This will teach you some of the basic care and requirements for house plants.  House plants remove toxins from our environment, improve air quality and add nature to our homes.  I will show that there are quite a few house plants that are easy to grow and maintain even if you think, you have a brown thumb.  The first thing to remember is the plants that you buy, have been grown their whole lives in a greenhouse under the most ideal of conditions.  When you bring them home, .you have to take certain things into consideration or the end result will be a house plant in sad condition, or dying.  But with some tips and careful selection anyone can grow some beautiful houseplants.

How to select a healthy plant:

Select plants that have lots of leaves, new growth or unopened buds.  Make sure they are well potted, have moist soil, and look strong and healthy.  Turn the pot over and make sure that the roots aren't coming through, if the plant can be removed from the pot, check the roots and make sure they are not root bound.

Plants to avoid:

Plants with yellow, brown, spotted leaf tips.  Wilted or crispy leaves, spindly growth, droop leaves, bleached looking leaves, (may be an indication of spider mites).   Notched or eaten looking edges are an indication of insect damage.   Broken stems indicate rough handling, or overcrowded conditions.  Scars on leaves underside, is another sign of insect damage. Check for insects along stem or undersides of leaves.

Avoid plants that have leaf gloss or oil on them,  it makes the leaves look nice, but clogs the plants pores.  If you insist on buying it,   clean the leaves with a light soap and water bath as soon as possible.

Don't choose a plant in full bloom, instead choose one with unopened blooms so it will bloom once you get it home. 

Look into what the idea conditions are for the plant that your choosing.  Alot of plants have guide tags on them explaining Temperature, lighting, watering and fertilizing needs.  It is easier to pick the correct plant for the conditions in your home or office then to change the conditions in your home or office for the new plant.   If there's no instructions, ask a nursery working what the idea placement for this plant would be,  or explain the conditions where you wish to have a plant.

Some of the easiest plants to grow for the beginner are Philodendrons, Ferns, Fiscus, Rubber Tree, False Aralia, Dracaena, Jade Plant, Aloe Vera, Spider, Photos, Mother In Laws tongue,  Peace Lilly, Palms.

Light:  All plants need some form and different degrees of light.  They need the proper lighting for foliage and blooming, Check and make sure the conditions are right for the place you want to put the plant.

Watering:  More plants die from overwatering than anything else.  Check your plants a couple of times a week,  using your index finger place it in the soil 1-2 inches.  If its damp, don't water the plant.   After watering, don't let plants sit in excess water.  Use water that is tepid, or has sat out for 24 hours instead of using tap water,  especially if you have hard or treated water.  The best is rain water or distilled water.

Temperature:  In general house plants grow best in 70-80 degrees daytime temperature and 60-80 degrees night temperature,   Flowering plants shouldn't be in an area lower than 55-60 degrees at night.

Humidity:  Most houseplants need 40-60% humidity,  in the winter use a room humidifier, because of the drying effects of heat.  You can also groups plants together or place on a pebble tray in which some water has been added, this will increase the humidity near the plants.  Alot of plants (not all check what your plants needs are), like to be misted a couple of times a week, especially ferns,

Fertilization:   Liquid plant food in a low ration is best, like 10-15-10, Schultz and Miracle grow are two that I really have great results with.  Check with your plants needs are don't over fertilize, especially in the winter when growth slows down.