The journey from being a plant parent newbie to fanatic is a transformation filled with growth, learning and a deepening passion for all things green.
My obsession began with a simple curiosity, a desire to bring a touch of nature into my apartment. I started by selecting a few easy-to-care-for plants and carefully placed them in well-lit corners or on windowsills. The process of nurturing my green companions began and, with each watering and leaf inspection, I fostered a sense of responsibility and connection. Over time, as my knowledge and confidence grew, my collection expanded and a casual interest in plants blossomed into a full-blown fascination.
I have written a guide that I wished I had when I first started my plant journey. First, let’s delve into the basics of plant care through the seasons. Spring is a time when the natural world awakens from its long winter slumber. And, just as we are cheered by warmer weather, eager to shed our heavy coats and embrace the longer days and sunlight, so are our houseplants.
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As the days lengthen and the weather warms, your houseplants will grow quicker, which means they need more water to support their growth as they lose moisture through transpiration. The air is generally less humid in the springtime, which will also cause the soil to dry out more quickly. The soil should never be soggy as the roots need to breathe, but equally, if leaves are wilting or curling and the soil feels dry, these may be signs that more water is required. Rotating the pots will also help to maximise the amount of light your plants receive on all sides.
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How to water your plants
Water in the morning. Watering in the evening can lead to moisture sitting on the leaves overnight or at the pot’s base, increasing the risk of fungal growth and root rot. So, it’s best to water in the morning so the plant can absorb water throughout the day instead.
Use room temperature water. Let tap water sit out for a few hours to allow chlorine and other chemicals to evaporate before watering your plants.
Check the soil. Before watering your plants: 1. Check the soil to see if it’s dry. 2. Stick your finger into the soil a couple of centimetres (about an inch deep) — if it feels dry, it’s time to water. 3. Hold off on watering for another day or two if it still feels moist.
Water thoroughly. Water thoroughly and once, not little and often. Water until the soil is moist but not soggy.
Don’t let your plants sit in water. After watering, empty any excess water from the saucer beneath your plant. Sitting in water can lead to root rot and other issues.
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Give your plants a spring clean
Removing dust and dirt accumulated on the leaves over the winter months is essential to giving your houseplants a boost. You can either wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth or shower your houseplants — both are great ways of keeping your plants happy. You will improve the overall appearance of your plant collection and remove any dust build-up on their leaves, allowing them to photosynthesise more effectively. Placing them in a steamy bathroom also creates humidity in the air that tropical plants will love.
Why should you shower your plants?
1. To remove pests. The force of the water can dislodge pests like spider mites, mealybugs and aphids that may have taken up residence over winter.
2. To prevent disease. By cleaning their leaves, you remove any fungal spores that may be present on the leaves.
3. To promote growth. By removing physical barriers preventing light from reaching the leaves, you can help your houseplants to photosynthesise more efficiently and to grow faster.
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4. To increase humidity. The shower causes a rise in humidity levels due to steam produced by hot water, which your houseplants love.
Feed your plants
I recommend a slow-release fertiliser or an organic potting mix. Do ensure you follow the instructions on the packet, as over-fertilising can harm your plants and lead to salt build-up on the soil. Choose a feed appropriate for your specific plants. Look for a balanced fertiliser, one that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Tips for feeding
Use a weak solution. During spring, your plants grow more quickly and need more nutrients. However, it’s still important not to over-fertilise. Make up a weak solution of fertiliser, diluted to half the strength recommended on the packet, and apply it every two to four weeks.
Apply fertiliser to moist soil. Fertiliser can harm dry roots, so it’s best to water your plants thoroughly before applying.
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Avoid giving fertiliser to recently repotted plantsfor at least a month. Freshly potted plants need to get used to their new environment and can be easily overwhelmed by too much fertiliser.
