Go potty
Finding a suitable sized pot for your plants is key. Plants need room for their roots to grow. When the pot is too small, this restricts the roots from developing properly and taking up water. Over time, this can damage the health of the plant - preventing growth. With higher temperatures and increased light in summer, your plants will want to spread their roots and grow. Be ready to repot when your plant has become root-bound or overcrowded in its current container. Freshen up your plants using soil from the old pot mixed with new soil. Water the plant thoroughly a day or two before you want to repot. Don’t forget – every plant will need ample drainage to prevent rotting, so select containers with holes in the bottom and sit them on a tray to catch any overspill. Rotate your plants between bright spots of your home with indirect light and consider each type of plant.
Hanging your plants
There are lots of great planters of all sizes and styles available to suit any house or flat. Get creative and suspend your plants in pots of varying sizes at different heights for a tiered look. The easiest method is to use a macramé planter and hang it from the ceiling with a toggle hook. In a compact home with a small layout, hanging plants from a ceiling, or displaying pots on shelves is easy, safe and keeps them out of the way of pets and children. They also save on taking up floor space and are great for filling empty spaces.
Watering
Overwatering is a common mistake and the number one reason people think they can’t look after houseplants. Get to know your plants and remember to check them regularly. Soil is a good indicator to understanding when your plant needs watering. Stick your finger into the soil to see how dry it is. For most plants, you should water when the surface is dry. For succulents and cacti, water when the soil is dry all the way through. Always read the advice label that comes with plants – whether you buy from the garden centre or online. The label will tell you if your plant prefers a light area or a shady spot and might even provide tips on when to water it. Most house plants require around 60% humidity. Tropical ferns for example need up to about 90% humidity and do well in a kitchen or bathroom. Succulents like cacti thrive in direct sunlight, so try them out on a windowsill.
Where to buy
Buying from your nearest garden centre is a great way to support local growers and businesses. You’ll not only get to see and feel the shapes of leaves, but you can learn about which plants will work well for your home and talk to experts about how best to look after your purchases. If you can’t get to a garden centre or nursery, try one of these top-rated online sites.
Patch Plants is the number one supplier of indoor plants in the UK. You can sign up for their newsletter for offers and easy-to-follow plant care advice. They’ll show you which plants work for your space and give you tips on how to look after them.
Bloom Box Club delivers to your door and has a great range of plants, pots and accessories for the home. You can also join their plant subscription service.