Lifestyle

5 top tips to keep your plants alive this winter

By JadeM 05 Jan 2022

Whether you want to brighten up your room, purify the air, or to keep you company during deadlines, there's a houseplant for everyone.

Here are my top 5 tips to keep your plants looking their best or just to keep them alive!

1. Get to know your plant

With names like ‘Dracaena trifasciata’ no wonder it can be confusing, but each plant has a passport so no matter where you are in the world it can be identified.

Take some time and read up on the basic care your plant needs, a quick google will do!

2. Watering

Most houseplants meet their end through lack of or too much water. If you’re ever unsure, you can stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels damp, leave it for a few days, if not give your plant a drink. This is even more important in the winter when your plants won’t need so much water.

3. Drainage

Always use plant pots with holes in the bottom, this is essential if you are a gardening newbie. If water sits on the plant’s roots for too long, it can begin to rot and drown the plant. Choosing a good size pot where the roots have space to grow is important and will also improve drainage.

4. Sunlight

After reading about your plants you will have a rough idea of the type of light it likes, either direct or indirect. Put your plant in a bright area without sudden changes in temperature e.g. next to a heater. Don’t forget to rotate your plant every week so that it grows evenly towards the sunlight.

5. Dusting

Although it sounds a little strange your plants need to be cleaned as well. Every few weeks wipe down your plants leaves with a damp cloth. This will get rid of any dust build-up so that your plant can continue to photosynthesise, and it reduces the likelihood of any nasty bugs.

Finally, don’t worry if after all your research and hard work your plant still dies, sometimes it’s not meant to be, it takes practice and we are all learning! Good luck growing your indoor jungle.