If fungus gnats and fruit flies are plaguing your houseplants, Amazon is selling a £2.99 fly trap to keep flies off your plants - plus, this Amazon bestseller has thousands of reviews to back it up.

There’s nothing quite as irritating (or gross) as flies lurking in your home, especially when they’re buzzing around your houseplants. Luckily for you, there are plenty of ways to keep flies off houseplants, and this includes adding sticky, non-toxic traps to your pot to catch and kill them.

These Amazon fly traps, in particular, have a proven track record at getting rid of flies, having racked up thousands of positive reviews from happy plant parents online.

If your best houseplants are being plagued by flies, you'll need to know how to get rid of fungus gnats. Attracted to damp soil and decaying plant matter, these flies can be a real pain. The best way to tackle them is to not overwater your plants, and repot them with fresh soil and horticultural grit (£12.60 at B&Q); however, if you're faced with an infestation, using sticky traps can also be an effective way to get rid of flies.

Amazon’s Sticky Fruit Fly and Fungus Gnat Traps come in packs of 12 and are incredibly easy to use. All you do is push the base of the trap into the soil of the pot, and the trap will do the rest. The yellow hue acts as an attractant and traps flies using a sticky glue, which immobilises pests.

To dispose of, simply pull the trap out and put it in the bin. These paper traps are highly effective as yellow is the favourite colour of most pests, including flies and fungus gnats. The glue is also odourless, so you don’t have to worry about it making your home smell.

The trap won’t harm your plants, and it is safe to touch, although you will want to wash your hands after touching the glue. It can be used on outdoor plants as well as indoors, as the trap is waterproof and UV-resistant. The manufacturer even states you can use it in your fruit bowl, too. They last up to three months, and you don’t need to replace the trap until it is covered in bugs.

‘I had some very small flies in the soil I brought. So my home was full of tiny flies. These sticky sticks did the trick. They were covered in these flies in days. Easy to use, just stick it in the soil, job done. Good value for money as they actually work. Good size and sturdy enough. No smell,’ said one of the thousands of good reviews.

‘These yellow sticky traps have worked well for catching adult fruit flies and fungus gnats. They’re very easy to use, simply place them in the soil near affected plants, and they start working quickly. I noticed a clear reduction in adult gnats once they were in place,’ said another.

‘I also like that they blend in reasonably well with houseplants. The bright yellow is intentional for attracting insects, but the shape is simple and unobtrusive, and they don’t look out of place in plant pots.

‘It’s worth noting that these traps only deal with adult insects, so they work best when used alongside other methods that target the lifecycle in the soil. Used as part of a broader approach, they’re effective and practical. Overall, I’d recommend them for managing gnat problems in indoor plants.’

As the reviewer mentioned, it is best to use these traps alongside other methods, such as scent deterrents and general cleanliness, to keep flies out of your home. But at just £2.99, these yellow sticky traps are definitely worth a try.

If you've ever walked into a hotel and wondered why the space feels so effortlessly luxurious, I think the answer is often simpler than you might think. Alongside the lighting and furniture, many of the most stylish hotels rely on large statement plants to soften a room and create a sense of calm. One houseplant I always spot and now have in my own home is the bird of paradise.

When it comes to hotel-inspired houseplants, few varieties make quite the same impact as a bird of paradise. Also known as Strelitzia, it's loved by interior design experts for its large architectural leaves and impressive height, which can instantly elevate a room. It's also part of the big houseplant trend that's seeing homeowners, like me, swap collections of smaller plants for one or two statement specimens.

While it wouldn't top a list of fuss-free houseplants, it's certainly one of the best low-maintenance plants for a boutique hotel look, bringing structure to a room with not much effort at all, really, and it's easy to care for.

Here's why it's become my favourite for creating a polished, hotel-inspired aesthetic at home, and why experts agree.

The moment I brought ours home from IKEA (an insider secret is that they sell them in-store for £60, which is way cheaper than other places), it transformed an empty corner in our living room that always felt a bit flat. Rather than adding more furniture or accessories, one tall plant changed the feel of the room.

According to Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies, that's exactly why the plant has become such a staple for hotel interiors.

'The bird of paradise has a real architectural quality that instantly draws the eye, which is why it's become such a staple in hotel interiors. Its large, upright leaves create height and structure without feeling heavy, helping to fill the space in a way that feels both dramatic and relaxed,' she explains.

That sense of structure is something Sara Hesikova, Ideal Home's Room Decor Editor, believes is key to creating a well-balanced interior.

'When designing and decorating a room, it's always important to incorporate pieces of various heights to create depth and intrigue and avoid it looking flat. And tall, lush plants like this one are the perfect tool to do this, which is why some of the most stylish and expensive-looking homes often have one, or even a few.'

Shop bird of paradise plants

The bird of paradise's ability to add height without taking up lots of floor space is another reason it works so well in homes. While it can eventually reach up to two metres tall, its upright habit means it creates a dramatic focal point without taking up floor space.

As Lance Russell, horticultural expert at Thompson & Morgan, explains, 'The bird of paradise brings instant holiday luxury indoors. Its stately, deeply ribbed blue-green foliage creates a magnificent architectural silhouette that commands attention in vast hotel lobbies and minimalist living rooms alike.'

Shop large stylish pots

It's not all about looks, either. Jo explains that hotels often use bird of paradise plants to create a feeling of escapism and relaxation, thanks to their tropical appearance.

'The foliage has a tropical feel that's associated with luxury destinations, but the plant itself is surprisingly versatile and works just as well in modern homes. Even a single bird of paradise can anchor a room and give it the same considered look that people admire in hotel lobbies and lounges.'

I think that's what I love most about mine. It has the ability to make a room feel more expensive without requiring a complete redesign. While my smaller houseplants can sometimes get lost among furniture, it naturally becomes part of the room's design.

Lance agrees, adding that hotels and homeowners alike are drawn to the plant because it delivers 'maximum visual impact' while adapting perfectly to bright indoor spaces.

Its neat, upright structure means it creates a sculptural focal point without overwhelming the room. And if you've got an empty corner or a room that feels a bit meh, Jo believes a bird of paradise could be the answer.