Repot your plants
Warmer temperatures and increased sunlight mean houseplants are better equipped to handle the stress of being repotted and more likely to recover rapidly. Repotting will give them more room to grow and access fresh nutrients. Given the right container, a suitable potting mix and enough — but not too much — water, your plants will flourish.
Signs your plant has outgrown its pot
1. Roots are growing out of the drainage holes and/or the pot is bulging.
2. Slow growth or stunted development. Your plant cannot grow properly: it needs more space and nutrients than its pot provides.
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3. More than usual watering sessions. When the soil dries out the particles can start to block out water. This is when your soil becomes “hydrophobic”, and it’s a good sign it needs repotting with fresh soil.
4. Wilting or drooping leaves. The roots are overcrowded and need space if they are to absorb enough water and nutrients to support the plant’s growth.
How to repot your houseplant
1. Plant in a pot with a drainage hole.
2. Water the plant a day or two before you intend to repot; removing the plant from its original pot is much easier if moisture binds the soil together. Select a pot one size larger than the present pot.
3. Prepare the potting mix. Use a high-quality potting blend specifically formulated for the plant you’re repotting. If you are repotting a green foliage plant, use a regular houseplant potting mix. I favour a mixture of bat guano for added nitrogen, coconut coir fibre (a carbon-neutral alternative to peat) and volcanic drainage rocks. If you are repotting a succulent or cactus, you need a light, friable compost to encourage root growth and water retention.
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4. Gently remove the plant from the old pot by holding it upside down and tapping the bottom; use a knife to loosen the roots from the sides if it is stuck. Use your fingers to gently loosen the plant’s roots. If the roots are tightly packed, make a few cuts in the root ball with a clean pair of scissors to encourage new growth.
5. Add a layer of potting mix to the new pot. You want this to be deep enough to accommodate the plant’s root ball (usually about a quarter full).
6. Place the plant in the new pot. Hold the plant upright and add the potting mix around it, tapping down as you go. It’s good practice to leave a 2.5-5cm (1–2in) gap at the top of the pot so that once the plant has started growing, you can top up the level with more potting mix to give it an extra boost of nutrients.
7. Water the plant thoroughly. Make sure the soil is evenly moist. Place the plant in a location with bright, indirect light. Monitor it closely over the next few days to check it is adjusting well to its new pot.
Statement living room plants
The living room is where you can go big on plants, as it’s often the largest area in the home, with the most consistent light all day round. My top five favourite statement plants all prefer bright, indirect light.
The fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) has large, glossy leaves in a shape reminiscent of a violin’s body. Its bold, dark green foliage stands out with distinct veins, and the plant’s upright growth structure lends itself to a modern and elegant aesthetic. Place it close to a living room window, where its foliage can command attention.
The kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) has architectural arching, dark green fronds. It brings a lush, tropical, exotic vibe into your living room. Perfect for camouflaging some of the less attractive elements in a room, such as wires!
A butterfly palm (Dypsis lutescens) showcases feathery, arching fronds that fan out gracefully from its slender stems. Its long, delicate leaves are a rich shade of green, offering a light and airy appearance. Perfect for framing armchairs or sofa corners so it’s fronds cascade over the top.
Giant white bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) has tall, upright stems and large, banana-like leaves that unfurl to reveal deep green surfaces with a glossy finish. Its silhouette evokes the elegant wings of tropical birds in flight. In a living room, it is best placed in a well-lit corner, perhaps beside a window or as a focal point behind a sofa, so its impressive height and foliage can be appreciated.
The zebra plant (Alocasia zebrina) is distinguished by its striking arrowhead-shaped leaves that rise from zebra-striped stems. Given its eye-catching appearance, it would serve as a conversation piece when positioned prominently on a living room coffee table or side table.
The Plant Parent Guide by Beth Chapman (founder of Leaf Envy) is published by Kyle Books, £26. To order a copy go to timesbookshop.co.uk or call 020 3176 2935. Free UK standard P&P on online orders over £25. Special discount available for Times+ members
