Tips for keeping houseplants

Although it has been said that houseplants can help to reduce stress and improve your mood, this will not be the case if you are spending all your time struggling with brown leaves and soggy roots. We have put together our top tips for keeping houseplants… alive!

Watering your houseplant

Although it can be easier to set yourself reminders to water your potted friends, this runs the risk of overwatering - the biggest killer of houseplants.  The golden rule is to make sure the top of the soil is dry before adding any more water.

If you are super busy, treat your plants to a water dispenser that will gradually release water into the soil on it’s own, as and when is necessary.

Pruning

Most houseplants will benefit from some form of pruning.  It is a great way to correct any structural problems and encourage new growth while also removing any dead or diseased leaves.

You can lightly prune houseplants at any time of the year. If you are doing a more substantial snipping, it is best to do this during spring or early summer when the days are longer.

Generally, the hardier the species, the more you can cut without sending it into shock. 

Start by removing any leaves or branches with significant spotting, dryness or discolouration to free up your houseplant’s energy.  If you're removing healthy growth, you may want to look into propagation!

Feeding your houseplant

Feeding your houseplant every other watering during the growth period (spring / summer) is an easy way of creating a memorable routine.  This is probably around every 10 to 14 days.

This can be reduced in autumn and winter to around every fourth watering. 

Make sure to check the specific requirements for your species.

Repotting

The best way to check if your houseplant needs repotting is by looking at the roots.  If they are circling around the inside of the pot, it may be time for a larger one.  If you are unsure of how big your next pot should be, the golden rule is to increase the diameter by 2 inches each time you repot.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a pot is drainage. Make sure you get a pot with a drainage hole to help prevent overwatering. Your houseplant’s roots should be white to cream-coloured; if they're brown or black they most likely have root rot. Root rot is when your plant has been sat in water for too long and fungus takes hold; this damage cannot be reversed.

Extra tip: If you are worried about overwatering, we would recommend picking a terracotta pot as they are great for extracting extra moisture in the soil and therefore keeping it off your plant’s roots.

Dusting

Make sure to include your plants in your cleaning routine. Simply use a soft duster or micro-fibre cloth to wipe the leaves.  If the leaves have dust build-up,  it's best to use a damp cloth or spray bottle mist.

Not only does this make your plants look so much healthier, it will also make your houseplant super happy.  Dust build-up on the leaves prevents your plant from soaking up enough light to photosynthesise and also encourages pests.

Controlling pests

If you notice pests, isolate your houseplant from any other plants.  The best, and simplest, way to treat pests is to spray the plant with a diluted mix of water and washing up liquid. It may take a couple of treatments so wait a couple of weeks to see if it has worked. If you are still struggling with pests, get in contact with us and we will be able to suggest the best options for your plant.

Gnats are a sign that you are overwatering so monitoring your watering schedule is a great preventative measure to keep these annoying pests at bay.

Direct vs. indirect light

If your plant is looking "leggy" or stretched out, this may be a sign that it isn't getting enough light.

The amount of light needed depends on the type of plant. For example, cactuses will appreciate direct sunlight where as a snake plant can survive on much less.  If you do decide that your plant needs more light, make sure to do this gradually.  Drastically changing environments can shock your houseplant and damage it beyond repair.

Generally speaking, most houseplants do well in bright conditions with indirect sunlight (when the sun is diffused by curtains or clouds etc).

The green thumb

Don't let this old fable of the gift of a “green thumb” discourage you from keeping houseplants.  Plant care is a skill that anyone can learn... make mistakes, learn from them and enjoy yourself! 

If you do need help, don't forget to ask for advice when you need to. The team at Wellington Home and Gardens are always happy to help.