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If you’re struggling to keep your houseplants alive, these expert tips are for you
Plants not only make your home look nice, but improve your mood, increase creativity, reduce stress, and reduce air pollutants – but they are a chore to maintain.
Keeping your houseplants alive often feels like an impossible task – but it doesn’t have to be. If your greenery keeps dying on you, these tips will come in handy.
How to keep your houseplants alive
Gardening expert Fiona Jenkins has revealed six handy tips that will stop your plants from dying.
1. Right amount of light
One of the most common mistakes is not having the right lighting, Jenkins explains. Many houseplants want bright, indirect sunlight so you need to avoid placing them in full sunlight as this can scorch the leaves.
If your home doesn’t have enough light, that can be a big issue too. So, it’s important to do your research into the exact plant type to find out exactly how much sunlight it needs, to give it the best chances of survival.
2. Don’t overwater or underwater
Most of the time, houseplants die because they’re either getting too much water, or not enough. Overwatering leads to root rot, killing your plant, and underwatering leaves it parched, which will kill it too.
The gardening expert recommends watering plants deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid letting your plant sit in water, and make sure you have drainage holes in the bottom of the pot to allow excess water to escape.
3. Get the right pot
When choosing what pot to put your plant in, don’t just choose one that looks pretty. The pot plays a crucial role in the health of the plant. Make sure it has drainage holes and is the right size for the plant, slightly larger than the root ball.
You need to consider the material too. Terracotta pots breathe more than glazed ceramic, allowing the soil to dry faster. Plastic pots retain moisture well, so you will need to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
4. Consider the location
Light isn’t the only thing you need to consider when choosing a location for your plant. You should avoid placing your houseplants close to draughts, radiators, or air conditioners as sudden temperature changes can stress them out.
Also, make sure you keep your houseplants away from fruit bowls as ripening fruits emit a gas called ethylene, which can shorten the lifespan of some flowers.
5. Make sure you feed them
As well as watering, it’s important to feed your houseplants with a balanced fertiliser too. They don’t need to be fed all the time, but it can give them a boost during the growing season.
Be sure to read the fertiliser instructions carefully and dilute it if necessary so it’s not too strong. Don’t over-fertilise either, as that can damage the roots and burn the leaves.
6. Keep Your Houseplants Clean
Most people don’t realise you need to clean your houseplants too. Make sure to gently wipe-down with a damp cloth regularly to remove dust from their leaves.
This allows them to photosynthesise more efficiently, helping with growth, and can help prevent pest infestations.
Jenkins says some of the easiest houseplants to keep alive include Snake Plants, Devil’s Envy, Silver Vine, Aloe Vera and Corn Plants.
Fiona Jenkins is a landscaper based in the UK who has more than 25 years of experience. She currently works as a gardening expert for�the trade-matching site�MyJobQuote, offering her expert advice to tradespeople and homeowners.
