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Environment
Lifestyle

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Plant Lovers’ Guide: Care, Buy, Skip

8 Oct 2025

Photo: Getty Images

Do you know which articles are the best to write? The ones you genuinely feel inspired by. With this one, I have plenty to say — and here is why.

When we first moved to Dubai, we spent an absurd amount of money on gorgeous, lush indoor plants… which all, inevitably, died. We kept buying them, and one by one, and they all ended up in the bin. We tried different varieties, different corners of the flat, and different care routines — but nothing seemed to work. Then, by sheer luck (or perhaps the law of probability), we finally stumbled upon the ones that survived. The kind you only remember to water once a month — if that — and somehow, they just keep going, happily thriving on neglect.

So this piece is about exactly that: how to pick plants that won’t give you a headache, the red flags that should make you leave them on the shop shelf, and how to keep alive the brave few already sharing your home.

Red flags when buying plants

Plants are a bit like men — when you are looking for a good one, the trick is to spot (and avoid) the red flags early on, before they bring nothing but disappointment and frustration. So, what are the plant world’s definite "no’s"?

  • Yellowing or drooping leaves. While it doesn’t always mean the plant is beyond saving, it usually suggests it has been over or underwatered. Best not to invite that kind of headache home.
  • Brown, crispy edges. Brown means dehydration — whether from sunburn, dry air, or simply not enough water. The conclusion is simple: skip it.
  • Spots, holes, or sticky residue. This one is a bit tricky. Tiny dots, webbing, or a sticky film often mean pests such as spider mites or mealybugs — a clear red flag. However, if you notice small marks or slight bruises that look more like transport damage (rather than bite marks), that is perfectly fine — a regular part of the journey from nursery to shop.
  • Foul smell or soggy soil. Always check the soil first — if it smells strange, looks mouldy, or feels too wet, skip it altogether. Anything off about the soil is a clear "no".
  • Painted or glued decorations. Some garden centres still use glued stones or painted leaves to make plants look glossy. They block airflow and moisture — a definite no.

Bonus note: plants that are tricky for beginners

These aren’t exactly red flags — seasoned plant lovers manage them just fine — but if you are just starting your plant journey, consider this a fair warning. They can be real divas (spoken from experience!).

  • Calathea and Maranta — beautiful, but painfully high-maintenance.
  • Flowering plants — give it a week, and you’ll probably see them start to fade.
  • Ferns — not that moody in other countries, but UAE's dry air turns them into high-maintenance drama queens.
  • Succulents — beautiful, alien-looking plants that are the little disasters when it comes to care. Overwater them even slightly, and you can kiss them goodbye.
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Photos: feey; Andy Quezada; Hans

Common tips: how to take care of your plants

Though each plant has its own routine, there are a few golden rules — little mantras that work for all of them.

  • Overwatering is the biggest killer. The trick is simple: check the soil before you water. Only give them a drink if it feels dry or slightly moisturised (depending on the plant) to the touch.
  • Drainage matters. Drainage all comes down to two things: the pot and the soil. Make sure your pot has holes for excess water to escape, and that the soil isn’t too tightly packed — if water can’t flow freely, the roots will soon start to rot.
  • Choose your soil wisely. Soil isn’t just dirt — it feeds your plants, anchors their roots, and hosts the microbes they rely on. Poor soil can quickly spell disaster. A Loamy Mix works well for most plants, and adding Perlite (or other soil conditioner) helps with drainage and aeration.
  • Don’t forget humidity and temperature. Even well-watered plants can suffer if the air is too dry or hot. Leaving your flat with the heating on, or overusing the air conditioning, can turn it into a mini greenhouse — and most plants won’t thank you for it.
  • Over or underfertilising can be harmful. Regular feeding keeps your soil healthy, but when it comes to fertilising, there are a few golden rules to remember. First — season matters: fertilise less in summer and more during the cooler months. Growth naturally slows in high heat. Second — go organic: if you are unsure which fertiliser to choose, opt for organic ones — they are gentler and help build long-term resilience. Compost, manure, and fish emulsion are all great options. Third — follow the N-P-K rule: fertilisers list three essential nutrients — Nitrogen (N) for leaves, Phosphorus (P) for roots, and Potassium (K) for overall strength. A balanced mix keeps your plant thriving.
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The Original Organic Fertilizer34 AED
Natural & Organic Indoor Plant Food23 AED
Espoma Organic Perlite38 AED

Where to buy plants in Dubai

Dubai is a city where you will spot plants on almost every corner — whether you are filling up your car or sipping coffee in a café. But not all options are equally reliable. Here are a few places you can trust:

  • Dubai Garden Centre — Whether you are after small or large plants, indoor or outdoor varieties, they have got it all.
  • The Garden Concept — Loved by customers not only for its wide range of plants but also for the beautifully designed pots they come in.
  • Plntd — More than just a plant shop, Plntd offers an excellent online guides to help you care for your greenery, making it perfect for beginners.
You can also find healthy plants on Facebook Marketplace — people often give them away in excellent condition when they are moving house.— Sophie She, Business Development Manager

One thing to remember: good plants are usually kept in specialised, plant-focused areas. If a shop has lots of unrelated items and non-garden staff, the quality of their plants is often lower, meaning they may not thrive for long.

Which plant to choose (small care, much love)

  • ZZ Plant

Really simple to care for — just keep it away from direct sunlight, water once every 2–3 weeks, making sure the soil is completely dry before watering again, and fertilise about once a month.

No matter how many I have had, whether I was on holiday or simply forgot to water it, it always seemed to grow on its own — as if my presence wasn’t required.— Sasa Ovcinnikov, SMM Editor
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Photo: Gigi Visacri

  • Philodendron (climbing ivy type)

It loves bright, indirect light but easily tolerates the lack of it. Water about once a week, when the surface of the soil feels dry.

A beautiful plant for interiors — especially if you guide its stems properly, it can look like a miniature jungle tree. It is pretty self-sufficient, only needs the occasional watering, and doesn’t demand much light.— Sasa Ovcinnikov, SMM Editor
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Photo: Huy Phan

  • Pilea peperomioides

Care couldn’t be simpler: just a bit of light and water.

They say it brings money, and I would probably agree. I have got three of them — one came with me almost four years ago, and it is still going strong.— Sasa Ovcinnikov, SMM Editor
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Photo: Getty Images

  • Calathea orbifolia

A little more demanding when it comes to watering — it needs it two to three times a week — but otherwise has no special requirements.

As long as you water it regularly, it won’t cause any trouble. All three of mine have moved homes with me, and they are now growing into full, lush bushes.— Sasa Ovcinnikov, SMM Editor
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Source: growhub.ae

  • Areca Palm

A bit more particular, especially if you keep it outside, but still a resilient beauty. It needs watering twice a week in summer and once a week in winter, and loves bright, filtered sunlight.

This is the one we have everywhere at home — from a small one on the kitchen table to a tall one in the corner of the bedroom. Not entirely sure how we manage to keep it happy, but it seems to love life all the same.— Barbara Yakimchuk, Editor
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Photo: feey