Keep your indoor plants thriving with our expert houseplant care guide. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced plant parent, our houseplant care tips will help you understand watering, lighting, feeding, and general maintenance to ensure your plants stay healthy and vibrant all year round.
Houseplants have different soil needs depending on their species. Using the right compost ensures proper drainage, aeration, and nutrients for healthy growth.
✔ All-Purpose Houseplant Compost – Suitable for most indoor plants, providing balanced nutrients and good moisture retention.
✔ Cactus & Succulent Mix – Specially formulated with extra drainage to prevent root rot in succulents and cacti.
✔ Orchid Bark Mix – A loose, airy blend designed to support orchid roots and prevent overwatering.
✔ Peat-Free Options – Eco-friendly alternatives for sustainable plant care.
📌 Tip: Repot your houseplants every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and encourage healthy root growth.
Watering needs vary depending on the plant type, season, and indoor environment. Overwatering is a common issue, so using the right tools can help maintain the ideal moisture balance.
✔ Self-Watering Pots – Perfect for busy plant owners, these pots regulate moisture levels.
✔ Watering Cans – Choose a long-spouted can for precision watering, especially for delicate plants.
✔ Plant Misters – Essential for humidity-loving plants like ferns, Calatheas, and orchids.
✔ Moisture Meters – A great tool to prevent over or underwatering by measuring soil moisture levels.
📌 Tip: Most houseplants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings—check the top inch of soil before adding more water.
Lighting is one of the most crucial factors for plant health. Understanding your home's light levels helps you choose the right plant for each space.
✔ Bright, Direct Light: Perfect for succulents, cacti, and Bird of Paradise.
✔ Bright, Indirect Light: Ideal for Monstera, Fiddle Leaf Fig, and Orchids.
✔ Low Light: Great for Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, and Peace Lilies.
✔ Grow Lights: A great alternative for low-light spaces, ensuring plants get enough light year-round.
📌 Tip: Rotate your plants occasionally to ensure even growth and prevent them from leaning towards the light source.
Regular feeding is essential for strong, vibrant plants. Different plants require specific nutrients, so using the right fertiliser is key.
✔ General Liquid Feed – Suitable for most houseplants, promoting lush foliage and healthy roots.
✔ Cactus & Succulent Feed – A low-nitrogen formula that encourages slow, steady growth.
✔ Orchid Fertiliser – Provides the specific nutrients orchids need for long-lasting blooms.
✔ Organic & Slow-Release Fertilisers – Great for consistent nutrient delivery over time.
📌 Tip: Feed your plants every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring & summer) and reduce feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows down.
A stylish pot enhances your plant’s beauty while providing the right environment for healthy roots.
✔ Ceramic & Glazed Pots – Elegant and available in various colours and styles.
✔ Self-Watering Planters – Helps maintain moisture levels, great for busy plant owners.
✔ Hanging Planters – Perfect for trailing plants like Pothos and String of Hearts.
✔ Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable Pots – A sustainable option for environmentally conscious plant lovers.
📌 Tip: Always ensure your pots have drainage holes or use inner nursery pots to prevent waterlogging.
Pests and diseases can affect indoor plants, but with the right care, you can keep them at bay.
✔ Neem Oil Spray – A natural solution for preventing and treating common houseplant pests like spider mites and aphids.
✔ Sticky Traps – Helps control fungus gnats by trapping adult insects.
✔ Fungicides & Disease Prevention Sprays – Protect against mold, mildew, and root rot.
✔ Insecticidal Soap – A gentle, non-toxic option for treating common plant pests.
📌 Tip: Regularly check the undersides of leaves for pests and remove any damaged foliage to prevent disease spread.
Finchley Nurseries Garden Centre Ltd.
Burtonhole Lane, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AS