How Not to Kill Your Houseplant: Survival Tips for the Horticulturally Challenged

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And if you really just can't get it right.... have you thought about becoming a Marimo parent? It's literally impossible to over-water them!) Further Reading

This happens largely for one of two reasons. One you're the type of person who will openly admit to being oblivious to the parched plants around you. Screaming from thirst they desperately try to give you visual signs they need water but to no avail, you just don't notice until all that's left is a dusty crispy carcass. All garden supplies are not made equal. Here’s what you’ll need to set your houseplants up for success. Still, plants can do a lot to improve the ambience in e.g. a bedroom. The following houseplants will thrive in your room and make it look more inviting: I once bought home a species of cane begonia and in no time the bushy potful of leaves became an unsightly specimen. It was embarrassing because cane begonias are pretty resilient. Before it completely died, I took leaf cuttings and propagated the plant. I was unsure about the experiment because the plant had perished so rapidly but when the new plants grew, I found that they were robust, sturdy, and prolific. There’s only one reason for this – the new plants knew only one environment and one type of care, mine, and thus they adapted to the new conditions. Using the best houseplant compost for your type of plant will ensure that it gets the nutrients and proper drainage it requires to thrive.The bad news is they have a variety of different needs and we all have different growing environments. This means you can do any number of the "mistakes" listed in our article which can all end in disaster. You need to learn the art of patience and give time between watering. Not only that, but you might not need to give as much when you do come to water. Zzs and Snake Plants are often touted as plants that can grow in windowless bathrooms. However, surviving is not the same as thriving. Low light-tolerant plants will flourish when given more light. So before you place those cute succulents or Zzs in your bathroom, consider getting a grow light! 8. Re-potwhen grown out

Observe and notice your houseplants (if you're admiring their beauty anyway, this won't be hard), then when something starts to look wrong you'll be able to tell and treat the problem early on. Further Reading You might be gushing about how adorable your chunky little cactus looks in its new home next to your couch. But the cutest spot for your plant may not be the best choice. Houseplants make your home beautiful. But which plants make the best houseplants, and what is the best way to care for them? Here’s a how-to guide for creating your green oasis.Leaves are the biggest telltale sign of how healthy your houseplant is, and there are several things you should be doing regularly to keep them in top condition. I believe the words " Cacti are impossible to kill" were even uttered as I happily took my new plant friend from him. But he was wrong. It died soon after. And I was mortified. Provide the right amount of light, All plants need light to survive, but not all plants require the same amount of light. Some plants require direct sunlight, while others prefer indirect light or even shade. Make sure to research your plant's specific light requirements and place it in the appropriate location in your home. If you have a room with limited natural light, consider investing in a grow light to provide your plants with the light they need. People often worry about the brown tips on the ends of the leaves, and they can look unsightly. This browning can be due to overwatering, but also to fluoride in tap water, which causes a salt build-up in the compost. A good idea is to flush the soil with distilled water to wash out any excess salts or fertiliser if the tip burn is excessive; otherwise, simply remove the leaves you don’t like. They enjoy being pot-bound and this will encourage the production of tiny baby plants. But if the roots are spilling out of the pot, you can either repot the whole plant or divide it by cutting it down the middle with a sharp knife into halves, thirds or even quarters. Just pot up the smaller pieces and they will start to grow immediately.

So why on earth why did you think leaving your houseplant outside or in that unheated conservatory when Winter crept up was a good idea? Perhaps it was simple forgetfulness or some bizarre science experiment to see "what would happen" who knows. Either way, you've gone and killed it now. The Easy Fix Provide proper ventilation, Plants need fresh air to thrive. Make sure to provide proper ventilation in your home to keep the air flowing around your plants. This can be as simple as opening a window or using a fan to circulate the air.Make sure the drip tray (or whatever you are using to prevent damage to the surface underneath the pot) isn't still filled with liquid an hour after you've watered. If there is water left over, pour it away. This is a broad topic, with lots to cover, so if you're struggling to find the balance here as a proud plant parent, have a read of our watering guide linked just below. Never double up or provide more than recommended. Too much can change the chemical makeup of the growing medium and cause serious problems for the plant. Further Reading