THEM indoors

Most plants are quite happy indoors, provided you can give them the right conditions (although, there are a few that will tolerate dimly lit rooms and barely any water — here’s looking at you ZZ plant and sansevieria). Visit your local nursery for a range of indoor plants.

As a general rule of thumb, position plants in a well-lit spot, out of direct sunlight, like behind a window with a sheer curtain.

Constant direct light, especially from the hot afternoon sun will cause your plants to wilt and suffer.

In saying that, each plant will have different light requirements, with a few being able to tolerate low-light rooms, so check the plant label for specifications. consider grouping plants close together to create micro-climate to help maintain humidity.

Potting mix

Depending on the size of the plant you purchase, you may not need to repot straight away. After a couple of months or when the plant begins to outgrow its container, then you’ll need to repot.

Ensure you use a good quality potting mix, like Yates Indoor Plants Potting Mix, which is suitable for growing most plants.

However, if you have succulents, look for one specially formulated for cacti and succulents, like Yates Thrive Cacti Succulent Potting Mix – the mix is much more free draining.

Water

Plants can often show the same symptoms for over- or underwatering (limp, yellowing leaves), so you can’t always rely on them to tell you.

However, you don’t need any fancy gadgets to tell you when you need to water — simply insert your index finger to the second knuckle into the potting mix. If it’s dry, water, but if it’s moist, you can leave watering for a few days.

As a general rule, water once every week (until water runs out of the drainage holes), but extend this to

7-10 days during the cooler months.

During the warmer months, when plants are actively growing, feed regularly with Yates Thrive Indoor Liquid Plant Food.

This no-odour product is fantastic for providing plants with the right amount of nutrients.

It will also help green up any lacklustre-looking leaves. Succulents require a slightly different type of feeding with Yates Thrive Plant Food Spikes for Cacti & Succulents.

Indoor plants are not usually perturbed by too many pests. But, occasionally, you may find sapsucking insects, like mealybug, thrips or mites on the foliage.

You can control them by thoroughly spraying with Yates Natures Way Organic Citrus, Vegie Ornamental Spray Ready to Use. Always read the label first.

Does beer work as a fertiliser?

Probably not, and it would be an expensive option. Beer is 90 per cent water, so leftover supplies could be poured on the garden to save it going straight down the drain. But be aware that alcohol is not good for plants, and the sugar in the beer is likely to attract unwelcome bugs such as ants. If it isn’t drinkable, better to use the beer for cooking: eg making bread, lightening the batter for fish, in Welsh rarebit, marinades or adding flavour to braised meats.

How do I care for a potted cyclamen?

Indoors, stand the plant in a cool but well-lit spot out of direct sunlight. Only water when the potting mix is dry to touch, don’t pour water directly onto the tuber, and never leave the pot sitting in water. Keep new flowers coming by removing the dead ones, gently pulling them from the base rather than cutting them off. If you decide to put the cyclamen outdoors, keep the pot under shelter for at least a few nights to harden the plant off.