Getting Started with Happy Roots

A vibrant pothos plant with variegated leaves growing in a blue Happy Roots pot, placed on a tiled windowsill in a bathroom.

Choose the Right Location

In general, houseplants prefer to be within 4 feet of a window.

The spot should be free from drafts caused by AC units or radiators.

Most houseplants prefer room temperature conditions and 40-60% humidity.

A green Happy Roots plant pot with a healthy plant placed on a wooden table, set against a blurred outdoor background.

Measure your Light Levels

Light requirements for houseplants are measured in intensity (lux) and duration. Most plants need 12-14 hours of light daily. Houseplants light needs fall into three categories:

Direct Sunlight
Bright, Indirect Sunlight
Low Light

Hands demonstrating the use of Happy Roots flexible liners, placing plants into a blue ceramic pot on a wooden table.

Select the Right Plant

Choose a plant that matches your light and environment conditions. Keep in mind that many common houseplants are toxic if ingested.

Select a plant in approximately a 4-inch nursery pot, allowing space for root growth.

Hands carefully placing a vibrant Fittonia plant with red-veined leaves into a black Happy Roots flexible liner, surrounded by soil and a small gardening tool on a weathered wooden table, with a purple ceramic Happy Roots pot nearby.

Get Potted

Add a thin layer of soil to the bottom of the liner. Center the plant and fill any gaps with soil, firmly pressing it to secure the plant.

After potting, water the plants thoroughly to settle the soil and quench the roots. Add additional soil when soil level drops or seasonally.

Selecting the Right Soil

How to Top Water

Top water by lifting the liner from the pot and gently rinsing the soil.

Alternatively, water the soil in the pot and then remove any excess water from the bottom.

Water again when the liner feels light or the top 2 inches of soil are dry, usually once a week.

Ways to Water

White Happy Root's plant pot with variegated ming aralia being watering with a black metal watering can on a white coffee table.

How to Bottom Water

Bottom water by pouring water into the side funnel of the liner. The soil will wick up the water using capillary action. If any water remains after 1 hour, remove the excess and adjust the amount next time.

Water again when the liner feels light or the top 2 inches of soil are dry, usually once a week.

A hand holds a Happy Roots plant pot liner under the running sink in a kitchen. Water runs through the soil and drips through the drainage holes and aeration slots.

Release and Reuse

It's time to repot when roots begin growing through the slots on the side of the liner. Gently flex the liner to release the roots and free your plant.

When repotting, choose a new pot 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Remove any excess soil, then wash the liner with mild soap and water to prepare it for the next plant.