Gardeners’ World host Adam Frost and Clare Preston-Pollitt from the Royal Horticultural Society share simple tips to help your houseplants flourish.
1. Pick the Right Plant for the Right Spot
Many people choose plants based on appearance rather than their home’s conditions. Clare Preston-Pollitt explains, “Lots of people buy plants they like the look of, take them home, and then watch them slowly decline over a few months.”
The key to success is matching plants with the right environment. For example:
- Monstera loves bright living rooms with lots of light
- Peace lily thrives in warm, humid kitchens
- Devil’s ivy handles moisture well, making it perfect for bathrooms
- False castor oil plant does well in shaded hallways or rooms
Don’t hesitate to move a plant to a different room if it isn’t doing well.
2. Avoid Overwatering
Overwatering is a common mistake. Each plant has different needs:
- Peace lilies and spider plants: Brown leaves often signal too much or too little water. Check the soil before watering.
- Cacti and succulents: These plants need very little water. A light mist is usually enough to keep them healthy.
Tools like water mats or watering globes can help regulate moisture.
Some plants are nearly impossible to kill. Cast iron plants, Hoya carnosa, and snake plants are drought-tolerant and can survive in lower light, making them perfect for beginners.
3. Adjust Watering by Season
During spring and summer, plants like monstera need water two or three times a week and benefit from added plant food.
In autumn and winter, most foliage plants enter a semi-dormant state. This means they need less water and no extra fertilizer. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering.
Repotting is also essential for plant health. Spring is the best time to repot, when plants are actively growing. Signs that a plant needs repotting include:
- Roots growing out of pot holes
- Soil drying immediately after watering
- Roots tightly bound at the bottom or sides of the pot
4. Caring for Christmas Poinsettias
Many people first try indoor plants with a festive poinsettia. By January, the leaves often start to wilt. To help them thrive:
- Keep them in a warm spot away from drafts
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Water only when the soil is dry, and use a mist or place the pot in water briefly
- Feed them monthly with plant food
For long-term care:
- Trim branches in April
- Repot in May
- From September, give them at least 12 hours of darkness daily to help the bracts turn red for the next holiday season
