Plant Paramedic: How to Care for your Houseplants
A new season brings new challenges for those of us wanting to keep our gaff looking its meanest and greenest. From browning foliage to curling leaves, we’re all guilty of murdering a houseplant or two in our career as plant parents.
Whether it’s through complete neglect or being too over-zealous when watering the little buggers, it can seem a near-impossible task keeping indoor flora alive, and with the weather sure to throw a proper strop in the coming months, it can be a tough ‘ol time to be a plant.
But – with a few simple tips and tricks – you can invoke some green-fingered magic to keep your plants looking their best in the season ahead. Check out some of our G&T bestsellers below, and how you can keep your gaff from looking like a graveyard this winter.
__________________________
DEVIL'S IVY
Checking soil once a week is a great starting place for understanding a plant’s needs, especially when it comes to Devil’s Ivy. Happy in the sun or shade, Devil’s Ivy (or pothos) is pretty resilient to drought when it comes to forgetful waterers. Prefering to dry out a bit between waterings, try giving it a sip of water when the first two inches of soil become dry: it might only need watering twice a month during the winter.
PHILODENDRON SCANDEN
Happiest when placed in medium-to-bright indirect sunlight, philodendron scanden is the perfect little plant for those new to keeping houseplants. It’s recommended to check the first two-three inches of soil before watering, with this little beauty able to withstand a drought for a few weeks without kicking up too much of a fuss. While she’s a fast little grower, we don’t recommend repotting her during the cooler months, as this can send her into a state of emergency.
MONSTERA DELICIOSA
A great winter plant, the monstera deliciosa doesn’t mind low levels of sunlight, as direct light is likely to burn its leaves. While not a massive drinker, it does like regular watering, which can be a tricky balance to get right. Check the first two-three inches of soil are dry before giving it a tipple, and reduce its intake to a couple of times per month when it’s cold outside.
ASPARAGUS FERN
As chill as a houseplant gets, the asparagus fern is well adapted to letting you know when it’s become too neglected. If its leaves turn brown, its soil has likely dried out, so regular watering is the way forward. Like many tropical plants, the asparagus fern loves a bit of moisture, so try keeping this bad boy in the bathroom, as this is a great way of ensuring regular humidity and keeping crispy tips at bay.
SANSEVIERIA
Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, sansevieria is pretty easy-care. Able to thrive in low, medium and bright sunlight, it’s a drought-tolerant wonder that prefers its soil to dry out completely in between watering due to its abilities to retain water in its leaves. Known to absorb household toxins, it’s a great little plant that will help to keep your home feeling greener and cleaner.
Doing our thing since 2011, we’ve learned quite a bit along the way about what it takes to keep houseplants in tip top shape. If you’re searching for a more in-depth look at what it takes to be a green gaff god/goddess, How Not to Kill your Plants is an encyclopaedic tome written by G&T’s founder, Nik. Watering cans down, it’s time to take it back to the roots.
