Start with where you are, not where you want to be
The most common mistake when choosing a course is selecting based on aspiration rather than current knowledge. If you are drawn to the Monstera and Aroid Deep Dive but you have never successfully kept a tropical plant alive through a Canadian winter, the Tropical Houseplant Foundations course will serve you better first. Foundational knowledge makes specialist knowledge stick. Read the full outline of any course you are considering and be honest about how much of it you already understand. If most of the topics are familiar, you are ready to go deeper. If several are new to you, start there.
Match the course to your current plant collection
The most immediately useful course is the one that addresses the plants already on your windowsill. If you have several aroids — Monsteras, Philodendrons, Pothos — the Monstera and Aroid Deep Dive will give you specific, applicable guidance. If you are heading into your first Canadian winter with a collection of tropical plants, the Winter Plant Survival Program is the most urgent investment. If you have a healthy collection but your space feels cluttered or unintentional, the Indoor Garden Design and Layout course addresses exactly that. Think about which plant problem or question is most present in your life right now, and choose the course that answers it.
Consider whether you want self-paced learning, live guidance, or both
Self-paced courses are ideal if you prefer to learn on your own schedule, revisit lessons multiple times, and apply techniques gradually. The Live Q&A subscription is better suited to students who have specific, ongoing plant problems they want to discuss with an instructor in real time, or who find that accountability and community keep them engaged. Many students start with a self-paced course and add the Live Q&A subscription once they have a feel for the platform. The bundle options that include both are designed for students who know from the start that they want the full experience.
Use the free sample lesson before committing
Every Monstera Guru course includes a free sample lesson on the course page. Watch it before enrolling. The sample gives you a genuine sense of the teaching style, the video quality, and the pace of the content. If the instructor's approach resonates with you — unhurried, filmed in a real home, practical rather than theoretical — you will know the full course is worth your time. If something about the style does not suit you, it is better to know before enrolling.
When in doubt, start with a bundle
If you are genuinely unsure where to begin, the Green Thumb Starter bundle is designed for exactly this situation. It combines the two courses that are most universally useful for Canadian plant parents — Tropical Houseplant Foundations and the Winter Plant Survival Program — at a price that is lower than enrolling in each separately. From there, you will have a much clearer sense of which specialist courses to explore next. The Plant Enthusiast Bundle is the natural next step for students who want to go further.
- Be honest about your current experience level before choosing a course
- Choose the course that addresses the plants and problems already in your home
- Decide whether self-paced, live, or a combination of both suits your learning style
- Watch the free sample lesson on the course page before enrolling
- If you are unsure, the Green Thumb Starter bundle is a reliable starting point
The right course is the one that meets you where you are and answers the plant question most present in your life right now. Start with your current collection, check the free sample lesson, and do not be afraid to reach out to the Monstera Guru team if you want a personal recommendation. We have been helping plant lovers find their footing for a long time — it is one of the things we do best.
Frequently asked questions
Can I contact Monstera Guru for a personal recommendation before enrolling?
Yes. Use the contact form on this site and a member of our team will reply with a personal recommendation based on your current collection and learning goals.
What if I enrol in a course and find I already know most of the content?
Please reach out to our team. We are a family-run platform and we will do our best to help you find the right course for your level. For enrolment terms, please refer to the Sales Terms on this site.
Is there a course specifically for children, or do they join the regular courses?
Yes — the Kids and Family Plant Care Course is designed specifically for families with children aged 6 to 14. It is a separate course with shorter lessons, printable activity sheets, and a completion certificate for children. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to follow along.
