Buying a plant isn’t just about picking the one you like the look of – to ensure you’re able to give your plants the environment and care they need, you’ll want to do a bit of research first.

If you’re a complete beginner, there are plenty of low-maintenance plants that look great and happen to be easy to care for. There are also succulents to consider (which tend to be easy no matter what) and some easy-care flowering plants, too.

However, if you’re up for a challenge, you might fancy picking up an unusual plant that tends to need a bit more TLC to thrive, or a mini plant that you can rear from the very beginning.

Next, you’ll want to consider what area of your home you want your plant to live in. Different plants like different light and humidity levels, so choosing the right plant for the right spot is essential if you want them to remain nice and healthy. From desk plants to hanging plants and those that prefer low-light conditions to taller plants for open spaces, there truly is a plant to suit every kind of space.

On the other hand, you might be looking for a plant to suit a certain aesthetic. Check out our guide to the best colourful plants to brighten up any space, and our go-to list of those that’ll help you achieve the ‘retro’ look. And if you’re looking to design your very own terrarium, you can check out our guide to terrarium plants, too.

Finally, if you’re looking to gift a plant to a friend or family member, opting for a plant with meaning is a nice extra touch.

You can check out our full list of articles on this topic below:

Houseplant basics: everything you need to know about buying, owning and caring for indoor plants