Houseplants: RHS advises on watering techniques
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Now spring has sprung, many Britons are looking to add a splash of colour to their properties. One way they can do this is by adding houseplants to their interiors which will add a touch of nature as well as vibrant green colour.
However, with temperatures remaining on the low side for the time of year, it’s likely houseplants will be battling the elements inside our homes such as central heating.
Central heating can lead to the air inside homes being overly dry which doesn’t suit many tropical houseplants that prefer humidity.
To keep homes bright and filled with plants during spring, online designer radiator specialists BestHeating has teamed up with expert botanist Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies.
Together, the experts have shared which houseplants will flourish near radiators and how to care for them.
Houseplants that like central heating
It can be hard to find plants that can thrive near radiators. Many plants like heat but don’t like the dry heat of radiators.
Jo explained: “The dry heat from radiators can stunt the growth and even brown the tips of some plant leaves so it is important to find ones that are brave enough to handle the warmth of a nearby radiator.
“But it’s still advisable to be careful not to leave houseplants too close to heat sources.
“Money plants, the rubber plant, the sago palm, the snake plant, umbrella trees, the yucca plant and the stylish ZZ plant are all more tolerant of a warm radiator.”
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Snake plants are popular and are also known for their health benefits such as improving air quality.
The popular striped plant can also remove toxic air pollutants making it the perfect plant for people suffering from allergies at this time of year.
However, snake plants require regular watering and need to be kept in bright, indirect light.
Jo added: “A good trick is to feel the top two inches of soil, if it feels dry this is a sign your plant is gasping for a drink.”
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How to keep houseplants alive near radiators
In spring, houseplants require extra care and attention in order to thrive and stay healthy.
Those plants near radiators might need slightly different care such as watering more frequently.
Jo explained: “If you’ve switched the heating on in your home, it’s often a good idea to check the positioning of your beloved plants making sure they aren’t too close to the radiator, one metre away should be fine.
“With the heat drying out plants, you should keep an eye on your watering schedules, most plants are less thirsty in Winter but as we ease into Spring make sure to give plants an extra drink.
“Keep an eye out for any changes in your plants, such as dropped leaves, or if the tips of their leaves start browning, these can be signs of unintentional neglect.”
John Lawless, content marketing manager at BestHeating added: “We all love having houseplants to freshen up the house for spring, but many of us struggle to keep the plants alive, especially during the colder months.
“It is important to make sure you protect your plants as they prove very beneficial for our health – don’t neglect them, and make sure they are getting the requirements needed to flourish.”
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