I think people are drawn to this plant because they make a space feel more considered without requiring much else around it. Adding one can completely change the atmosphere. It brings height, texture and a touch of the outdoors indoors, which is something people are increasingly looking for in their homes.'

And its biggest draw is how easy it is to look after.

How I care for my bird of paradise plant

While it might look like a high-maintenance tropical plant, I've found it's fairly forgiving provided it's given the right conditions.

Mine sits in a bright spot in a south-facing room where it gets plenty of natural light throughout the day, and I only water it when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry or when its watering indicator (£4 at Amazon), looks low. During spring and summer, I feed it with Miracle-Gro Pump & Feed, £5 at Amazon, to encourage healthy growth.

The only maintenance task I make sure to keep on top of is wiping down its massive leaves every few weeks as they collect dust quickly. Wiping them down with banana peel keeps the plant healthy and ensures it always looks great. I also give it a spritz of Baby Bio leaf shine, £4.49 from Amazon, as this also helps remove dust and gives the plant a little extra pizzazz.

Houseplant care essentials

So there you have it. If you're looking for a simple way to recreate a hotel feel at home, the bird of paradise is one of the most effective houseplants you can buy!

I’m seeing pretty plant stakes all over the internet and Etsy, and they’re proving that functional plant support doesn’t have to be boring - in fact, they can look like a work of art.

Anyone with a house full of the best houseplants will know that climbing houseplants require a little extra support, and this often comes in the form of plant stakes or moss poles.

While your typical moss pole can look a little plain, pretty plant stakes are becoming increasingly more popular online. I’ve rounded up a few of my favourites to show that these functional poles can also be used to add a little designer flair to your houseplants.

If you have climbing plants or top-heavy plants like monstera, then you’ll need to learn how to train climbing plants, and this is often done by adding a stake to your pot to help support the plant's growth.

‘Plant stakes are a great way to help your plants grow in a healthy way. Think of it as a little support system for your plant,’ says Bloom & Wild’s Plant and Floral Lead, Lucy Hook.

‘They help guide stems upwards as they grow, preventing them from bending, drooping or snapping under their own weight. In nature, many plants would lean on trees or surrounding foliage for support, so staking simply recreates that environment indoors.’

‘Plants like monstera, rubber plants, fiddle leaf figs and orchids all benefit from extra support as they mature. A good rule of thumb is to think about how your plant would grow in the wild. If it likes to climb upwards, a stake can help keep its stems strong and supported. If it prefers to trail or spread out, it’s usually happiest left to do its own thing.’

And as handy as plant stakes are, you should also consider looking for aesthetically pleasing models. I first spotted the Rich Tones Wavy Plant Stake (£11.42) on Etsy, and immediately loved the idea.

Using bright colours and different shapes to support plants added more visual texture to the pot. It’s like giving your plant a makeover, rather than simply training your plant to grow correctly. It’s a fun way to add a pop of colour to your houseplant ideas, whilst still fulfilling an important function. In fact, I see it becoming a popular houseplant trend.

If you’re a plant parent who also loves colour, opting for bolder, brighter plant stakes is an excellent way to add some subtle colour to your home. What do you say?

Watering houseplants is pretty straightforward, right? Fill your watering can and get to work. Well, experts have revealed that you should actually be leaving your water to stand overnight before watering your plants. And this little extra step can make a big difference to your plants.

The best houseplants can really make a house feel like home. Not only do they look good, but they can also make us feel good, seeing as there are houseplants that can reduce damp and even houseplants that can reduce dust in our homes. So, it’s important we look after them to the best of our abilities.

This is why ‘overnighting’ your water can be handy. By placing water in an open container overnight, you allow chlorine to dissipate, which is more suitable for sensitive plants.

What is overnighting?

While you may have worked out the best time to water your houseplant, experts also want you to take the extra step of leaving it out overnight beforehand. This allows the chlorine to dissipate from the water and allows the water to come to room temperature.

‘When you leave water in a jug or container with a wide opening at the top then this allows the chlorine - often added as a disinfectant by watering companies to ensure it’s safe for us to drink - to begin to evaporate making it more suitable for watering houseplants which can be vulnerable to chlorine building up in their soil and harming the beneficial soil microbes which are vital for their healthy growth,’ explains Lucie Bradley, garden and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation.

‘If you leave tap water overnight in an open container (so not a bottle), then the chlorine leaves the water mainly through evaporation. Leaving it in the air for 24 to 48 hours will actually be more effective and should enable the chlorine to fully evaporate. This is why I usually keep a jug of tap water in my kitchen for a day or so before using it to water my plants. This is the simplest way to get rid of the chlorine.’

Chlorine can affect sensitive plants such as Calathea, Dracaena, Ferns, Spider Plants and Peace Lilies. Typically, it’s plants with tropical origins that are most affected, and you can tell a plant is affected by chlorine if the tips or edges of its leaves can turn brown. Leaves can also turn a yellow shade, and growth can slow down.

‘The extra benefit of leaving water to ‘overnight’ is that it becomes room temperature, which is ideal when watering houseplants, which can be wasteful of water and difficult to achieve when running your tap to water plants straight away,’ adds Lucie.

However, ‘overnighting’ is not a necessary step for all plants, nor will it make a drastic change to your plant’s health.

‘Overnighting’ water for houseplants is not usually necessary for most homes or common indoor plants. While leaving water to stand overnight can help some chlorine dissipate and allow the water to reach room temperature, most houseplants will grow perfectly well with normal tap water,’ says Amber Tunney, Plant Buyer at Cherry Lane Garden Centres.

‘It tends to only be beneficial in areas with very hard or heavily chlorinated water, or when growing particularly sensitive tropical plants such as Calatheas or ferns. For most houseplants, regular watering habits and avoiding overwatering are far more important than overnighting water.’

Make watering a breeze

If you have a sensitive plant that’s struggling, taking the extra step to ‘overnight’ your water can help. It’s an easy, free hack that will encourage your plants to grow happier and healthier.

April is perhaps the most important time of the year to start giving your fiddle leaf fig some attention.

Fiddle leaf figs are one of those trendy plants you always spot in stylish people's homes, but how do they keep them looking so healthy? They're not the easiest plants to care for, so we've asked our plant experts for their top fiddle leaf fig care tips as we move into April.

