These houseplants are easier to care for than they look

Many houseplants die "because we love them too much" — we overwater, or put them in the wrong spot. The key, according to experts quoted by The Independent, is to understand where the plant comes from and how it adapts to its natural environment.

The Kentia palm, the perfect example

A star of the list, the Kentia palm (also called Howea) was introduced to the UK by the Victorians, discovered on a tiny South Pacific island — the only place it grows wild. Its strap-like leaves and tolerance for indoor light make it one of the easiest palms to keep in an apartment.

Your home is a micro-climate

Rather than blindly following the "water once a week" label, treat every home as its own micro-climate: where you place the plant heavily affects how much water it needs, as does its native habitat.

Before watering, research the plant's natural environment: a tropical understory species wants soft light and steady humidity, while a dry-climate plant will tolerate missed waterings far better.

Sources: The Independent — Five houseplants that are easier to care for than they look