Your essential guide to plant care
We get it – looking after new plants can be tricky. But it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to walk you through everything you should know about plant care. No green thumb needed. First things first: figure out whether your plant is leafy, flowering or fruiting. (Not sure? Don't worry, we can help.)
Light
Foliage plants need at least 4-6 hours of sun each day. Ideally, bright indirect sunlight (the kind that filters through open blinds or net curtains).
Water
Water your plant whenever the top layer of soil feels dry. Weekly during spring and summer and fortnightly in winter should do. (Most leafy plants prefer being too dry.)
Humidity
Low humidity and radiators will dehydrate your plant. So remember to give yours an occasional mist. Or pop it somewhere steamy (like the bathroom).
Feeding
Tropical houseplants do most of their growing from March to September. To boost your plant's growth, give it some fertiliser every two weeks or so.
Three things to look out for:
Yellow leaves
This could be overwatering, underwatering, wrong light, or hungry plants. Try tweaking your watering routine, finding a better sunny spot, or giving it a good feed.
Brown spots
This is usually caused by dry air, thirsty plants, or fertilizer overload. Boost the humidity around your plant, water when the soil is dry, or ease up on the plant food.
Wilting or drooping leaves
Your plant might be overwatered, thirsty, or caught a draught. Check the soil, pop it in a warmer spot and if things look dire, a repotting spa day might be in order.
Light
Put your plant somewhere it’ll get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight (i.e. beside a sunny, south-facing window)
Water
Keep the soil moist (but not waterlogged). A light watering 1-2 times a week is perfect. Reduce this slightly during winter.
Humidity
To up the humidity around your plant, pop it on a pebble tray. Don’t mist its blooms as this could lead to mould or fungus.
Feeding
Give your plant some fertiliser every two weeks from March to September. Pick one specifically made for flowering plants.
Three things to look out for:
Yellow leaves
You may be giving your plant too much water. Try to keep the soil just slightly moist instead of damp. If that doesn’t help, try moving your plant to a sunnier spot and give it some fertiliser every now and then.
Little flower growth
This usually means your plant isn’t getting enough sun. Most flowering plants like at least six hours of bright light each day to grow healthily. Try moving it to a sunnier spot and see if that helps boost growth.
Bugs or diseases
Just like us, bugs love flowers. So keep an eye on them. Watch out for diseases like powdery mildew and fungus too. They’re caused by excess moisture. Water your plant’s soil (not the leaves) and up the humidity with a pebble tray.
Light
Fruiting plants are sun-seekers. They’ll need 8+ hours of direct sunlight to produce fruit. So put yours by your brightest window.
Water
Give your plant a big drink when the top layer of soil feels dry. Roughly once a week during summer and fortnightly in winter.
Humidity
All fruiting plants have different humidity needs. Play things safe by using a pebble tray to up the moisture around your plant.
Feeding
Fertilise your plant every four to six weeks during spring and summer, using one that’s rich in phosphorus and potassium.
Three things to look out for:
Little growth
Your plant might be craving some sunshine. Most fruiting plants need at least six hours of full sun daily to thrive. Eight or more hours is even better! Consider moving your plant to a sunnier spot if you can.
Discoloured leaves
Noticed yellow, blotchy, or curling leaves? Your plant might need a nutrient boost. Try feeding it more often. If you're already on a good fertiliser schedule, check for bugs or fungus. These sneaky pests can cause similar issues.
Sad-looking fruit
This could be a nutrient issue. Use a balanced fertiliser, especially for fruiting plants. If your fruit is small or dropping early, adjust your watering. Aim for once a week during spring and summer to keep your plant happy and hydrated.
How to repot your plant
Your plant will typically outgrow its pot every 12-18 months. When you notice its roots poking through the drainage holes, that means it’s time. Repotting your plant is super easy. But it does get messy. So head outside first.
Give your plant a good watering
Water your plant a few days before repotting. This helps keep it hydrated and keeps the roots together. A well-watered plant is easier to handle and less likely to suffer from transplant shock.
Fill a new pot with fresh soil
Choose a pot 1-2 inches bigger than the current one, with drainage holes. Plants prefer cosy spaces, so don't go too big. Fill the new pot about a third of the way with fresh, nutrient-rich soil to give your plant a good start.
Loosen your plant’s roots
Gently remove the plant from its old pot. Carefully detangle the roots with your hands, removing old soil as you go. This helps stimulate new growth and allows the roots to spread in their new home.
Pop it in its new home
Create a small well in the centre of the new soil. Place your plant in this well, making sure it's at the same depth as before. Fill in around the plant with more soil, patting gently to ensure it's secure but not compacted.
Step one
Grab the long thin panel with two tabs poking out of each long side – this is your base. Then, attach it to your side panels (the two long, thin pieces with slots on each end) by pushing the tabs into the slots.
Step two
Now, pick up your two short panels and slide them in place on either end, using the grooves.
Step three
Keep your plants in their plastic bags and pop them in the planter. Fill in any gaps with soil and moss.
Step four
Put your planter in a sunny spot. And when it’s time to give your plants a drink, remove them from the planter first.
Looking for specific plant care tips?
You'll find our full suite of plant care guides right here. Or see below for some of the most popular care guides by type:
- Chinese Money Plant Care Guide
- Pachira Money Tree Care Guide
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