'This month is a great time to give your fiddle leaf a fresh start as it moves into its active growing season,' says Angharad James, brand manager at Baby Bio. This means it's a lot more responsive to any care and maintenance you give it, and the longer, warmer days help immensely.

These are the April fiddle leaf fig jobs to add to your to-do list.

1. Repot

After the winter months, your fiddle leaf fig might have outgrown its pot – one sign of this is if your plant has actually stopped growing.

Amber Tunney, horticultural specialist at Cherry Lane Garden Centres explains, 'If your fiddle leaf fig has outgrown its pot or roots are circling the base, now is a great time to repot into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining compost. Just be careful not to size up too quickly, as this can lead to overwatering.'

A good rule of thumb when you're buying a new pot is to look for one that's 1-2 inches larger in diameter than your current one. Look for a well-draining compost mix like B&Q's Westland house plant potting mix, £5.50 for 4 litres. It encourages strong root development, protects your plants from pests and keeps them hydrated and nourished.

2. Clean the leaves

This care tip sounds simple, but is highly effective because their surface area is large.

'Wipe down leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and help them photosynthesise more efficiently (they’ll reward you with that glossy look!),' says Angharad. 'Follow with a light spritz of Baby Bio® Leaf Shine for an extra boost.'

The best way to clean them is how Angharad mentions, dip a microfibre cloth into a bowl of lukewarm water, gently hold the leaf underneath and wipe slowly. Another option is to place your plant in the shower and slowly spray it. This isn't just an April job, though; you can do this monthly to keep your fiddle leaf fig free from dust.

3. Start feeding

According to Angharad steady nutrition is better than a sudden surge, so every couple of weeks would be a good routine to follow.

Amber agrees, 'Feeding is equally important at this time of year. Applying a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser every couple of weeks will support new growth and help the plant regain strength after winter, encouraging those signature glossy leaves.'

For the most effective results, Neil Thomas, gardening specialist and founder of FirePit.co.uk recommends feeding and watering the soil if the top layer dries out – it's essential your learn how often your fiddle leaf fig needs watering. 'Overwatering is key to avoid in this situation as healthy roots require oxygen just as much as water. If the soil is constantly wet, air pockets within the soil may close which will weaken the oxygen intake that roots need to successfully grow. It can also cause root rot which spreads extremely easily and could cause irreparable damage in the long term.'

Have a look at Baby Bio's houseplant food, full of essential nutrients, it's £2 for 175ml on Amazon.

4. Have a prune

This is also the perfect month for giving your fiddle leaf fig a reshape. It encourages branching and a bushier shape.

Neil explains, 'It is the perfect opportunity for removing damaged leaves for a healthier restart in encouraging a fuller regrowth. I recommend trimming just above the node to support the promotion of branching. Be cautious not take too much off at once as it could prevent its natural growth cycle and a fuller appearance in its most active stage of growth. '

You can also take off the top if it's getting too tall. 'Carefully trimming the top can promote branching, giving you a fuller plant over time,' says Amber.

We like Amazon's Fiskars micro-tip pruning shears, £25.99, they are great for precision snipping.

5. Light and positioning

Where you place a fiddle leaf fig in your home is incredibly important to its growth. We all benefit from a bit of natural light don't we, and the fiddle leaf fig loves indirect light at this time of year that's bright so maybe give yours a new home for the spring months.

Neil agrees, 'One of the most notable changes in this time of year is the lighter days, and as daylight hours increase, the positioning of your fiddle leaf fig becomes more important. Rotate it regularly so the growth is even. During the warmer months heightened temperatures can also cause roots to absorb water at a faster rate which will dry out the soil; therefore, it is essential to make sure the soil is always at a healthy moist texture.'

You'll often find fiddle leaf figs in living rooms and bedrooms as they are great places to add a bit of style and the light is usually perfect for them.

What you'll need

FAQs

Can I place my fiddle leaf fig in the sun?

Fiddle leaf figs love bright light, but not direct light. They can suffer from sunburn if you leave them in the sun.

Neil explains, 'Sudden exposure to direct sunlight can damage the light receptors within the leaves and scorch them, meaning the plant can no longer process light efficiently.'

Check out where the sun comes in and make sure you place your plant just where it doesn't reach for maximum benefit.

What makes fiddle leaf figs happy?

'While no single solution guarantees complete success, combining repotting, the correct feed and watering, plant maintenance, and sunlight exposure and simple planting tricks can make fiddle leaf figs more likely to thrive in April,' says Neil.

Find the right spot for it and leave it there, and keep a good routine with your watering – consistency is key with a fiddle leaf fig.

If you follow our guide on what to do with a fiddle leaf fig in April yours will thrive in the summer months and become a stylish addition to your home.

Knowing what to do with orchids in April can make a huge difference in their performance throughout the rest of the year.

Caring for an orchid includes everything from watering and fertilising to repotting and pruning; however, in April, feeding takes priority. Starting a fertilising regime in April will ensure that the plant has all the nutrients it requires as it begins to grow and produce blooms.

'Orchids have a bad rap; they are often thought of as hard to care for, but actually they are pretty resilient plants that can flower time and time again,' says The Little Botanical co-founder, Morag Hill.

1. Give the orchid a health check

The first thing to do with orchids in April is to give the plant a health check. A houseplant MOT will set them up for the year ahead. This is also important to do when you first buy an orchid, like these from Crocus.

'Look for signs of pest infestations and remove any damaged leaves or old sheaths. Most species should not be in bloom, so prune the stem that previously had blooms on it back to the node,' says Angharad James, Brand Manager at Baby Bio. Just remember to sharpen your secateurs and clean your garden tools before doing this.

When assessing your orchid, take a look at the roots. If you can see overcrowding, with tight tangles or white roots growing out of the container, then it might also be time to repot your orchid.

'You can repot your orchid at any time of year, but spring is an especially good time, as you should start to see green root tips and hopefully the new shoots of flowering stems. You should ideally repot your orchid every two years (to maintain the structure of its potting medium),' says Kelly Dyer, plant doctor at Patch Plants.

2. Start feeding your orchid

'April marks the start of the orchid’s active growing season, so regular feeding becomes important,' says Asta Foufas, head florist at Arena Flowers.

