adding more green indoors, now is a great time to do it—intentionally.

Light really is everything

Even when a plant is labeled “low light,” remember this: most houseplants need light. Low light doesn’t mean no light—it usually means bright, indirect light. If a plant is surviving but not thriving, light is often the first thing to reassess. There are even apps that can help you measure light in your home (more on that later).

If you’re shopping for houseplants this month, keep this simple checklist in mind:

Before You Buy

• Take note of the light in your home (morning, midday, and afternoon)

• Start small—one or two healthy plants beat five struggling ones

At the Shop

• Check leaves (no major spotting, pests, or heavy yellowing)

• Look at the soil—avoid plants sitting in soggy or bone-dry mix

• Choose plants with new growth—it’s a good sign of health

Once You Get Home

• Let plants acclimate before repotting

• Place them in the brightest appropriate spot first and water lightly until you see how they respond

• Observe before you adjust—plants tell you what they need

Learning as We Grow

Two weeks into this class, and the biggest reminder is one I already knew but appreciate being reinforced:

Good gardeners stay curious.

Great gardeners stay observant.

And the best ones never stop learning.

Houseplants may live indoors, but they teach us outdoor lessons—about patience, cycles, and doing the simple things well.

As we move through 2026, I’ll keep sharing what I’m learning, what I’m relearning, and what’s worth passing along. Because growing smarter is just as important as growing bigger.

Here’s to better light, healthier plants, and fresh starts that actually take root.