Keep your indoor plants free from problems with our care guide.
Keep your indoor plants free from problems with our care guide.
Most houseplants will thrive in a well-lit, draught-free spot with an even temperature and reasonably high humidity. However some plants have specific needs. For instance, flowering plants and those with variegated foliage need more light than plants with plain green foliage, while ferns like a darker position. Cacti, succulents and carnivorous plants like a bright windowsill, but avoid putting on a south-facing sill in summer, where they could scorch. Orchids prefer bright, indirect light and if possible, lots of fresh air and high humidity. Generally, if growth is poor and spindly, flowering plants are shy to flower or variegated plants revert to plain green, improve the light conditions.
Ferns, orchids, bromeliads, calathea and other tropical plants enjoy a daily mist with a hand-held spray. Grouping plants on a tray of damp gravel will also help.
Use the Pest and disease identifier if in any doubt.
BBC © 2014 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.