Water
You probably already know that your plant needs water. In order to find out how much, it is important to observe the plant. You should water your plant when the soil is dry. Feel it with your finger: does it need watering yet? It is best to pour the water directly onto the soil. If your plant has a sunny or a draughty position or stands next to a radiator, you should give it some more water. But be careful: your plant can't cope with too much water. Its roots will start to rot and it will die.
Soil
Your plant gets its food from the soil in which it is planted. You should make sure that you change the soil each year or every two years to give it fresh nutrients. You can use deluxe mixed compost, but a bag of multipurpose potting soil will be just as good. You should also check if the roots still have enough space in the pot. It may be time for a new home.
Fertiliser
Is your green friend growing or flowering or recovering from a move or a cold? Give it some extra feed in the form of liquid fertiliser. Add a couple of drops to your watering can, and your plant will shine like never before. You should especially do this between March and September and follow the recommended dosage. Success guaranteed.
Light
A plant cannot live without light. It's that simple. That doesn't necessarily mean that your plant will enjoy lengthy spells of sunshine. Succulents can copewith that, but flowering plants and specimens with thin leaves will not. They should therefore be positioned further away from the window. Do keep an eye on your plant: if it starts to look unhealthy, you should try a different position.
Humidity
Most plants don't like dry air, apart from the odd cactus or succulent. Air-conditioning and heating cause plant problems such as dried buds, excessive thirst, downward curling leaves or brown spots on the leaves. In the winter you can solve this by placing bowls of water on the radiators. Another good tip is to place your plant on a dish with gravel, and pour some water over it. This will create a microclimate that your plant will love.
Love
Your plant will thrive on love. Give it some treats as listed above but pamper it as well sometimes. Put on some calming music, compliment your plant on its beautiful veins or reward your green companion with a fresh view or a cheerful conversation. Your plant will flourish.
