Houseplants: RHS advises on watering techniques
Houseplants will now have left their dormant state, beginning to grow as the weather warms up. While this is good news for gardeners, it also does mean they may need a little more care than they did during the winter. With Easter just around the corner, experts have said now is the perfect time to clean houseplants as well as repot them to wow guests this bank holiday weekend.
Alex Biggart, from 123 Flowers, said: “People are starting to enjoy their gardens and outdoor spaces again, planting bulbs and giving some thought to what’s going in their hanging baskets.
“But spring is also a great time to freshen up your houseplants, giving your indoor spaces a new feel and ensuring everything is in good health.”
1. Dust them off
Winter means closed windows and doors to keep the heat in, which also means plants often get extremely dusty.
Not only does this look messy, it actually stops them from absorbing as much light which they need in order to photosynthesise.
Alex said: “If your plant has smooth leaves, like a monstera, wipe them gently with a cloth or even take them into the bath or shower to give them a welcome soak at the same time.
“If your plants have hairy leaves, a soft brush is the best way to ensure they are clear from dust to flourish in the sunnier months.”
2. Top up with water
During the colder months of the year, houseplants need little to no water, and giving them too much can result in common root rot.
However, with longer days and warmer weather on the horizon, now might be a good time to increase the amount plants are being watered.
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The plant pro said: “Easter bank holiday weekend is a great opportunity to check everything is okay with your plants.
“Different varieties have different needs – cacti and succulents obviously need less water – but a simple online search will give you all the information you need.
“One good idea is to group those with similar watering needs together to make scheduling a drink for them much easier to remember.”
3. Move them into a better position
Unless there are extremely hot days this year, similar to last year, most houseplants will definitely benefit from getting some sunshine.
Make sure to find out their specific needs before placing them in direct sunlight and forgetting about them, which could result in scorched leaves.
Alex explained: “Plants range from full shade, like ferns, to full sun, which include perennial herbs and yarrow. Get to know their needs as the fierce midday sun might not suit all of your species.
“If the mercury does rise it’s a good thing to give most of your plants a break and keep them shaded aside from in the morning and evening.”
4. Repot and propagate
If a plant’s roots are starting to circle the edge of the pot, it’s time to give them a new home to give them more space to grow.
The plant expert said owners could use a sharp knife to trim them back, but often a larger pot is the best idea to keep a houseplant nice and healthy.
Alex added: “It’s also worth checking for any new stems and dividing up the new plants into separate pots, which is not only good for their health but a great way to get some extra plants out of your existing ones.”
5. Deadhead flowers and leaves
The houseplant pro recommended trimming back any dead parts of the plant to encourage new growth. If this job isn’t done, wilting brown leaves could ruin the visual impact of indoor plants.
The expert said: “This also helps prevent plants picking up diseases and keeps them as healthy as possible.”
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