Dobbies top five tips for keeping your houseplants happy and healthy
Scroll through Instagram and your feed is bound to be filled with interior influencers and their beautiful houseplant shots. There is no doubt indoor greenery is on trend right now, but did you know they also make you happy? According to experts they boost your mood, improve your general wellbeing and can have air-purifying properties.
Houseplants also allow you to completely change the look and feel of a room, without having to raise a paintbrush! They are the perfect living accessory and come in all shapes and sizes from trailing string of hearts to a spiky cactus, meaning there is a houseplant to complement any interior style.
The one catch with creating an interior oasis is that plants do need love and attention, albeit some more than others. From underwatering to overwatering, to too much sunlight to not enough, there are a few things to consider.
To help you join the plant craze, Dobbies Garden Centres Houseplant expert, Claire Bishop, shares her top tips for keeping houseplants healthy and how to use them as a design statement.
The Grant showhome at our Edgelaw development has plenty of spots where you can get creative with greenery and tend to your love of plants. Whether that’s adding a Calathea to the home office to boost your mood whilst working from home, or potting a Peace Lily in the kitchen to inject some life into your cooking space, Claire shares her tips on how to care for your houseplants so you can maximise your space.
The number one rule – do not overwater your plants.
The most common mistake people make is giving plants too much water. The majority of plants, except for succulents and cacti which only need to be watered once or twice a month, will thrive on a weekly water.
Don’t be tempted to water your plant for the sake of it as this could lead to series problems including root rot. If the top layer of your soil feels dry, then it’s time to water your plants.
Give your houseplants the right amount of light.
It is a misconception that all plants thrive in a very sunny spot. In fact, there are some houseplants which love a dark nook and will thank you for it. For example, plants like Spider Plants and the Cast Iron Plant will thrive in a shaded spot, or even artificial light, and are low maintenance.
Whereas Succulents, Cacti and Azalea work well in rooms that get direct sunlight. Cacti are particularly easy to care for as they offer sculptural impact with minimal effort.
Your houseplant will tell you when it’s unhappy. For example, if it is in a spot that’s too bright, its leaves will get scorched. And when they are not getting enough light, their foliage will turn a deep green as they are searching for light. Just make sure that you keep an eye out for these signs.
Give your houseplants regular love and attention.
All houseplants require a little clean to keep them looking their best and to help them remain healthy. Simply wipe their leaves with a damp cloth to remove any dust. In addition, foliage that is yellow or leaves which have dropped into the soil should be removed quickly.
And remember, just like outside plants, your houseplants will need to be repotted maybe once a year depending on growth. A simple way to check whether your plant needs to be repotted is to check the drainage hole, and if its roots are starting to come through, then it is time to repot.
Houseplants which require minimum attention.
While it is exciting growing your houseplant collection, it does also mean more responsibility. According to Claire, succulents are very well suited for busy lives as they thrive on minimal work and don’t need to be watered often. All they ask for is to be placed in a nice sunny spot.
Succulents come in a variety of shapes and sizes meaning you can still grow an exciting collection.
Make sure when you are watering your succulents you only water the soil and not their leaves.
How to style your houseplants.
Styling plants in groups of three or five, with contrasting textures will brighten up any shelf or tabletop. Using different heights and shapes can also help create a more impactful display.
While smaller plants suit being grouped, a large leafy houseplant like a Monstera or Fiddle-Leaf Fig look best on their own and can make a real statement in a room with their dark green foliage.
The plant your pot is in can also add to the feel of a room. For an industrial look, opt for a chunky planter, such as concrete or stone effect, wooden baskets for rustic country, or clean whites and greys for a more contemporary Scandi feel.
And there you have it, Dobbies top five tips for building a healthy and impactful houseplant haven. Good luck sprucing up your home one plant at a time!
Let us know what your favourite plants are and any other tips you may have by tagging us on social media using @MillerHomesUK