8 Oct 2025
Do you know which articles are the best to write? The ones you genuinely feel inspired by. With this one, I have plenty to say — and here is why.
When we first moved to Dubai, we spent an absurd amount of money on gorgeous, lush indoor plants… which all, inevitably, died. We kept buying them, and one by one, and they all ended up in the bin. We tried different varieties, different corners of the flat, and different care routines — but nothing seemed to work. Then, by sheer luck (or perhaps the law of probability), we finally stumbled upon the ones that survived. The kind you only remember to water once a month — if that — and somehow, they just keep going, happily thriving on neglect.
So this piece is about exactly that: how to pick plants that won’t give you a headache, the red flags that should make you leave them on the shop shelf, and how to keep alive the brave few already sharing your home.
Red flags when buying plants
Plants are a bit like men — when you are looking for a good one, the trick is to spot (and avoid) the red flags early on, before they bring nothing but disappointment and frustration. So, what are the plant world’s definite "no’s"?
- Yellowing or drooping leaves.
- Brown, crispy edges.
- Spots, holes, or sticky residue.
- Foul smell or soggy soil.
- Painted or glued decorations.
Bonus note: plants that are tricky for beginners
These aren’t exactly red flags — seasoned plant lovers manage them just fine — but if you are just starting your plant journey, consider this a fair warning. They can be real divas (spoken from experience!).
- Calathea and Maranta
- Flowering plants
- Ferns
- Succulents
Photos: feey; Andy Quezada; Hans
Common tips: how to take care of your plants
Though each plant has its own routine, there are a few golden rules — little mantras that work for all of them.
- Overwatering is the biggest killer.
- Drainage matters.
- Choose your soil wisely.
- Don’t forget humidity and temperature.
- Over or underfertilising can be harmful.
Where to buy plants in Dubai
Dubai is a city where you will spot plants on almost every corner — whether you are filling up your car or sipping coffee in a café. But not all options are equally reliable. Here are a few places you can trust:
Which plant to choose (small care, much love)
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