It's time to get your green fingers ready because we're about to go through all the important plant words you need to know. From A to Z, we've got you covered with the lowdown on all things botanical.

A

The process of providing air circulation to the soil and roots of a plant to promote healthy growth.
The process of gradually introducing a plant to a new environment, such as moving a plant indoors to outdoors or vice versa.
A type of plant that is believed to improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants and toxins from the air. 4. Annual - a plant that completes its life cycle in one year or less, which is often grown indoors as an ornamental plant.
A plant that completes its life cycle in one year or less, which is often grown indoors as an ornamental plant,
A small, soft-bodied insect that attacks a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants.
Read more about pests here.
A supplemental light source, such as LED grow lights, used to provide adequate light for indoor plants to grow.
A family of plants that includes popular houseplants such as the pothos, philodendron, and snake plant.
A form of propagation where a stem is cut and wrapped with moss and plastic until it develops roots, then detached from the parent plant.
A dry climate with low humidity, often requiring specific care for houseplants that are native to these regions.

B

The protective outer layer of a tree or plant, often used as part of the potting mix for certain indoor plants.
Insects that help control pests on indoor plants, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
A living art form of growing miniature trees or shrubs in a pot, using specific techniques to create a small, aesthetically pleasing tree.
The scientific study of plants, including their structure, growth, reproduction, and classification.
A common problem in indoor plants, where the tips of leaves turn brown due to underwatering, low humidity, or other environmental factors.
A storage organ in a plant, often used to describe houseplants such as amaryllis, which grow from bulbs and produce showy flowers.
Type of light that is not direct sun but is still bright enough for indoor plants to thrive, often from a window with filtered light.

C

A plant with thick, fleshy stems and leaves adapted to survive in arid conditions, often grown indoors as an ornamental plant.
A genus of plants with colourful foliage, often grown indoors. These can be tricky so better for the more experienced houseplant enthusiast.
A group of plants that have adapted to live in nutrient-poor environments and have evolved to capture insects and small animals for food.
A green pigment in plants that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.
A form of propagation where a plant is reproduced from a stem or leaf cutting, creating a genetically identical copy of the parent plant.
A type of growing medium made from the fibers of the coconut husk, often used as a sustainable alternative to peat moss.
A bulb-like structure found in some plants, often used for storage and reproduction.

D

The process of removing spent flowers from a plant to promote continued blooming.
A plant that is a direct offspring of another plant, often used to preserve desirable traits or characteristics.
The type of light that is unfiltered and comes directly from the sun, often too intense and damaging for most indoor plants.
The process of separating a plant into two or more sections, each with their own roots, to create multiple plants.
A plant that is able to survive extended periods of water deprivation, often grown in arid climates or in water-restricted environments.
A period of inactivity or rest in the growth cycle of a plant, often occurring in the winter months for some houseplants.

E

A type of organic fertilizer made from earthworm waste, often used to provide nutrients to indoor plants.
A type of plant that grows on other plants, using them for support but not for nutrition, often grown indoors as houseplants.
The process of water changing from a liquid to a gas, often related to plant care when talking about humidity levels.
A type of plant that keeps its foliage year-round, often grown outdoors but may require specific care if grown indoors.
A plant that is not native to the local area or country, often grown indoors as a unique or unusual addition to a plant collection.
The act of discovering and learning about new types of plants and their care requirements, often a fun and rewarding aspect of indoor gardening.

F

A type of plant food used to provide additional nutrients to plants, often needed for indoor plants that are unable to get all their nutrients from the soil or potting mix.
A plant or group of plants in a room that draws the eye and creates a central point of interest.
The shape and structure of a plant, often used as a design element in indoor plant arrangements.
A type of microorganism that can cause harm to indoor plants, often causing diseases or infections that may require treatment.

G

A type of pottery that has been coated with a layer of glass or enamel, making it a durable and water-resistant option for indoor plant containers.
A specially designed light used to supplement natural sunlight for indoor plants, often used in areas with less natural light or during the winter months.
The process of arranging plants together in a group or cluster, often used to create a focal point or fill a larger space indoors.

