Posted on July 19 2019
House plants have made a massive resurgence recently and it’s no wonder as so many people are either renting homes or living in urban areas with little outdoor space which means that bringing the outdoors inside makes perfect sense!
If you're new to the wonderful world of indoor plants, we've put together some tips and tricks to help you select and care for your new plant babies!
- As a newbie to the plant world, it’s best to choose a variety which isn’t too temperamental to ensure you have as much success as possible in keeping it alive and thriving. Some options of easy-care plants are Sanseveria (Snake Plant), Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily), Zanzibar Gem, Peperomia varieties and Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant) to name a few.
- When purchasing any house plant, it’s important to bear in mind where in your home the plant will reside, this is so that you can ensure light levels and other conditions are appropriate for your plant of choice. For example, any plant which is from the succulent or cacti family should be placed in a well lit position of the home which receives a lot of bright, indirect sunlight.
- Foliage plants should be full with lush leaves and have good vibrant colour. The stems should be firm and you want leaves that are turgid, not limp. It’s also important to check for new growth as this indicates a healthy plant.
- If you’re looking for a flowering plant, it’s best to select one that’s flowers aren’t in full bloom yet as even though they look wonderful, the flowers will soon fade. It’s good to choose one which has as many unopened buds as possible.
- It’s a good idea to check over the plant for any pests/diseases such as mealy bug or spider mite, these are generally found where the leaves join the stem of the plant. Keep an eye out for any white dots or sticky residue.
- Watering your plant is a matter of testing the soil. Some plants prefer that the soil dries out completely before watering again while others thrive when their soil is kept moist at all times, some varieties are very hardy and drought-resistant and only need watering on a monthly basis. Research your specific plants watering needs in order to keep hydration at an ideal level.
- Ensure the plants grow pot has drainage holes in it so that it doesn’t sit in water which can in some cases, cause root rot.
- If your plant has outgrown its pot, its best to replant into a larger planter in the Spring/Summer months.
The most common reasons that indoor plants don’t thrive is generally due to three factors; overwatering or underwatering, light levels (either not enough light or too much light) and neglect. Show your plants some love and they will love you back!