I asked a houseplant expert the 1 rule they use for thriving plants - it's not water

Gardening is a simple pastime but complex feeding, watering and fertilising schedules can make plant care seem complicated. If your houseplants seem fussy, the solution is probably simpler than you think. For lush leaves, reliable blooms, and fewer watering woes, plant expert Luke Newnes suggests focusing on the one setting that matters most in every home.

The plant-fluencer and gardening enthusiast, who goes by @man_about_gardening online, said the smartest thing you can do is master light. "The golden rule I always follow is: get the light right first," he said. Watering and feeding vary by species, but consistent, appropriate light underpins them all.

Light is a plant's food source through photosynthesis. Too little light makes growth weak and leggy, while too much leaves foliage scorched and stressed.

Match the intensity to your plant's natural habitat, watch the shadows across the day, and adjust distance from the glass or use sheer curtains to soften midday glare. Light levels shift with the seasons, so check placements monthly and use the tool to fine-tune when to open or close blinds for year-round consistency.

Where to keep houseplants

According to Luke, south-facing rooms suit sun-lovers like succulents and cacti, but delicate foliage plants need sheer curtains or blinds to diffuse the strongest midday rays.

East-facing windows deliver soft morning light that's ideal for ferns, calatheas and peace lilies that prefer bright, indirect conditions.

West-facing rooms favour flowering plants such as orchids and anthuriums that can capitalise on the warmer afternoon sun.

North-facing windows can still work for low-light champions like snake plants and pothos, but they should sit right by the glass to capture every bit of brightness.

Of course, water is also essential for healthy plants both indoors and out, and gardening expert James Ewens of Green Feathers says most problems can be traced back to poor watering habits.

He elaborated: "If I had to boil down to one universal tip to keep houseplants healthy, it would be their watering rule. The watering rule is to water only when the soil tells you to, not when your calendar tells you to."

Yellowing leaves, root rot, and pests are some of the most common problems with plants, and they are caused by either overwatering or underwatering. Fortunately, the fix is simple: check the soil's moisture levels manually-either with your finger, a moisture meter, or by lifting the pot to estimate from the weight.

"If the top inch or two of soil is dry, for most plants they need sufficient watering until it drains out. If the top couple of inches of soil are moist, hold off on your watering for another day or so", said James.

Because, as James notes, every plant, pot and season is different, listening to the soil "prevents soggy roots, gives plants sufficient moisture, and naturally adjusts to changes in weather and growth."