So you don't think you have a green thumb? Growing plants and flowers can be very easy and enjoyable. Whether you wish to have a beautiful flower garden in your yard, want to grow fresh veggies and herbs to use in your cooking, or want to have houseplants that bring life to your home, there are are a few basic things to keep in mind: water, light, and temperature. When these three things are each at a healthy level for the specific plant, the plant should thrive. If you wish to enjoy plants in your environment, being in-tune with the plants is a sure way of having a green thumb.

Living with plants is a two-way street. While you are enjoying your plants on a regular basis, you are given the opportunity to gage their health and well-being.

Water

All plants need water but the amount of water they need varies based upon what plant it is. I water most of my house plants every weekend. This works quite well. Plants like cactuses can be watered less regularly, such as once a month, while plants like ferns need to be watered more regularly, such as once a week. You may wish to look up or ask about the water requirements that your specific plant needs.

Another thing that impacts the plant's hydration is the type of soil the plant is in. Soil is made up of several components that each have their own role in the health of plants. Think about what absorbs and retains water (humus), what provides drainage (sand, rocks), and what provides air flow (styrofoam bits which are the little white things in potting soil, bark chips found in orchid mix). Some plants will do just fine with no drainage at all, other plants' roots will rot if too heavily hydrated.

Look at the plant, is it withered and parched-looking? If so, it may need more water. If it looks like leasves or other parts of the plant are mushy and decaying, it may mean that it is water-logged.

Light

Plants require light - not too much not too little. Natural sunlight is works best. Some house plants even can thrive under flourescent lights in an office setting. Lucky Bamboo (which isn't actually bamboo at all but a variety of dracenia) will do great with indoor florescent light.

If a plant isn't doing well, move it! I have found that certain plants like different kinds of light. Trial and error works well to determine the right spot for a house plant. A plant needs to be put where it will do best. Once you find a spot that it thrives, keep it there. I have found that some plants like eastern (morning) light, others, western (afternoon) light.

Your plant will show you if it is getting enough light by its leaves. Light and chlorophill levels are intertwined. If the leaves are getting pale or yellowish it may be getting too much light. Leaves can become darker green when there is lower light.

Temperature

Depending on the origin / natural setting of the plant, temperature requirements will vary. Some plants will live through a frost others will die from freezing temperatures. It is important to know what the temperature requirement of your plant is, especially if you have it outdoors.

Enjoy your plants and pay attention to their needs. The more you look at your flowers, the more they will bloom!