The right grow-light height for a small herb shelf is usually 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) above the top of the herb canopy. That is the starting point, not a universal rule. A slim, low-output LED bar can sit closer; a powerful LED panel needs more space. Basil and rosemary generally need…

Spider plant babies are among the easiest houseplants to propagate in water, but they do best in a propagation station that keeps their leaves dry, supports the crown, and gives roots room to grow. The best propagation station for spider plant babies is usually not a narrow test-tube rack. Spiderettes have wider crowns and longer…

Spider plants produce baby plants, often called spiderettes or plantlets, on long trailing stems. These babies are one of the easiest houseplants to propagate in water. The key is to place the baby’s root base in water while keeping its leaves above the waterline. Within a few weeks, the plantlet should develop a healthy set…

A grow light can stop indoor succulents from becoming leggier, but only if it is strong enough and placed close enough to the leaves. Many succulents become stretched because they receive bright room light but not enough usable plant light. A sunny-looking room is not always sunny enough for echeveria, sedum, crassula, haworthia, cactus, and…

A leggy succulent is a succulent that has stretched upward or outward, leaving long bare stems between widely spaced leaves. This is usually caused by insufficient light, a condition called etiolation. The stretched growth will not become compact again, but you can save the plant by improving its light, pruning the elongated stems, and propagating…

Fiddle leaf fig leaves are large, broad, and quick to collect dust. Cleaning them with a regular cloth works, but microfiber plant-cleaning gloves can make the job faster, gentler, and more comfortable. With gloves, you can support a leaf from underneath with one hand while wiping the top with the other. You can also clean…

Fiddle leaf fig leaves are large, glossy, and excellent at collecting dust. Over time, that dust blocks light, makes the plant look dull, and can make it harder to spot pests such as spider mites or scale insects. The safest way to clean a fiddle leaf fig is simple: use a soft microfiber cloth and…

A small monstera does not need a giant moss pole. In fact, choosing a pole that is too tall, too thick, or too heavy can make a young plant unstable and difficult to manage. The best moss pole for a small monstera is usually 18–24 inches tall, has a sturdy stake that reaches deep into…

Yellow sticky traps are one of the simplest ways to control adult fungus gnats around houseplants. They are pesticide-free, odor-free, inexpensive, and easy to place directly in potting soil. They will not eliminate an infestation by themselves because they catch flying adult gnats—not larvae living in the soil. But when paired with better watering habits…

A robotic cat can bring a little personality into your home without the feeding schedules, litter boxes, and daily responsibilities of owning a living pet. Some resemble sleeping kittens, while others respond to petting, make catlike sounds, or offer interactive games. However, the best robot cat depends on who will use it. Someone looking for…