Houseplant HEALTHCARE

Garden Organic’s head of organic horticulture, Chris Collins, shares his advice on caring for your houseplants over the winter months

Expert gardener and broadcaster Chris Collins is passionate about the positive impact of houseplants on mental health. “I wouldn’t be without my indoor plants,” he says. “They’re almost like flatmates. I’ve watched them grow and become familiar as individuals. It’s a very simple pleasure!” Here are his tips on winter houseplant care:

Avoid temperature extremes Houseplant growth slows dramatically in winter, with shorter days and lower light levels. They can handle this without any problems, but attention to temperature levels is vital. Sudden changes in temperature will cause leaves to drop or brown at the edges. Don’t move plants too close to heat sources such as radiators or put them on cold windowsills. Water less often over winter Every two or three weeks is a good rule of thumb, although this is species dependent. Press a fingertip into the soil to check moisture levels before watering. If the plant is bone-dry, a small drink is required, but any excess water will just sit in the soil.

Wait to repot Pot houseplants on in early March to give them a boost as the new growing season kicks in. Mix fine bark into good, peat-free compost to provide good drainage and prevent waterlogging.

Watch out for pests If you spot scale insects, mealy bug or whitefly, clean them o‹ with a damp cloth and remove any dead or dying leaves.

Find more helpful advice at gardenorganic.org.uk