If you have houseplants or you're considering getting some, you're not alone. Houseplants are definitely having a moment.

According to houseplant research conducted from 2019-2021 by the Floral Marketing Fund, nearly 72% of respondents, known as plant purchasers, strongly or moderately agreed that houseplants made them feel happier, even during stressful times like the pandemic.

The research finds that houseplants are popular across demographics, including millennials, Gen X and boomers. The majority of respondents (70%) keep houseplants in the living room or a bedroom, while 47% keep them in the kitchen. The three most popular types of houseplants are flowering plants, broad-leaf foliage and succulents.

*What to Grow

"It's important to remember that different plants have different light and temperature requirements, so be sure to choose plants that will thrive in the conditions of your home," says organic gardener Sholom Rosenbloom, who owns Rosenbloom Pest Control in Baltimore.

He suggests snake plants, which thrive in low-light conditions; spider plants, which can help purify the inside air; cacti and succulents, which are low-maintenance and don't require much water; and African violets, which come in a variety of colors and like bright, indirect light. Other options include dwarf citrus trees like lemon, lime and orange, which prefer warm temperatures and bright light; pothos, a climbing vine that does well in low-light conditions; and Chinese evergreen, which thrives in low light and has air-purifying qualities.

"Orchids, peace lilies and false shamrock plants are great flower options to have inside your home, as they need minimal care and do not require to be in direct sunlight," says Steve Eakin, founder of LoveMyBonsai.com. "This is helpful during winter months when the sun isn't out as much, so you won't have to worry much about getting them proper care."

*Houseplants Tips and Hints

Read up on the plants and flowers you buy to make sure they're safe for pets. For example, fiddle-leaf fig trees are popular houseplants that have shiny leaves and can grow up to six feet tall, but they're toxic to cats and dogs. Another popular houseplant, rubber trees, are natural air purifiers, but they're toxic for pets and humans, meaning they're not recommended for little kids. And philodendrons, known for their green and glossy leaves, make great houseplants but not for anyone with a dog, cat or child, since the plant is toxic.

Obviously, sunlight and temperatures can vary throughout the year, but make sure you place your houseplants in the sunniest spots of indirect sunlight in the house.

Water your plants when the soil is dry to the touch. But be mindful not to overwater them. That can be challenging since they're a part of your living space and you may see them often and feel the urge to water them. You can typically water them less during the winter and more during the summer.

"A house environment can be much more moist than the outdoors, which means they don't need to be watered as often as you think," says Eakin. "You're better off to wait until the soil is dry to water them again so you don't risk causing issues like root rot."

Use a quality potting soil that's formulated for indoor plants, and make sure each plant has drainage holes to prevent water from building up. Fertilize your plants during the spring and summer, when they're growing. Prune them when needed. You may need to repot them every few years as they outgrow their pots.

Give your home a boost of living color with one or more houseplants. With indirect sunlight, water, and care, houseplants can thrive indoors. And who knows? As the research suggests, you may be happier because of your plants.