All things considered, the barrier to entry to becoming a successful plant-growing newbie is pretty low. Once you’ve figured out which plants work best in your home, it’s time to take your plant care a little more seriously (don’t worry, it’s not that serious). Making sure you have the best indoor gardening tools for beginners is the easiest way to set yourself up for success. 

When you’re just starting to explore the world of houseplants, the right set of essentials can make all the difference. I’ve been growing indoor plants for over a decade now, and I can say it’s the basic implements that become your daily go-tos. From ensuring your plants are getting ample water to helping their leaves stay healthy and pest-free, the right gear will help you care for your plant collection like a true pro.

Not sure where to get started? Below, I share eight items — OK, only five are essential — every plant lover needs in their tool kit, from a great pot (of course) to pruning shears and bobby pins (yes, really!). These pro-backed picks will become the secret sauce to nurturing your plants and giving them the best chance to thrive in your home so you — and your plants — can live a long, healthy life together. 

Picking the perfect pot is one of the most exciting parts of getting a new plant — dare I say, it’s almost as fun as dressing yourself? It’s not all about aesthetics, though. You want to select a pot that is appropriately-sized to the age and intended growth of your plant, and opt for a design that boasts drainage holes at the base, which can prevent root rot and mold growth. 

“In general, terracotta pots are always a fantastic option,” says expert Ashlie Thomas, owner and author behind The Mocha Gardener. “Not only are they affordable, but they’re excellent at wicking away excess moisture from the soil to prevent root rot,” she adds. Thomas says a plant’s roots “breathe the best” in a terracotta pot, adding that “root health is critical,” since that’s how plants get nutrients.

Not sure what size is best? Research your new plant, or ask a garden store employee when you buy your plant.

Stop right where you are and put down the kitchen shears. According to pros, you should never reach for an average pair of scissors when tending to your houseplants. “Pruning your plants is often essential for maintaining a healthy specimen and promoting new growth,” says expert Maria Failla, podcaster and author of Growing Joy. 

“That said, you never want to cut your plants with the same scissors you use for household chores, which can damage delicate stems or leaves and introduce bacteria,” Failila explains. 

Instead, opt for a sharp pair of pruning shears and clean them often (ideally, wipe with alcohol wipes after each use), especially when pruning different types of plants. Your plant will likely need a quick prune in the spring, though it may require more if it’s already overgrown. If you ever need to remove yellowing leaves or a wilting stem, you want to use pruning shears for that, too — no plucking them off with your bare hands, which can cause more damage. 

While giving your houseplant a hefty watering beneath the showerhead or kitchen faucet may seem like the easier option initially, it’s also a surefire way to create a mess — and possibly damage your plant. 

“A long-spout watering can allows for greater precision when watering and helps you avoid making a mess,” Thomas says. “I learned the hard way that drenching plants from above can sometimes lead to wet leaves, soggy soil (an unfavorable environment for many houseplants), and ultimately, unhappy roots.”

Tropical varietals — think monstera, coleus, and philodendron — make popular houseplants, but they’re not without their fair share of maintenance. While a burst of sunshine isn’t that difficult to come by, high humidity can be, especially if you live in a colder climate or are constantly blasting the air conditioner. 

The solution: Place your humidity-loving plant on a drip tray filled with pebbles and add a few inches of water to the base. As the water evaporates, it’ll add moisture to the air surrounding the plant, effectively acting as a personal humidifier for your steamy specimen. (Bonus: This trick may even help combat pests. “Insects like spider mites dislike humidity, so placing your plant on a tray of water with pebbles can create an environment they can’t stand,” Thomas explains.)

No matter how clean you think your home is, a leafy houseplant is sure to prove you wrong. They’re exceptional at collecting dust, which not only makes them look dingy and unkempt, but it can actually block the pores on their leaves, preventing them from properly absorbing sunlight and leading to stunted growth and a lackluster appearance. 

To combat the issue, stock your plant care kit with a fluffy makeup brush, like one you’d use for blush. You’ll be able to whisk dust from the leaves in a gentle yet effective way, without worrying about squishing or damaging smaller leaves. 

Maybe you’re a bit squeamish — or maybe you just don’t feel like getting dirty. Whatever the reason, a pair of gardening gloves is a welcome addition to any plant tool kit, especially if your green thumb carries over to the outdoors, too. Look for a style that’s thin and made from cotton; houseplants tend to be more delicate than outdoor shrubs and bushes, so you’ll want a pair of gloves that don’t add a lot of bulk and make it easy to gently handle plants. 

As you continue on your “plant person” journey, you’ll experience the rite of passage of making a big old mess. You fiddle ever so slightly with a feisty fern or go to replant a pot-bound begonia, only to suddenly end up with an avalanche of dirt all over your house. Gross, right? If going outdoors to tend to your greenies isn’t an easy option (I see you, apartment dwellers), then a repotting mat is super useful. 

Typically made of silicone, canvas, or leather, it’s essentially an easy-to-clean surface (with elevated edges) that you can pull out at will to keep your mess contained — and you won’t find rogue bits of soil on your desk or kitchen table.

Who would have thought we’d have you hitting up the beauty aisle of the drugstore not once but twice for your plant care kit? While it may seem like an offbeat suggestion, bobby pins are an essential part of any plant-loving household, especially if you tend to grow vining varietals, like pothos. The small metal accessories are the ideal way to secure the stems of trailing or vining plants, allowing you to connect the nodes of the vine (aka a point where new roots can develop) with the soil to encourage fuller, more stable growth. Just make sure you pry open the bobby pin, widening it to prevent pinching the plant stems.

Check out our Start Here Guide for growing houseplants that stay alive (and actually thrive!) to help you become the “plant person” you’ve always wanted to be. This content was presented by a sponsor; it was created independently by our editorial team.