'Choosing the best orchid fertiliser comes down to a few key things: balanced nutrients (NPK), gentle formulation (low/urea-free nitrogen), and matching the growth stage (growth vs flowering). Orchids are sensitive, so lighter, specialised feeds are always better than strong general fertilisers.'

Angharad James from Baby Bio seconds this. 'April is the ideal time to begin feeding regularly to ensure its soil is enriched with all of the nutrients your orchid needs to grow stronger roots, brighter blooms and more luscious leaves. We recommend using an orchid feed like Baby Bio Orchid Food with every watering for the brightest blooms.'

However, when feeding, be careful not to overfeed your orchid. 'This kills more orchids than underfeeding,' adds Asta. Following the instructions on your specific feed is essential.

Shop for houseplant feed

3. Resume regular watering of your orchid

Alongside increasing feeding your orchid in April, you also need to resume a regular watering schedule for your orchid. However, it's important to remember that less is more.

'Orchids need far less water than people think,' says Morag Hill, co-founder of Little Botanical. 'Every 2 weeks, an egg cup full of water is usually plenty. Look at the roots, silvery-grey is usually a sign your orchid is ready for watering, while green roots mean it’s nicely hydrated.'

'You're aiming for consistently moist. Too wet and the roots will rot, too dry and the roots will shrivel up. They hate hard water and won't enjoy the chemicals in tap water, so it's best, where possible, to use rain or filtered water. Orchids also hate cold water, so room temperature water is best,' advises Kelly Dyer, plant doctor at Patch Plants.

Strategies for watering an orchid vary – so it is worth taking the time to find out which works best for you. Kelly recommends 'Submerging the nursery pot in water up to where the leaves start, waiting for any air bubbles to escape to the top of the pot. You then want to let it drain freely before popping it back in its decorative pot.'

Alternatively, if you often overwater your orchids, investing in a self-watering orchid pot, like this Orchidea pot from Amazon, is an ideal solution.

If you give your orchids the right care in April they should reward you with glorious blooms that keep coming back.

Spider plants are often described as one of the easiest houseplants to grow, and for the most part, that's true. Still, it's worth learning what to do with spider plants in April if you want them to look their tiptop best.

Yes, caring for spider plants is relatively easy; they'll happily tolerate a bit of neglect, bounce back from the odd missed watering, and reward you with a cascade of arching green-and-white leaves (and plenty of baby plantlets). If you’ve ever owned one, you’ll know they’re not completely fuss-free.

In fact, there’s one issue that seems to crop up time and time again, especially as we move into spring: those frustrating brown tips that creep onto otherwise healthy leaves. And April is a key moment in their lives if you want to keep this from happening.

What to do with spider plants in April

Yes, April is a key moment for spider plants. As light levels increase and the growing season kicks in, this is when your plant really starts to put on fresh growth, which means that even very small care tweaks can make a big difference to how it looks for the rest of the year.

Get it right now, and you’ll be rewarded with lush, vibrant foliage. Get it wrong, and those brown tips can quickly take over.

The good news? It's all pretty easy-to-follow advice...

1. Keep your watering consistent

Spring is when many of us start watering houseplants more frequently, but inconsistency is where problems can creep in.

According to Angharad James at Baby Bio®, 'Spider plants are fairly forgiving, but they do prefer a steady watering routine. Allowing the soil to completely dry out and then suddenly soaking it can stress the plant, often resulting in brown leaf tips.'

Instead, aim for balance. 'The best approach is to check the compost regularly and water when the top couple of centimetres feel dry,' she says. 'Keeping the soil lightly and evenly moist helps the plant stay healthy and keeps the foliage looking fresh.'

In practical terms, that might mean watering little and often, rather than giving your plant the occasional heavy drench. A good way to monitor its moisture level is by using an indicator like Westland's watering indicator, £4 from Amazon, that is keeping our Garden editor, Sophie's houseplants alive. Or if you need more of a reminder, this clever sensor by Willow lets you know when your plants need a drink, via their app.

2. Rethink your water type

One of the easiest things to do with spider plants in April? Switch up your watering options.

Yes, if you’re doing everything else right and still seeing brown tips, your tap water could be the issue. Spider plants can be sensitive to the minerals and salts commonly found in household water supplies, and over time, these build up in the soil.

'Tap water can contain minerals and salts that gradually build up in the compost,' explains Angharad. 'If you notice brown tips appearing regularly, try occasionally watering with rainwater or filtered water to help reduce the build-up.'

Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, echoes this, noting that 'by using filtered or rainwater, then a spider plant’s leaves should remain healthy and vibrant.'

If switching water types isn’t always practical, there’s another simple fix: flushing the soil.

3. Flush the soil occasionally

Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate in your plant’s compost, even if you’re careful with watering.

That’s why both experts recommend occasionally flushing the soil through with fresh water. This means watering thoroughly and allowing excess water to drain away, helping to wash out built-up salts.

It’s a simple step, but one that can make a noticeable difference, especially in April and the other spring months, when plants are actively growing and taking up more water.

4. Start feeding for the growing season

April marks the beginning of the active growing season for most houseplants, and spider plants are no exception.

'Like all houseplants, spider plants rely on you to replenish nutrients over time,' says Angharad. 'As plants grow, the compost they’re in gradually becomes depleted, which can lead to slower growth, dull foliage and browning leaf tips.'

Her advice is to introduce a regular feeding routine: 'Regular feeding with a balanced fertiliser such as Baby Bio Houseplant Food, £1.99 at Amazon, helps restore those essential nutrients, supporting greener leaves, stronger roots and healthy growth.'

Even feeding every couple of weeks can help support healthier, more resilient foliage.

What you'll need

FAQs

Spider plants may be low-maintenance, but April is your opportunity to give them a reset.

By keeping watering consistent, reducing mineral build-up, feeding regularly and improving their environment, you can tackle the root causes of brown tips before they take hold. Get it right now, and your spider plant won’t just survive the season; it’ll thrive, sending out fresh, glossy leaves (and plenty of baby spiders) well into the months ahead.

Not sure how to care for peace lilies in March? Because, yes, these houseplants may look effortlessly elegant without demanding constant attention, but the peace lily still needs (and deserves) your love.

