Plant Care Guide

So, you've treated yourself to a new plant… now what? It's kind of like bringing home a newborn for the first time - it takes a bit of googling, some trial and error, learning as you go and growing with the flow. But don't worry, our Plant Care Guide is here to help you get started with caring for your new green babe.

The goal is to mimic your plant's natural environment as closely as possible within your home. Keep in mind that every space is different, from light and humidity to temperature and airflow. So there's no one-size-fits-all care routine you can adhere to. Just because someone waters their plant once a week doesn't mean that schedule will work in your home; your plant might dry out faster or slower depending on your environment. The key is to observe your plant, learn its preferences, and adapt your care to what works best for both of you. Plants don't really work to a schedule anyway.

It's also important to get to know your specific plant a little better, so you can understand its needs. While this is a general care guide, some plants (even within the same family or genus) come from different parts of the world, so their care requirements can differ. It's always worth doing a bit of extra research on your particular plant, just so you feel more confident growing forward.

Acclimation

– When your plant first arrives, it's important to give it 2 weeks to settle into its new environment. This adjustment period helps reduce stress and allows the plant to adapt more easily to your home's conditions. Choose a spot where you think it will thrive, and during this time, avoid repotting or fertilising.

Light

– Most houseplants prefer bright, indirect light, similar to what they'd receive beneath a canopy of trees in their natural environment. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little light may lead to weak growth or deformities. The key is to find the right balance for your plant, based on your space and the plant's specific needs.

Watering

– When watering, make sure you use enough water to fully saturate the whole root system - You should see water draining out of the bottom of the pot (which is why it's essential to use a pot with drainage holes). Be sure to empty any excess water from the decorative pot to prevent root rot and other unwanted issues.

Let the soil dry out before watering again. You can check this by feeling the top few inches of soil with your fingers, or by lifting the pot to gauge its weight. This may take a bit of practice - over time, you'll start to recognise how heavy the pot feels when the soil is freshly watered versus when it's dry and ready for another drink.

Humidity

– Many houseplants, especially tropical varieties, naturally thrive in higher humidity levels than the average UK home offers. If the air is too dry, you might notice browning leaf edges or crispy tips (especially in Anthuriums, Prayer plants etc).

To help boost humidity, you can; group plants together, place a pebble tray with water beneath your plant, or use a humidifier. We also recommend investing in some hygrometers to be placed in different areas of your home. This will help you monitor humidity levels more accurately.

Please note: you don't want humidity to get too high, as it can lead to mould or damp issues within your home. Central heating and open windows can cause humidity to drop, so finding a healthy balance is key - both for your plants and your living space.

Seasons

– As the seasons change, your plant care routine should adapt too. In winter, reduce watering, as most plants enter a slower growth phase or dormancy. You do not want to water your plants if they are still wet, as they take much longer to utilise the moisture within the soil.

Avoid placing plants near heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, or draughty windows, and make sure they're not exposed to cold temperatures for too long. Hold off on fertilising and keep an eye on any plants going into dormancy.

Come spring, you'll notice your plants waking up and growing again (our favourite time of the year). Begin watering a little more regularly and consider feeding your plants again (unless your plant is still showing signs of dormancy).

During the summer, plants often need more frequent watering due to increased heat and light. Be mindful of moisture levels, especially during heatwaves, and avoid letting soil dry out for too long. Keep an eye on the undersides of leaves, as pests tend to be more active in warmer months - especially with windows and doors being left open.