Looking After Your Houseplants
This article was recently featured in the August edition of Sherborne Times
We hear a lot of houseplant dilemmas from our customers. These range from yellowing and dropping leaves to unwelcome pests such as fungus gnats. It probably comes as no surprise to hear that overwatering is the most common problem that kills plants. We have all been guilty of killing a plant with kindness. If the soil looks a bit dry, the natural reaction is to give the houseplant a glug of water too regularly and perhaps not let it drain fully.
There are a few things to consider when looking after houseplants, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on how to look after your chosen plant. Focus on providing the right amount of light and water, using a well-draining potting mix and maintaining a healthy environment. Regularly check soil moisture, rotate plants for even growth and remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Let’s go into a bit more detail. We’ve also suggested a few virtually foolproof plants anyone can grow at home.
Light
Unlike most succulents, which love being bathed in sun, most houseplants struggle with direct sunlight. However, leaves also need light to photosynthesise to grow healthily. A favourite of ours and one of the best houseplants that thrives in low light levels is the ZZ plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia. It thrives in low light levels, so it’s perfect if you have a room with a shaded area. Cheese Plant/Monstera is a popular plant that needs a lot of bright, indirect light and thrives in high humidity levels. Try misting as often as you can and use, once a month, an organic feed (i.e. a teaspoon of seaweed feed per 1 litre of water).
Soil
It’s a good idea to check the soil your houseplants are in. Plants, especially from spring to summer, can quickly outgrow their pots and become root-bound. If you notice yellowing leaves, it might be a sign they’re not getting enough nutrients and need repotting. When you do repot, use a free-draining soil mix – houseplant soil blended with vermiculite is ideal. You can also try adding coir peat-free compost; we recommend ‘For Peat’s Sake!’ When repotting, choose a pot one size larger.
Water
Bottom watering, in other words, from the base of the plant, encourages better root growth and is a great way to deter pests. Watering from the bottom prevents the roots from circling the top and potentially choking the plant. This method also helps avoid attracting fungus gnats because it keeps the top layer of soil dry, which is where these pests live and lay their eggs. We like to gather our houseplants (in their inner pots) and place them in a sink or bath (plug in) with a few inches of water for about half an hour. After they’ve soaked, let them drain thoroughly before returning them to their decorative outer pots. Most plants don’t like their roots sitting in water for too long; this is a common cause of root rot. Also, be mindful of lower leaves touching the topsoil, as prolonged moisture contact can lead to rotting. Adding a layer of grit or decorative shell to the top of the soil can deter pests and give your plant a polished look. It also helps prevent wet soil from splashing onto leaves, which can be unsightly and contribute to rot. The peace lily is a beautiful and low-maintenance plant. It’s a very easy plant to look after – when the leaves droop then you know it needs water.
Pruning
Many people are nervous about cutting the stems, but regular pruning of houseplants encourages stronger and bushier growth, resulting in the production of new stems. The succulent, Crassula ovata, commonly known as jade plant or money tree, is easy to propagate. Snip a young, healthy stem or a large leaf and leave it for a week to seal over, then place it in a gritty soil mix. You should see new growth in a few weeks.
Leaf Care
Leaves will naturally search for light for photosynthesis. You may notice that leaves will grow towards the window, so it’s a good idea to rotate houseplants on a regular basis to ensure they have even growth. Cleaning and misting leaves keep them free from dust and dirt so they can photosynthesise well. Removing dead leaves, especially around the soil, really helps avoid decay, which attracts those pesky fungus gnats. During the summer period when the room temperature rises, it’s important to allow good air circulation. Not only does this help with healthy plant growth, but it can also prevent pests and disease. Keeping windows open or putting on a fan will allow the air to move freely.
These are just a few tips on how best to look after your plants. Like gardening, growing houseplants is about trial and error, seeing what works and what doesn’t. Don’t be put off if you get a plant casualty. If you’re a complete novice, try a potted herb, like basil, which is super easy to divide up. There are so many benefits to keeping houseplants. Having indoor plants can purify the air, boost attention span and even improve sleep. Being amongst nature and nurturing healthy green plants can be so good for your overall wellbeing, reducing stress and lifting your mood.
Thanks for reading!
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