With its glossy green leaves and distinctive white blooms, the peace lily is a firm favourite for brightening up indoor spaces – and as a bonus, it’s often praised for its air-purifying qualities, too.

That being said, the shift from winter to spring is a key moment in their care calendar. And, as daylight hours increase and homes begin to warm up, your plant’s needs subtly change.

What to do with a peace lily in March

Yes, getting things right for your peace lily in March can set the tone for healthy growth in the months ahead.

The good news? A few small tweaks are all it takes to keep your peace lily thriving. From adjusting its position to fine-tuning your watering routine, here’s how to give this popular houseplant exactly what it needs right now, according to Angharad James, Brand Manager at Baby Bio.

Peace lily care essentials

1. Position your plant carefully

As spring begins to make itself known, one of the most important things to consider is light. While peace lilies are known for tolerating lower light conditions, the stronger sunshine that comes with March can be a bit of a shock to the system.

'Peace lilies don’t require much light, but in March as daylight increases, place it out of direct sunlight to keep it happy,' Angharad explains. 'Stronger spring sun can cause its delicate blossoms to burn and may result in crispy, curled leaves.'

In practical terms, that means avoiding sunny windowsills where direct rays hit for long periods. Instead, opt for a bright spot with indirect light (try a naturally well-lit room where sunlight is filtered).

2. Keep humidity levels up

Native to tropical rainforests, peace lilies are happiest in warm, humid conditions – something that can be tricky to replicate at home, especially as central heating is still in use during early spring.

'To increase humidity levels, mist them a few times a week… or place a shallow tray filled with pebbles and top up with water to increase the humidity in the air,' says Angharad.

Grouping plants together can also help create a slightly more humid microclimate, giving your peace lily a more comfortable environment to grow in.

3. Adjust your watering routine

As your plant begins to wake up from its slower winter phase, you might notice it getting thirstier. Growth starts to pick up in March, which means your usual watering routine may need a slight tweak.

That said, overwatering remains one of the most common mistakes – and it can quickly lead to root rot.

'Be mindful you don’t accidentally overwater it – remember to always check how moist the soil is before watering. It’s best to wait until the top inch of soil is dry,' says Angharad.

A quick finger test is often all you need. If the top layer feels dry, it’s time to water; if it’s still damp, hold off for a few more days. Or if you need more of an indication, this clever sensor by Willow lets you know when your plants need a drink, via their app. Or Westland's watering indicator, £4 from Amazon, is keeping our Garden editor, Sophie's houseplants alive.

4. Feed to support new growth

March also marks the start of the growing season, making it the ideal time to reintroduce feeding into your plant care routine.

'Feed your plant weekly during the growing season with a high-quality fertiliser like Baby Bio houseplant food, £1.97 at Amazon, to encourage fresh new leaves and blooms,' says Angharad.

Regular feeding helps provide the nutrients your peace lily needs to produce those signature white flowers and maintain its lush foliage.

Just be sure to always follow the recommended dosage; more isn’t necessarily better when it comes to fertiliser.

5. Keep leaves clean and glossy

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but keeping your plant’s leaves clean can make a noticeable difference to its overall health.

'Dust leaves regularly with a damp cloth to keep them clear and encourage more growth – this will ensure they photosynthesise well!' Angharad advises.

A quick wipe every now and then is well worth the effort. And, as a bonus, it also helps keep those deep green leaves looking their best.

'To keep leaves looking extra glossy, give them a spray using a leaf shine.' Baby Bio's leaf shine, £7 at Amazon, is a great choice.

FAQs

Ultimately, caring for a peace lily in March is all about paying attention to these small seasonal shifts.

A little more light awareness, a touch more water, and a boost in humidity can go a long way in helping your plant transition smoothly into spring.

Get it right now, and you’ll be rewarded with healthy growth, vibrant leaves, and those iconic white blooms in the weeks ahead.

Primark is selling the cutest houseplant pots for spring. If you’re looking to add pops of pastel colour to your home, look no further than here.

Most homes have at least one of the best houseplants on show. And if you don’t, you are seriously missing out, as not only are they a brilliant way to add life and colour into your home, they can also improve air quality.

But every houseplant needs a good plant pot, and if you're looking a little tired, or could do with planting up to a bigger size, Primark has a host of new, affordable, stylish designs. These are the ones on sale right now that caught my eye.

Alternatives

Unfortunately, not all Primark Home departments were made equally. So, if your local store lacks these stunning plant pots, or if Click and Collect isn’t available for you, I’ve rounded up a few more stunning styles.

A pretty plant pot can easily make a room look brighter or more colourful - perfect for injecting some life into your home this spring.

There are few things more satisfying in the houseplant world than turning one beloved plant into many. Is it any wonder, then, that so many people are desperate to learn how to propagate a monstera?

With its glossy, split leaves and jungle energy, Monstera deliciosa has become a modern houseplant icon. But beyond its good looks, it’s also refreshingly generous – and surprisingly easy to multiply, once you know what you're doing.

Better still, you don’t need specialist kit or years of experience. In fact, all you really need is you, a pair of clean secateurs, and the quiet thrill that comes from taking cuttings from plants.

How to propagate a monstera

With the right cut, a little patience, and some basic aftercare, you can learn how to propagate a monstera successfully at almost any time of year – although spring and summer do give you a natural boost.

'Monstera plants are very easy to propagate, which makes them a great plant for beginners and experienced growers,' explains Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries. 'They can be gifted, swapped or grown to fill the home with a jungle of plants.'

Whether you’re hoping to bulk out your own space or create plant babies to share, then, here’s how to propagate a monstera like a pro.

1. Start with the node

If there’s one golden rule of monstera propagation, it’s this: no node, no plant.

'Take cuttings from a healthy plant and below a node,' says Morris. Nodes are easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for – they’re the small bumps or joints along the stem where a leaf, aerial root, or new growth emerges. Without one, propagation simply won’t work.

Plant expert Leena Pettigrew of Plantasmic and Palmstreet, the community-obsessed live shopping app for rare plants and more, agrees, stressing that this is where many people go wrong.

