How To Look After Houseplants For Beginners
Houseplants are a great way to add colour and life to any space, however, if you’ve never cared for houseplants before, the prospect of keeping your own plants alive can be daunting. Luckily, houseplants are actually very easy to care for. If you want to beautify your home with houseplants follow our simple guide to caring for houseplants for beginners.
Choosing Your Houseplants: Location & Lighting
The first thing to think about when you’re considering growing houseplants is which plants to buy. When choosing your houseplants it’s important to remember that not all plants have the same light requirements. Some plants will be perfectly happy and healthy in a shaded area, whereas others will require direct sunlight.
Before you start buying your plants, consider where you would like them to be located in your house and choose your plants accordingly. For example, if you have space for three plants in front of a large window and would also like to keep one on a shaded bookshelf, you will need to purchase three plants that thrive in direct sunlight and another that will thrive in the shade.
Once you know the type of light you can provide, you can do your own research on houseplant light requirements or simply ask a team member at your local plant nursery which plants will be best suited for your chosen space. The light requirements of each plant should also be provided on the label.
Top Tip:
Once you have chosen a home for your houseplant, avoid moving it as it will grow accustomed to the light in that space, eventually growing towards the light to maximise the amount of sunlight it receives.
Use Quality Potting Mix
To give your houseplants every opportunity to flourish it is important to use premium quality potting mix that is suitable for the type of plant that you have chosen. Conversely, using low-quality potting mix or soil from your own garden can inhibit the growth of your plants. There is also specialised soil available for certain types of plants to encourage growth. If you’re not sure which soil to use, ask at your local garden centre.
Water Consistently
Make sure that you know exactly how much and how often your plants need to be watered as different plants may have different watering requirements. In most cases you should be watering your plants one to two times a week. When watering ensure that you use room temperature water and water slowly until you see water start to drain out of the bottom of the pot.
Note: you will need to reduce the frequency with which you water your plants in winter based on the individual water requirements of each plant.
If you’re not sure whether or not your plant needs more water, lightly touch the soil with your finger. If it is completely dry your plant is thirsty. Conversely, if the soil is moist, but not sopping wet, your plant is well hydrated.
Top Tip:
Many plants benefit from a light misting of water from a spray bottle once or twice a day. Check the label for individual plant requirements or ask at your local garden supplies store.
General Care
Each time you water your plants take the time to remove any dead leaves that have fallen from the plant and wipe away any dust that may have settled on the leaves. It is also important to keep your plants away from drafts, heaters, air conditioning vents, and the like, as sudden temperature changes can be harmful to houseplants.
Additionally, many houseplants will benefit from being re-potted into a larger pot every couple of years.
Now that you know exactly how to care for them, it’s time to go out and buy the perfect plants for your home! Not sure which plants are best for your space? Visit your local garden centre at Wellers Hill Hardware & Landscape Supplies or give us a call on 07 3848 1682 and ask one of our experienced team members to help you pick out the best plants for your space.