H

A term used to describe plants that can withstand harsh conditions, temperature fluctuations, and other factors that may harm other indoor plants.
A measure of the amount of moisture in the air, often an important factor in indoor plant care as many indoor plants prefer higher levels of humidity.
Read ‘Everything you need to know about humidity’ here.
A shallow tray or saucer filled with water that is placed under indoor plants to increase humidity levels.
A plant that has been cross-bred to create a new variety with specific characteristics, often used in indoor plant breeding to create unique or improved varieties of plants.
A he process of providing indoor plants with adequate water to promote healthy growth and prevent dehydration.

I

Any plants that are grown indoors, usually in a pot or container.
Plants that can aggressively spread and take over nearby plant species and can cause damage to indoor plant collections.
The process of providing plants with water through sprinklers, hoses, or irrigation systems.

J K

A garden style that emphasizes simplicity, balance, and harmony with nature, often featuring indoor plants like bonsai trees and bamboo.
Indoor plant growing kit designed for beginners, including all necessary tools and instructions.

L

The amount and intensity of sunlight or artificial light that a plant requires to grow well, mature, and produce flowers or fruits.
You can read more about your plant’s light needs here.
A vertical garden design, often made with indoor plants mounted on a wall and irrigated.
A type of plant food that comes in a liquid form and is added to the water used for irrigation, promoting healthy growth and development.
A common sign of plant stress or illness, where the plant sheds its leaves to conserve water and nutrients, usually caused by overwatering or low light.
A term used to describe indoor plant species that can tolerate or thrive in low light conditions, requiring less than 1000 foot-candles of light intensity.
Read about the best plants for low light here.
You can read more about your plant’s light needs here.

M

Tiny, white, fluffy insects that infest indoor plants, feeding on the sap and damaging the foliage, best controlled through insecticidal soap or other treatments.
Read more about mealy bugs here.
Small living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae, that are beneficial to soil health and nutrient uptake, and aid in breaking down organic matter.
A fungal disease that affects indoor plants, causing white or gray powdery patches on leaves and stems, often caused by high humidity or poor air circulation.
Read more about Mildew here.
A tool used to measure the moisture content of soil, allowing indoor plant owners to determine when to water their plants, avoiding overwatering or underwatering.
See here.

N

The spot on a plant's stem where leaves, buds, or branches emerge, also known as a joint.
Refers to indoor plants that are safe for pets or children to be around, and won't cause harm if ingested.
A condition where a plant lacks one or more essential nutrients, often evidenced by yellowing, wilting, or stunted growth, requiring corrective measures such as fertilisation.
An organic insecticide and fungicide derived from the neem tree, often used to control common indoor plant pests such as spider mites or whiteflies.
Refers to sunlight or daylight that is not artificially enhanced, and is often the preferred light source for indoor plants.
You can read more about your plant’s light needs here.

O

Refers to materials or products derived from living matter, such as compost, manure, or natural fertilisers, used to promote healthy soil and plant growth.
A common problem for indoor plants, where too much water is given to the plant, leading to root rot or other issues, often avoidable through proper watering techniques and monitoring soil moisture levels.
You can check you soil using a moisture meter, see here.
The process of keeping indoor plants alive and healthy during the winter months, often requiring adjustments to lighting, temperature, and humidity levels.
Read more about ‘overwintering’ Caladiums here.
The use of natural or organic methods to control insect pests and diseases on indoor plants, such as beneficial insects, neem oil, or other natural remedies.