'Cuttings that lack a node and axillary bud, such as leaves, will not produce new growth and will rot,' she explains. 'The leaves of the plant will not grow on their own because new growth comes from buds and nodes on the stem.'

Propagation essentials:

Using clean, sharp shears or a knife, make your cut just below the node, ensuring the cutting has at least one healthy leaf (ideally two).

Before you start, clean your tools thoroughly with soap and water, and consider wiping them with rubbing alcohol to prevent contamination.

2. Choose your method

One of the joys of learning how to propagate a monstera is that it’s wonderfully flexible. You can root your cutting in water or plant it straight into soil, and both methods work well.

For water propagation, place the cutting into a jar or vase so the node sits below the water line while the leaf remains above it.

'Position the vase in bright, indirect light and keep the water fresh,' says Morris. 'Roots will appear very quickly and can be left in the vase for weeks and even months. Watching the roots grow is fascinating.'

Change the water every few days to keep things fresh, and once you have a healthy network of roots (usually a few inches long) you can pot the cutting up into soil.

Prefer a more direct route? Soil propagation is just as effective.

'Plant straight into a good quality houseplant compost, ensuring the soil is free draining. Keep the soil slightly moist and the roots will soon grow,' says Morris, adding that you should place the pot somewhere warm with bright, indirect light.

3. Go hard on the TLC

Propagation doesn’t stop once the cutting is planted, as plant parents everywhere will already know: you need to show those cuttings some serious love. And, while light is key to this, direct sun can scorch young leaves. Aim instead for bright but filtered conditions.

Leena recommends a little extra encouragement during the early stages. 'Adding light in the early morning or late afternoon for two to three hours and misting your plant every two to three days is crucial for successful propagation,' she says, noting that this gentle humidity boost mimics the monstera’s natural tropical environment and helps prevent stress.

Temperature also plays a role. Keep cuttings away from cold drafts, radiators, or sudden temperature swings, and resist the urge to overwater: soggy soil is far more likely to cause rot than slow growth.

4. Pot it on

Once your propagated monstera shows signs of new growth (this might look like fresh leaves or strong root development), then it’s ready to be potted on. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the root ball to avoid excess moisture sitting in unused soil.

As the plant grows, you can gradually move it into a larger pot and even introduce a moss pole or support if you want those iconic, oversized leaves to develop.

With time, your cutting will be indistinguishable from a mature monstera... except you’ll know it started life as a free plant.

FAQs

Beyond the obvious joy of free houseplants, learning how to propagate monstera is a brilliant way to keep your main plant healthy and manageable. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents legginess, while the cuttings give you endless opportunities to experiment, share, or expand your indoor jungle.

And perhaps that’s the real appeal. In a world where so much feels expensive and disposable, monstera propagation offers something slower, greener, and quietly generous. One plant becomes many... and that never gets old.

The snake plant – also called Sansevieria Trifasciata and mother-in-law's tongue is a popular variety for houseplant lovers. Known for filtering the air and removing nasty pollutants, it's ideal for allergy sufferers and is also great for boosting mental health. However, according to Feng Shui, get the positioning of your snake plant right, and it can promote positive vibes.

It is relatively easy to care for a snake plant; it needs little water (hurray!) and is tolerant of most light conditions, not to mention easy on the eyes. Andy Little, houseplant buyer at British Garden Centres, adds, 'This striking architectural plant is believed to absorb negative energy and produce protective vibes. It also has the added benefits of purifying the air while you sleep, making it ideal for bedrooms. Its sword-like leaves are thought to cut through bad energy.'

What is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui means 'wind-water' and is an ancient Chinese art of placing key pieces in positions to maximise positivity, prosperity, well-being, harmony and balance. By incorporating it into our homes, we can improve the flow of the design and how we interact within it.

When we add new elements to our homes, it's worth looking at the best spots to place them to make the most of this wonderful 4000-year-old practice.

'In feng shui, living house plants bring in a lucky flow of qi (life force energy) and bring nature into our interior spaces. They also teach us how to mindfully care for the things in our home,' says Feng Shui consultant, Anjie Cho. 'Everyone is so drawn to house plants, especially now in the winter, because we all benefit from the healing energy of nature, greenery, and the lively qi that they bring into the dark grey cold of winter. It’s a way for us to reconnect with nature and bring the outside in'.

So, where is the best spot to place a snake plant? We asked our Feng Shui experts for their advice to maximise the benefits.

The best place for your snake plant

Due to its spiky leaves, the snake plant has the ability to protect while attracting all the good stuff, like money and positive energy.

'Snake plants are quite upright and look like a fire flame, so I would put yours in the southeast corner of your home for 2026,' advises Zoe Vita James, Feng Shui and Ba Zi Specialist.

As we're about to enter the Chinese Year of the Horse, Zoe suggests the southeast corner of your home holds the best energy for prosperity. 'This is because it's related to fire and to feed that energy healthily, plants are a really good thing to put in the south east, and as the snake plant looks like flickering flames its the ideal placement this year.'

Zoe also recommends adding a bowl or vase of water next to your snake plant, 'This will help to join and fuel all the energies for added visibility, joy and prosperity.'

'This plant has a protective energy because it has tall, fierce, sword-like leaves. It’s a great plant to place near the entry or at your desk if you need a little protection from unwanted energies. You can also place one in the bathroom to make all that water energy useful for you in 2026,' adds Anjie.

According to Anjie, in feng shui, there is a general guideline to avoid plants with sharp or pointed leaves, but feng shui isn’t cookie-cutter, and each situation differs. 'For example, a sharp-leaved plant like the snake plant can be beneficial when used with the right intention. It filters the air of toxins like benzene, formaldehyde and produces oxygen both during the day and at night. The snake plant is also a perfect expression of strong, upward wood energy that cuts through negative or stagnant energy.'

Why is the south east corner so important in Feng Shui?

This key area of your home represents wealth, prosperity and abundance so placing things correctly here is the easiest way to attract those elements into your life.

Once you've located this area of your home (you can use the compass on your phone) see what's going on there – is it cluttered? Are there broken things there? Give it a little revamp and introduce positive energy, in this case it could be a plant stand with your snake plant sitting on it.

Snake plant shopping essentials

Follow our guide and place your snake plant in your southeast corner, it might be the best decision you've ever made!

