How to choose your perfect houseplant
When it comes to caring for your house plants, it is important to research the specific needs of each plant. Some plants require more light than others, while some need to be kept in a humid environment. It is also important to make sure your plants are getting the right amount of water and fertiliser.
Light levels are very important to plants, as is the type of light, which can alter during the day and at different times of the year. A position in direct sunlight in the summer can often cause leaf discoloration and scorching unless the light is filtered by sheer curtains or blinds. However, in the winter, that location could be the perfect growing spot, when the sun is weaker and the days are shorter.
Many plants struggle in locations set back from windows, where they get very little light. North-facing windowsills can be tricky too, especially in winter when day lengths are reduced. So, consider where you would like to position your houseplant before deciding which plant to buy.
With that in mind, it’s important to select the right plants for the right area in our homes as a plant will only thrive if the conditions are compatible. We have various environments within our homes and the main factors are light, humidity, and temperature.
Plants suited to bathrooms and humid/moist rooms
Bathrooms are a popular place to keep houseplants as they are typically warm and provide high levels of humidity, mimicking a tropical environment, in which many indoor plants thrive. Even in a bathroom, all plants need a light source such as a window or grow lights.
Houseplants can add colour and style to your bathroom and helps to create a ‘spa-like’ ambience. Studies have shown that houseplants can also reduce stress and boost your mood.
Any of these humid-loving plants can be positioned in rooms other than kitchens and bathroom as long as you keep the air around them humid. You can achieve this by standing them on a small saucer of wet gravel or frequently mist them.
Plants including:
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Plants suited to areas with low levels of natural light and fluctuating temperatures
These houseplants are suitable for locations such as on north or north-east facing window sills, bedrooms and shaded conservatories. They need a minimum night-time temperature of 10°C (50°F) and should be allowed to partially dry out between watering, especially in winter.
The best low-light plants can thrive on little sunlight, so are ideal for locations such as the hallway or single-glazed room that could be centrally heated by day but cold and draughty at night.
Plants including:
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Plants suited to areas with high levels of natural light
These houseplants are suitable for locations such as a south-facing window sill, a bright kitchen, living rooms or a sunny conservatory, where light levels are high.
Plants including:
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There is a huge selection to choose from in our houseplant department and we have everything you need to keep your houseplants healthy and happy.
We also have an expert team on hand to answer any questions you may have regarding plant choice or how best to keep them.