Generic Houseplant Advice

Commonsense will help you get the best out of your houseplants. Compost for bought plants will have enough feed for the short term but careful watering will be needed. Go with the seasons do not fight nature just because your plant is indoors.

Position Flowering plants need good light. Place near a window but avoid harsh sunlight. Foliagae plants like good natural light but avoid direct sunlight. Protect all indoor plants from sudden cold and draughts.

Temperature Ideally keep plants at the temperature recommended on any plant label. An average warm temperature of 15-29 degrees centigrade is a default temperature. If plants droop it may be too warm and or dry. Move to a cooler place.

Watering Do not stand pots in puddles of water for long periods. Water from the bottom with room temperature water. Keep compost moist but not sopping wet. Do not allow compost to dry out completely or it will be very hard to re-wet. More plants drown than are killed by lack of water.

Plant Selection

Grow the types of plants normally grown indoors. If they work for others they should grow for you. Foliage plants are a good place to start as I think they stand up to a bit of rough treatment eg late or infrequent watering. Bulbs are popular indoors but do not last as long as they might outside. Exotic plants bought from a nursery should be cosseted. Ask the grower for tips as they should have knowledge to share.

Other Advice Removing faded flowers may encourage new blooms. Occasional feeding can prolong plant life. Plants that like a humid atmosphere will benefit from being sprayed and stood on grit or granules. Get more advice about your specific type of plant by searching the box above.