Looking for some extra wealth, health and positive energy? Having houseplants in your home is beneficial for our mental health; they look great, help purify the air, and the best news is that some are known to be 'lucky' too.

No one wants to turn down a spot of luck, especially when the chips are down, and you need a lift. So jump on the positivity train, and add one of the following plants to your home.

All five of the following are said to be lucky for slightly different reasons. Whether you are manifesting true love or a new job, these are the lucky plants that could help you get there, and expert tips on how to help them to thrive in your home.

1. Boston fern

According to Andy Little, houseplant buyer at British Garden Centres the Boston fern is believed to promote good health. 'It also protects against negative energy and has air-purifying qualities that are scientifically proven. The abundance of fronds represents fertility and new beginnings, too.'

It's a beautiful, lush-looking plant to own and is easy to care for – keep it away from direct sunlight as it can scorch its leaves, and keep the soil consistently moist. They particularly love high humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Once established, you can learn how to propagate your fern so you can add more to your collection.

Buy yours from B&Q, the Verve Boston fern in a terracotta plant pot, 12cm, is great value at £4.50.

2. Money plant

It might not surprise you that a money plant is on the list – who wouldn't want to improve their cash flow!?

'The money tree is a classic choice,' says Patrice Gerber, CEO of KOUBOO Artisan Decor & Furniture. 'It is said to invite wealth and financial good fortune.'

Also known as the 'jade' plant, it's the shape of the leaves that gives it the 'money' name. 'Pop a jade plant near your entrance to welcome prosperity into the home. This succulent is low-maintenance and thrives on a bit of neglect,' says Andy. This makes it an ideal unkillable houseplant with added benefits in our book!

Get this lucky plant in your home as soon as possible. Amazon's YouGarden Chinese money plant comes in a 6cm pot and costs £10.99. Then read up on how to care for a Chinese money plant and get the positioning and watering right.

3. Orchid

'Another lucky option is an orchid for love,' says Patrice. 'Something to remember is that the key to keeping the good vibes flowing is looking after your orchid properly. Healthy, vibrant leaves will uplift any space, while wilting or dying plants can feel unlucky and block the cheerful, energetic atmosphere they are meant to bring.'

Andy agrees, 'Beyond their stunning beauty, orchids represent love, luxury, and refinement, and are associated with fertility and abundance in many cultures.'

Once you've bought your orchid – we love this rare scented Bolgheri Orange variety that comes in a 12cm pot and grows up to 45cm in height, £24.99, from Amazon – water it weekly by soaking and draining and feed with QVC's Chempak orchid fertiliser, £7.99, during active growth.

4. Rubber plant

A plant with many names: Ficus elastica, the rubber fig, rubber tree and rubber plant. This species is hardy and fast-growing, so make sure you have a good-sized place for it.

With its broad, glossy leaves, the rubber plant is said to represent abundance and wealth,' Andy says. 'Its rounded leaves are thought to attract positive energy and prosperity, and this statement plant also excels at removing toxins from the air, so it has even more benefits.'

The key to caring for your rubber plant is to allow the topsoil to dry between waterings and keep it out of draughts. They don't like sudden changes, so bear that in mind if you decide to move them from one place to another. A good place to buy one from is Dobies, their Ficus elastica 'Robusta' comes in a 12cm pot for £14.99, with an option to include a 30ml Incredifeed house plant drip feeder too.

5. Chinese evergreen

In Feng Shui, the Chinese evergreen plant is said to symbolise good fortune, wealth and longevity – so we think that qualifies it for being on our lucky plant list!

As such they make a great housewarming gift or take one into the office with you. They are toxic however, and are best kept away from children and pets. On the flip side, this lush looking plant will purify the air and love low light.

Crocus have the Jubilee Compacta variety which comes in a 12cm pot, or you can add a white or verdigris pot when you order it, from £19.99.

Lucky houseplant shopping essentials

Give yourself the best start for this year with our guide on the luckiest plants to own, we're certainly going to give it a go!

Being stuck inside over the winter months is always a bit of a struggle for me, and I think the same can be said of my houseplants, too. Low light levels, cold draughts and dry indoor air from the central heating can leave even the best of houseplants feeling a little frazzled, which is why I always try to give my plants a bit of an MOT at this time of year.

As with a car and its yearly check, giving houseplants an MOT (maintenance, observation and treatment) is essential when it comes to winter houseplant care if you want to keep them happy and healthy. And I’ve found that since I’ve started giving my houseplants a regular health check-up, they’re looking all the better for it.

‘Leaves may be drooping, stems can become leggy and growth often slows to a near standstill, but winter doesn’t have to take a permanent toll on your houseplants,’ says Angharad James, Brand Manager at Baby Bio. ‘With a little TLC and the right care, even the most dishevelled plants can recover and thrive as spring approaches.’

So if your houseplants are in need of an MOT, here's what you should be doing.

1. Check water levels

‘Simple MOT checks at home can transform struggling houseplants into thriving ones, even in the depths of winter, says Andy Little, Houseplant Buyer at British Garden Centres. ‘Forget the calendar when it comes to houseplant watering. All you need to do is put your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle; if it's dry, give a gentle soak with room temperature water until it runs out the bottom, then tip away any excess. Too much water rots roots, too little crisps leaves - and both are common winter houseplant problems - so it’s a good idea to check pot weight and soil moisture weekly to get the feel for when you're doing your home MOT.’

‘Many plants drink less in winter, but as temperatures start to rise and daylight increases, their water needs change,’ agrees Angharad. ‘Using room temperature water helps avoid shocking roots that may still be recovering from cooler winter conditions. And it’s important to make sure pots have proper drainage, as soggy soil can quickly lead to root rot.’

2. Boost humidity

‘Our​ homes get dry from heating in winter, which hurts tropical plants like calatheas and ferns that prefer 80% humidity or more,’ says Andy. ‘Mist leaves daily to keep them happy or set your pots on pebble trays filled with water, place near a humidifier, or group plants together so they create their own moist air. You'll see healthier, less droopy leaves in just a few days. Avoid tap water when watering houseplants if possible, as it can leave white spots on leaves from minerals. Place your houseplants in your bathrooms or kitchens with natural steam if you can; this is where they often do best without extra help.’

