Plant Care

Here  are some simple tips to keep your houseplants looking good.

Looking after houseplants is not difficult but some may need special attention. Buy plants with a specific care label with a botanical name on it, this helps you identify the three key elements your plant needs to grow, (i) how much water to give it. (ii) how much light the plant needs. (iii) how warm it likes to be, and therefore where it will be happiest.

Try to choose houseplants that like the conditions in your home or the way you like to look after your plants, for instance if you have warm sunny rooms cacti are ideal; whereas  shady areas would suit ferns or ivy, Azaleas are ideal for those who over water plants and, those who forget.

Don't forget to fed your plants regularly - to give energy to the flower - produce new roots and encourage healthy leaf growth. There are many different types of plant food available - make sure you use one for either flowering or foliage plants as the ingredients are different. If you have plants with broad  glossy leaves give then an occasional wipe over with a damp cloth, the leaf surface is the plant's 'lungs' and if it's choked with dust it can't breathe.

New plants will not need feeding as the compost contains enough nutrients for at least six weeks growth. Some flowering houseplants have a dormant period when they recuperate after a season of growth  during this time they need less watring and feeding. Talking to plants is not daft either as you are breathing carbon dioxide on them which they need to survive. It also allows you to to inspect the plant, close up, for signs of pests, diseases or stress.

Quality of your plants is vital, so inspect them well before you purchase and only buy from a reputable source, choose houseplants with lush healthy leaves and new growth, buy flowering plants when the buds are just opening, remove dead flower heads to encourage new flowers to open.

We hope this gives you fresh ideas for keeping plants in your home or at work, remember all living houseplants help increase feelings of relaxation and well being, and help you breathe more easily.
So whatever houseplants you choose to have around you they will help improve your mind, body and spirit, as well as adding beauty to your surroundings.