HOUSEPLANTS DESERVE THE correct CARE
Houseplants are a stylish, useful addition to any home. They not only bring colour and vibrancy to the home, but can also have positive effects on our environment and ourselves.
Plants help us relax, improve our health, enhance our creativity and productivity, dampen noise and improve indoor air quality. Plenty of reasons, then, to take good care of your green friends! Keep your houseplants healthy and radiant with our instructions below.
HOW OFTEN AND HOW MUCH should you water houseplants?
Water is essential for houseplants. Too much or too little can lead to problems such as root rot or dehydration. Here are some basic tips for watering houseplants:
- Frequency: to see if a houseplant needs watering, check the moisture of the potting soil by sticking your finger 2 centimetres into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.
- Most houseplants need watering once a week.
- In the summer months, some houseplants may need to be watered twice a week, such as plants including strelitzia, calathea and banana plant.
- Some desert plants such as dracaena, cacti, succulents, zamioculcas and sansevieria only need watering once every few weeks.
- Amount of water: how much water a plant needs varies from species to species. However, there are some external factors to take into account:
- Plants need more water when humidity is lower, such as when an air conditioner or radiator is on.
- Plants need more water when it's warmer or when there is more light (usually in summer).
- Plants need more water in their growing season (spring/summer) than during dormancy (winter).
- Large plants usually need more water than small plants.
- Too much water is the number one cause of death among plants. It's better to water a little and often than too much at once.
- Not sure about how much water to give? Use a water meter. It will tell you exactly whether your green friend needs water or not.
- Timing and temperature: preferably, you should water plants in the morning, as this is when the potting soil is coolest and your plant is less 'startled' by cold water. Ideally, water plants with room temperature, i.e. water that is slightly warmer than drinking water.
- Drainage: always ensure good drainage. For example, put a layer of hydro grains on the bottom of the soil, or choose a pot with holes where excess water can drain out.
houseplant nutrition
During the growing season (spring and summer), many houseplants need nutrition in addition to water. Plant food contains minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium, which they need to stay healthy and grow well.
- Frequency: check the label of your plant food for the correct frequency of feeding. Depending on the type of nutrition, feed houseplants once a week or once a month.
- Period: for most houseplants, feeding is only necessary during the growing season (spring and summer), when the days are longer (March to September).
- Type of plant food: there are different types of plant food: liquid, sticks, universal or specific to a certain plant. Liquid plant food is the easiest option. You can mix liquid nutrition with the water in your watering can and give it while watering the plants. You can then also fine-tune how much nutrition you give per plant. Check the packaging of the plant food for the right ratio of water and nutrition.
- Quantity of plant food: a shortage of food can manifest itself in slow growth, discolouration or deformation. A plant can also become more susceptible to infections and bugs. Too much plant food can lead to root damage. Never give more than is indicated on the packaging and don't give an extra dose if you have forgotten it only once.
houseplant temperature
Many houseplants originally come from tropical or subtropical regions and therefore thrive best at pleasantly warm temperatures.
- Ideal temperature: the ideal temperature for houseplants is usually between 18°C and 25°C .
- Constant temperature: make sure indoor plants aren't exposed to draughts, large temperature fluctuations or cold. Preferably ensure a constant room temperature. This is a particular concern in winter.
how much light do houseplants need?
Light is essential for plants. Without light, there's no photosynthesis and without photosynthesis, there's no growth. Every plant has its own light requirements. Some plants thrive best in a spot a few metres from a window in the shade, while others like to be close to a south-facing window.
- Light requirements: place plants that need a lot of light close to a south-facing window. Shady plants thrive better in a spot with indirect light. We recommend researching how much light each specific plant needs. Some useful rules of thumb:
- Most plants do well in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight.
- Many plants cannot tolerate bright sunlight. Cacti and succulents are exceptions to this rule.
- The darker a plant's leaves, the less light it usually needs. The lighter the leaf, the more light the plant needs.
- Seasonal changes: you will need to move some plants depending on the season. These include plants that do fine close to a south-facing window in the colder months, but can't tolerate too much summer sun. Some houseplants need a place with more light during the shorter days of winter - consider moving them closer to a window if so.
- Rotate: rotate your houseplants regularly to ensure that all sides get enough light and that it grows evenly and straight.
REPOTTING HOUSEPLANTS
If you want your houseplants to stay as healthy and beautiful as possible, give them enough room for personal growth. You do this by repotting your plant to a larger pot every so often, and by changing the potting soil.
- Frequency: depending on the plant's growth rate, you can repot a houseplant to a larger pot every 1-2 years.
- Pot size: choose a pot that's a size (about 20 per cent) bigger than its current pot. Too big a pot can lead to water accumulation and root rot and also looks less attractive - you don't want your plants to look scrawny, after all.
- Potting soil: use potting soil that's suitable for the type of plant you're potting. Cacti and succulents need well-drained potting soil, while tropical plants such as Strelitzia prefer richer soil.
DUSTING HOUSEPLANTS
Dusting houseplants may sounds like a spa-like indulgence, but it's no luxury. Dust can accumulate on leaves, which can hinder photosynthesis and thus the growth of the houseplant.
- Frequency: by dusting your plants regularly, around once a month, you promote healthy growth and potentially increase the likelihood of them flowering.
- Method: use a damp, soft cloth to wipe the leaves. Support a leaf with your free hand so that you can brush as gently as possible.
USEFUL TIPS FOR HOUSEPLANT CARE
- Is your houseplant getting too big, or do you want to propagate it? Try taking cuttings from your houseplant. There are different ways to take cuttings and the most suitable depends on the type of plant. Read all about taking cuttings here!
- Check your houseplants regularly for diseases and pests. A healthy houseplant grows well, loses few leaves and stays bright and brilliant colour. A plant that needs help can be recognised by yellow leaves, brown edges, fallen leaves, webs and/or flies. Do you spot a disease or pest taking root? We suggest taking appropriate action as soon as possible.
- Pay attention to the humidity in your home. This can change when you turn on the heating or air conditioning. Does your plant need more humidity? If so, use a humidifier, place a bowl of water near your plant or move your plant to another room that's more humid, such as the bathroom.
- Do you notice that you get too little daylight in your home in winter, or that you have areas without much natural light that would benefit from a plant or two? Use a grow lamp. An LED grow lamp doesn't use much energy but is great for promoting plant growth.
houseplant styling and display ideas
Now that you know all how to care for your houseplants, it's time for styling ideas! Why not get inspired to create a green seating or dining area? Or go big with an XL houseplant that will bring true character to any space.
