Care advice for indoor plants
Houseplants need us to keep them happy and healthy, so we asked the experts at Kew Gardens for their top indoor plant care tips
Watering
Giving your plants the right amount of water is key to keeping them healthy. Use rain or filtered water if possible, but not softened water
Keep it humid
Which plants? • Ferns • Nerve plant • Peperomias • Micro orchids What to do Plants that enjoy low light-levels and high humidity are perfect for growing in a terrarium such as this one. Mist the compost and leaves regularly with a fine spray. Continue in winter, as central heating is very drying. Keep out of direct sun.
Let it drain
Which plants? • Most houseplants What to do Wait until the compost is dry before you water. Place your plant on a large saucer or in the sink so water can drain out. Water until all the compost is moist. Return to its cover pot when no more water comes from the base.
Water from below
Which plants? • Ones that need damp roots at all times, e.g. carnivorous • Ones prone to rotting at the base of the stems or fungal diseases, e.g. cacti What to do Put carnivorous plants in a saucer of constantly topped-up rain water. When cacti and succulent compost is completely dry, put in a saucer of water until remoistened; drain thoroughly.
Keep leaves dry
Which plants? • African violets • Streptocarpus • Kohleria What to do The leaves on these plants scorch easily, so it’s important to keep them dry when you water. Gently pull them back to reveal the compost surface. Water and allow to drain before returning to its cover pot.