The IN CROWD
Houseplants fend for themselves for much of the year – now it’s their turn to become part of...
UNLESS you are a selfproclaimed ‘houseplant parent’ who dotes on their potted companions, the chances are your indoor charges are left to fend for themselves for much of the year. It’s not a surprise that many are overlooked, really, compared to how much time we spend nurturing our outdoor spaces.
As a result of their shabby treatment, all but the most indestructible species will be looking worse for wear at this time of year.
In my case, there’s an alocasia infested with red spider mites and a Swiss cheese plant suffering from lack of light. On top of that, others are dropping leaves because they are thirsty.
Well, there’s no longer any excuse for being tardy. Shorter days, adverse weather and the fact that our gardens are dormant mean we’re all going to be spending more time indoors. Give houseplants some close attention and ailing ones will recover, and any newcomers will get off to a good start.
THE wellbeing of houseplants is influenced largely by the amount of light they receive. For example, those that like bright conditions will suffer in a gloomy spot, as growth slows down and stems become leggy, with fewer and smaller leaves. Plants that prefer low light levels are likely to wilt on a south-facing windowsill.
You can avoid problems by making sure plants are given a position that suits their needs – meaning that as light levels change, it’s best to move them from increasingly shady spots towards the light.
If it’s not possible to move plants or if the room doesn’t have an adequate source of natural light, a clever way to boost light levels is to use LED grow lights. They help to promote photosynthesis, and, handily, many come with a timer.
Few plants like rooms that are unheated during winter or that are so hot that you could comfortably spend Christmas Day in your swimming costume. Most are happy in rooms heated to about 21C during the day with night temperatures of around 15C – anything below this and many houseplants will suffer.
As a rule, avoid placing plants on windowsills above radiators or too close to a source of heat, such as an open fire – the heat will dry out compost, resulting in flowers fading, stems drooping and leaves shrivelling. Similarly, don’t place plants next to a draughty window as the cold air will scorch the foliage.
Poor watering is probably the number one killer of houseplants over winter. Generally, water less frequently than you would at other times to avoid the roots of dormant plants rotting in soggy compost. Wait until the compost is almost dry before giving more, and pour away any excess that collects in plant saucers.
Ideally, water in the morning to allow splashes on leaves an opportunity to dry before cooler night temperatures increase the risk of fungal diseases.
Most things can be watered from above, but African violets, cyclamen and prayer plants are best placed in a tray of water, allowing them to soak up liquid from below.
Many houseplants originate from parts of the world with humid conditions. Unfortunately, the air in our homes is dry due to central heating, leading to stems wilting and leaves turning crispy.
So raise the humidity around vulnerable species by spritzing every couple of days with a hand-held sprayer filled with water.
In terms of general upkeep, snip off any dying bits and occasionally wipe glossy leaves to remove dust.
Keep a close eye out for the appearance of pests and diseases, and react immediately: apart from saving the plant in question, a fast response will prevent problems from spreading to other healthy plants.