Houseplants made simple
Houseplants are a stylish way to bring a sense of calm into your home - but as with all living things, sometimes they need a bit of TLC of their own. Knowing what to look out for can help keep your houseplants healthy and happy for years to come
Our handy guide answers some of your most common houseplant questions, from diagnosing discoloured leaves to how often you should water!
Help! Why do my plants leaves look like that?
Leaves can be a clear indicator of plant health – so it can be a worrying time when they start changing colours or even drop off completely
Leaves can turn unusual colours for several reasons, from the normal aging of your plant to overwatering, a cold draft or a lack of light – for example, if your variegated houseplant is starting to lose its beautiful markings, it may need to be moved to a sunnier spot. Going through and checking each of these aspects can help you to narrow down what the problem is
You may also notice your houseplants' leaves starting to curl or dry out – this can be a sign that your houseplant is not receiving enough water, and your plant is trying to prevent further water loss. If your plant feels well-watered, check its position in your home - direct sunlight can be too intense for some houseplants, causing burn marks or crispiness on their leaves
In some cases, leaves may start falling off your plant altogether - leaving an exposed stem. One of the most common causes of this is shock, brought on by changes in temperature, humidity, light levels, or watering habits. In other words, recently bought plants need time to adjust to their new surroundings once you bring them home
How do I water different types of houseplants?
When deciding how to water your plants, it is often worth considering where your houseplant has come from. Houseplants from distinct parts of the world will have different requirements when it comes to keeping them hydrated
Tropical varieties such as bromeliads or palms may prefer to be misted or lightly sprayed with water – this allows you to keep humidity levels high and stop them from drying out. Others, such as air plants, benefit from being submerged in water
Some houseplants, such as orchids, absorb water through their leaves and roots, they should never be left sitting in water as this causes root rot. Ideally water, leave to drain then put back into decorative pot
How often should I water my houseplants?
Houseplants need to be watered every 1-3 weeks. However, it's best to remember that depending on the species, your houseplants will need to be watered at different rates, in different ways and at different times! Rather than watering all your plants on a set schedule, check each plant and water as and when they need it
The easiest way to tell if your plant needs to be watered is by feeling the soil in its pot – if the compost feels dry, it might be time to give your plant a drink. You can also test this by feeling the weight of your plant – if it is lighter than expected, this might be a sign the soil is dried out
Bear in mind however that it is possible to overwater your houseplants – wilted, yellow leaves, pests in the soil or soft brown shoots can all be signs of too much moisture. If you spot any of these symptoms, hold off from watering your plant again until your soil is dry to the touch
It is also important to make sure you are using room temperature water with your plants - cold water can shock the plant, leading to other problems such as discoloured leaves and even leaf-loss
When do I need to repot my houseplant?
As a rule of thumb, it is important to make sure you only repot your houseplant when needed. Repotting can put unnecessary stress on your plant leading to issues such as leaf loss, browning, wilting, or drooping – so knowing when to repot is as important as knowing how to repot!
The easiest way to tell if your houseplant needs more room to grow is simply by how it looks in its current pot. If your houseplant is spilling out over the edges of its container, looks top-heavy or new leaves are small and deformed, it is time to give it some more room to grow
Another clear sign that your plant is ready to be repotted is if drainage holes have been blocked. As your plant grows, its roots need somewhere to spread - leading to them extending out of drainage holes, blocking them, and causing your plant to soak in water. In extreme cases, this can lead to root rot or your plant not receiving enough oxygen
If your plant does need to be repotted, the best time to do so is between March to Sept, however in our artificially heated and lit homes, houseplants can really be potted at any time just be mindful of nighttime temperatures as this can bring on repotting shock when done in the colder months