P

Houseplant pests are small insects or organisms that can infest and affect the health of your indoor plants. They come in different forms, including aphids, spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs, and fungus gnats, among others.
Pests can also introduce diseases into your houseplants. For instance, mealybugs and scale insects can transmit harmful plant viruses, leading to deformities and discoloration of leaves.
Read more about common houseplant pests here.
A chemical or natural substance used to control or eliminate insect pests or diseases on indoor plants, often used as a last resort and with caution due to potential harm to humans, pets, or the environment.
A common soil amendment made from decomposed sphagnum moss, often used to increase soil acidity, improve water retention, and provide nutrients for indoor plants.
A lightweight, porous material often added to indoor plant soil mixes to increase drainage, aeration, and prevent compaction.
The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, using carbon dioxide and water, facilitated by chlorophyll in the leaves.
A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil or water, important for indoor plant growth and health, with neutral pH being 7 and values below or above indicating acidic or alkaline soil, respectively.
The process of creating new plants from an existing one, often through methods such as stem or leaf cuttings, division, or seed propagation.
A composition of various organic and inorganic materials used as a growth medium for indoor plants, such as peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and compost.

Q R

A state of dormancy or inactivity in indoor plants, often occurring during the winter months or periods of reduced light or water availability.
The part of the plant that typically grows underground, responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil and anchoring the plant.
A condition in which a plant has grown too large for its current container, causing the roots to become compacted and limiting the plant's growth and water uptake.
The process of transferring a houseplant from one pot or container to another, often necessary to provide more space for roots to grow or to refresh the potting soil.
Read more about when and how to repot here.

S

A young plant that has recently germinated from a seed and is in the early stages of growth.
A system or container design that provides a mechanism for plants to take up water as needed, reducing the frequency of manual watering.
Refers to plants that can grow and thrive in low-light conditions or areas with limited access to direct sunlight.
You can read more about your plant’s light needs here.
Tiny pests that can infest indoor plants, causing damage to leaves and webs to form on the plant.
Read more about pests here.
A type of moss used as a growing medium for houseplants or as a decorative topping to increase moisture retention.
The process by which a seed germinates and starts to grow, often forming a visible shoot or bud.
A type of houseplant that has thick, fleshy leaves, stems, or roots that store water, enabling them to survive in arid conditions.

T

A miniature garden enclosed in a container, often designed to mimic a natural ecosystem with live plants, soil, and other decorative elements.
Small, slender insects that can infest indoor plants, causing damage to leaves and flowers.
Read more about Thrips here.
Refers to plants that contain harmful chemicals or compounds that can be poisonous to humans or pets if ingested.
The process of moving a plant from one container to another, often to promote growth or provide more space for roots.
The process of moving a plant from one container to another, often to promote growth or provide more space for roots.
A type of clay pottery used for plant pots, often favoured for its ability to regulate moisture levels.
The degree of heat or cold in a plant's environment, which can affect its growth and health.
Refers to plants that grow long, thin branches or vines that hang down or trail along a surface, often used as decorative elements or for adding greenery to empty spaces.

U V W

Radiation from the sun that can be beneficial for some houseplants, as long as they receive the appropriate amount and intensity.
Occurs when a plant does not receive enough water to meet its needs, which can lead to wilting, yellowing, or brown leaves.
Having leaves or petals that display multiple colours, often resulting in a striped, spotted, or mottled appearance.
A type of plant that grows by climbing or trailing, often used for decorative purposes or for filling empty spaces in a room.
Occurs when a plant is overwatered and the soil becomes saturated, causing roots to suffocate and rot.
The drooping or sagging of leaves and stems due to lack of water, excess sunlight, or other environmental stresses.

X Y Z

A group of pigments found in some plants that help with photosynthesis and give leaves their yellow colour.
The discolouration of leaves or stems that can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as nutrient deficiencies, disease, or environmental stresses.
Refers to a specific type of leaf pattern found in some plants, characterised by a ring of distinct coloration around the edges of leaves.

There you have it, houseplant terms and key words A-Z, to help you care for your green friends. Any you think we have missed, comment below and we will get to it as quick as we can.

A - Z of keeping it Green

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J K

L

M

N

O

P

Q R

S

T

U V W

X Y Z

Helpful links

A - Z of keeping it Green

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J K

L

M

N

O

P

Q R

S

T

U V W

X Y Z

Best plants for low light

5 Most common pests + bugs

Helpful links