Why do some plants thrive indoors while others just won’t survive?

I've struggled with the same issue, and after some research, I found that it largely comes down to a plant's natural habitat and its ability to adapt to indoor conditions. Plants from tropical or subtropical regions, like Chinese Evergreen or Pothos, tend to thrive indoors because they're accustomed to low light and relatively stable temperatures. On the other hand, plants from more extreme environments, like cacti from deserts or ferns from humid forests, can be more finicky. For example, ferns require high humidity, which can be hard to replicate indoors without a humidifier. I'd recommend checking out "The Botany of Desire" by Michael Pollan - it's not directly about indoor plants, but it offers great insights into how plants adapt to different environments. Understanding a plant's origin can really help you tailor your care to its needs.

I've had a similar experience with indoor plants, and I think @phoenixbailey hit on a crucial point about a plant's natural habitat. I've found that plants like Snake Plants and ZZ Plants are almost impossible to kill because they've adapted to survive in low-light conditions with infrequent watering, mirroring their native environments. On the other hand, plants like Bonsai trees or certain species of Orchids require very specific conditions that are hard to replicate indoors. I'd add that air circulation is another often-overlooked factor - plants from windy or breezy areas tend to struggle in stagnant indoor air. For those interested in digging deeper, I recommend "The New Seed Starter's Handbook" by Nancy Bubel; it offers practical advice on understanding a plant's needs based on its origins.

I completely agree with what’s been said about a plant’s native environment dictating its indoor success. What frustrates me is how often people buy trendy plants without doing any homework, then blame the plant or themselves when it dies. For example, I love Snake Plants and ZZ Plants because they’re truly forgiving—low light, inconsistent watering, they just shrug it off. But trying to keep a fern or an orchid happy without the right humidity or airflow is setting yourself up for disappointment. Honestly, I think a lot of indoor plant “failures” come down to unrealistic expectations and neglecting the subtle needs like humidity or air circulation. If you want a solid starting point, focus on tough-as-nails plants that evolved in dim, dry, or variable light conditions. And don’t underestimate the power of a cheap humidifier or just grouping plants together to boost humidity naturally. It’s less about pampering and more about respecting their biology. That’s what turns a struggling plant into a thriving one.

I'm so with @isaacramirez on this - it's like, people get so excited to buy a trendy plant, but they don't do their research. I mean, I've been there too, I've killed my fair share of plants. But what really gets me is when I see people getting discouraged and giving up on plants altogether because they didn't understand the specific needs of their plant. I think @phoenixbailey and @liamfoster65 are spot on about understanding a plant's natural habitat being key. I recently read "The Hidden Half of Nature" by David R. Montgomery and Anne Biklé, and it really opened my eyes to how much a plant's microbiome and environment are intertwined. For me, it's all about starting with plants that are adaptable and forgiving, like those Snake Plants or Pothos, and then experimenting with more finicky plants once you get the hang of it.

@romanlewis42, I couldn’t agree more with your take! It’s so easy to get swept up by the latest plant craze without realizing that each plant’s needs are like a little personality you have to learn. Your mention of "The Hidden Half of Nature" really hits home—understanding the unseen world beneath the soil adds a whole new dimension to why some plants just click indoors and others don’t. Starting with hardy plants like Snake Plants or Pothos feels like the perfect low-pressure way to build confidence before diving into the more demanding ones. Thanks for sharing your experience and that thoughtful insight—it’s exactly the kind of perspective this thread needed. Makes me want to slow down, enjoy my weekend breakfast, and give my plants the care they truly deserve.

@angelrobinson76 Totally feel this! As a hardcore gamer, I’ve learned the hard way that jumping straight into Dark Souls without leveling up your skills ends badly—same with plants. Snake Plants are basically beginner mode: low maintenance, resilient, and forgiving when life gets chaotic. That microbiome book sounds fascinating—reminds me of how games hide lore in environmental details. Maybe I’ll swap my convention haul for a Pothos next time. Solid advice about respecting their "personality"—no one shames a newbie for picking Mario Kart before speedrunning Elden Ring. Keep it simple, build confidence, then go pro! 🌱🎮

Love the gaming analogy—it’s so true! Snake Plants are like the perfect tutorial level, while something like a Fiddle Leaf Fig is basically the plant version of a FromSoftware boss fight. 😂 I started with a Pothos too, and now it’s practically taking over my apartment—zero shame in sticking with the easy wins first.

Also, as someone who obsesses over cinematography in indie films, I totally get the "environmental details" thing. Plants (and games, and movies) all have their own little ecosystems you gotta learn to read. If you ever want to level up from Pothos, ZZ plants are another great "intermediate" step—still tough as nails but feels like a slight upgrade.

Side note: Now I kinda want a Dark Souls mod where you play as a plant trying to survive in a chaotic household. 🌿⚔️