Plant Care Guides & FAQs

There is no fixed schedule. Check the soil instead: push a finger about 2–3 cm into the pot and water only when it feels dry at that depth (leafy tropicals) or dry most of the way down (succulents and snake plants). Then water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, and empty the saucer afterwards.

Most houseplants like bright, indirect light, which means a spot near a window where the sun doesn't hit the leaves directly for hours. Cacti and succulents want the brightest spot you have, while plants like snake plants, ZZs and pothos cope well with lower light. If the stems stretch or the leaves fade, the plant is asking for a change of position.

Misting gives a very short-lived boost and doesn't replace proper watering. Tropical plants such as Monstera enjoy higher humidity, so grouping plants together or using a pebble tray works better. Cacti and succulents should never be misted.

Feed during the growing season, roughly spring to early autumn, using a balanced liquid houseplant feed at the strength on the label. Pause feeding over winter when growth slows. Cacti and succulents need far less than leafy plants, so a half-strength feed once a month in the growing season is plenty.

Growth slows in the UK's shorter, darker days, so water less often and let the soil dry out a little more between drinks. Move plants away from cold glass and out of the path of radiators and draughts, and wipe dust from the leaves so they can make the most of the light they get.

Overwatering is the most common cause, especially if the soil is still damp and the lower leaves are going yellow first. Check that the pot drains freely and let the soil dry out further before the next watering. An occasional old leaf yellowing is normal, but several at once is a sign to change your routine.

Yes. A plant standing in a full saucer keeps its roots wet, which leads to root rot. Water, let it drain for a few minutes, then tip away anything left in the saucer or cache pot.

Crispy tips usually point to dry air, irregular watering, or a build-up of minerals from tap water. Water more consistently, keep the plant away from radiators, and in hard-water areas leave tap water to stand overnight before using it. Trim the brown edges with clean scissors if they bother you.

No, give it a few weeks to settle first. Moving house is stressful enough, and repotting straight away adds to it. Repot when roots are circling the pot or coming out of the drainage holes, ideally in spring or summer, and only go up one pot size.

Some leaf drop is a normal reaction to a change of light, temperature and humidity. Pick a good spot, keep your care steady, and avoid moving it around. If leaves keep falling after a few weeks, check for overwatering, draughts or a spot that is too dark.

The Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ plant), Sansevieria Futura Superba (snake plant) and Epipremnum (Devil's Ivy or pothos) are the most forgiving. They tolerate irregular watering and a range of light levels, and they bounce back from the odd missed week.

Give it bright, indirect light and water when the top few centimetres of soil have dried out. A moss pole or stake gives it something to climb, which encourages bigger leaves and the splits (fenestrations) the plant is known for. Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free.

It is a variegated Monstera with creamy white speckles across the leaves, and it's a collector's favourite. Care is similar to a standard Monstera, but give it plenty of bright, indirect light to keep the variegation, and avoid direct sun, which can scorch the pale areas.

A Peace Lily is dramatic about thirst: it droops when the soil dries out and usually perks up within hours of a good drink. Lack of flowers is typically down to too little light, so move it to a brighter spot (still out of direct sun). Keep it away from cold draughts.

Very sparingly. Both store water in their rhizomes or leaves, so let the soil dry out completely between waterings, which may mean every two to four weeks, and less in winter. When in doubt, wait a few more days, because these plants cope with drought far better than with soggy soil.

Water deeply, then wait until the soil has dried out completely before watering again. In summer that is roughly every two to three weeks, and much less in winter. Plump, upright leaves mean it is happy; soft, mushy leaves mean it is getting too much.

No. These are jungle cacti that grow on trees in the wild, so they prefer bright, indirect light and a little more moisture and humidity than desert cacti. Water when the top of the soil has dried out and use a free-draining mix, and they will trail beautifully from a hanging pot or shelf.

Give it bright light to keep the leaves well marked, and let the soil dry out between waterings. The stems store water in small tubers, so it copes well with the occasional dry spell but not with soggy roots. It looks best in a hanging pot or on a high shelf where its long stems can trail.

Use a gritty, fast-draining cactus or succulent compost, ideally with extra perlite or grit mixed in. Choose a pot with drainage holes, and terracotta is a good choice because it lets the soil dry out faster. Standard multipurpose compost holds too much water for most succulents.

Stretching (etiolation) means the plant isn't getting enough light, so move it somewhere brighter. Soft, mushy or translucent growth is a sign of overwatering and possible rot, so stop watering, let the soil dry out, and check the roots. Cut away any rotten parts with clean scissors if needed.