‘Winter months contribute to dryer air, especially with the heating running,’ say Lexie and Phil Fontana at FontanimalPlantHouse via the Palmstreet app. ‘Adding more humidity indoors for your plants to grow is essential, so keep them away from vents, heaters, and maintain a consistent temperature. You can also mist your plants for a quick refresh or try adding a humidifier to your household space as well for quick hydration.’

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3. Give foliage a clean

‘Over winter, dust can quickly build up on houseplant leaves, reducing the amount of light they receive and slowing growth,’ says Angharad. ‘A quick wipe with a damp cloth can help remove surface dust, giving foliage a gentle clean that can make a noticeable difference to both the plant’s appearance and health. Breaking down dust helps greenery to absorb more light, and by keeping leaf pores clean, it supports healthy growth and gives plants a natural-looking shine as they recover from the colder months.’

4. Check for pests and disease

‘Houseplants are more susceptible to indoor pests during winter,’ advise Lexie and Phil. ‘Make sure to check your houseplants regularly by wiping dust off leaves, checking leaves and stems and inspecting the soil for signs of pests or damage. Some of the most common pests include aphids, whitefly, scale and spidermites.’

‘Check weekly for spider mites (fine webs on leaves), mealybugs (white fluffy spots) or scale (small brown lumps on stems),’ advises Andy. ‘Look for yellowing leaves, curling edges or brown spots too and isolate any sick plants right away. Wipe leaves with neem oil solution and improve air flow around them. Use a magnifying glass or phone camera zoom at home to spot tiny pests, and use natural treatments, such as a garlic mix spray (crushed garlic in water) or soapy water to wipe bugs off safely.’

5. Find the right spot

‘Houseplants need 12-16 hours of indirect light each day to keep them alive and healthy, so placing them in your east or west-facing windows works best,’ advises Andy. ‘Not enough light will make stems leggy and weak, and too much direct sun scorches leaves, so make sure you turn pots weekly for even growth all around and pick shade-lovers like philodendrons or snake plants for dim corners. Use a phone app to map your home's light levels over a day, then tweak spots carefully to avoid shocking the plant with big moves.’

‘Light and temperature are crucial for healthy recovery,’ agrees Angharad. ‘Tropical plants such as monsteras, peace lilies and orchids, thrive in bright, indirect light, while succulents prefer direct sunlight for at least part of the day. Positioning your plants closer to a window or warmer area can reinvigorate growth.’

6. Prune and repot if needed

‘The first step is to take a look at your houseplants and their conditions,’ advises Angharad. ‘Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves and cut back any unruly stems. Dead or dying foliage not only affects the plant’s appearance, but it can be draining on its energy levels. Trimming it off allows the plant to focus its strength on new, healthy growth.’

‘Make sure to check the soil too,’ adds Angharad. ‘If it’s compacted or roots are starting to peek out of the pot, it may be time to repot or top up with fresh compost. This refresh gives your plants the space and nutrients they need to start growing again.’

‘If roots poke out the bottom holes of pots or soil dries out too fast, it's time to repot houseplants into a slightly bigger pot,’ advises Andy. ‘Use peat-free compost mixed with perlite for good drainage and air around the roots. Go just one size up to avoid holding too much water, which causes rot.’

‘Pots must have holes at the bottom to let extra water drain out. Line them with crocks, broken pot pieces or mesh for good airflow and to stop soil washing away. Terracotta pots suit succulents and cacti because they let moisture evaporate fast. Glazed or plastic pots work better for leafier houseplants that like things a bit damper.’

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7. Go easy on the feed

‘Many plants are in rest mode (or dormant) during winter due to less light, so skip the fertilizer until spring,’ advise Lexie and Phil.

‘As your plants emerge from their winter slowdown, gentle feeding helps to revitalise them,’ advises Angharad. ‘Feed little and often during periods of active growth, rather than giving a single heavy dose. This approach ensures your plants absorb nutrients steadily and avoids shocking them after a dormant winter period. For extra support, a light spritz of feed or plant mist hydrates the foliage and provides a gentle nutrient boost, helping tired leaves regain strength and resilience.’

‘Feed lightly and use balanced fertiliser every six weeks for leaf plants, and one with a potassium boost for flowering houseplants,’ advises Andy.

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Are your houseplants looking a little tired? Will you be giving them an MOT? Let us know.

A quick way to make your home feel instantly brighter is, of course, a pretty houseplant. I’d go further to argue that a pink flowering houseplant is the best way to brighten a space - and these are five pink houseplants that prove it.

This year’s houseplant trends prove that houseplants are more popular than ever, and in 2026, there is an emphasis on statement foliage. Not to mention, we’re also seeing a surge in wellness trends focused on creating joy at home. Opting for pink-flowering houseplants not only adds a statement look, but introducing bright pops of colour to your space can also help boost your mood.

So, I asked houseplant experts to recommend the best pink houseplants to brighten your home. This is what they said.

1. The Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andraeanum )

Anthuriums are popular choices for many homes, and it’s no wonder this tropical houseplant is so beloved. It has a stunning sculptural shape, bold, glossy colour, and even better, anthuriums are fairly easy to care for.

‘The Flamingo Flower is a total show-stopper and one of my personal favourites for instantly lifting the energy of a room. Its glossy, heart-shaped pink flowers have an almost architectural quality that ensures visual interest. The Flamingo Flower is ideal for brightening up an otherwise dull corner or shelf. They require minimal care and flower year-round,’ says Keira Kay, plant expert at Bloom & Wild.

Where to buy

• The Flamingo Flower, was £53, now £42.40 at Bloom & Wild
• Anthurium Pink Champion, £24.99 at Crocus
• Anthurium Pink Champion, Flamingo Flower, £24.99 at Primrose

2. Pink Quill (Tillandsia Cyanea)

Next up is the Pink Quill, available for £15 at B&Q, a dramatic, striking plant that originally hails from Peru. It’s an evergreen plant, with long, glossy leaves and a’plume’ of vibrant pink. It even has little violet flowers, too. Although you should bear in mind that this plant will only flower once in its lifetime.

‘With a dramatic, long-lasting, flat paddle-shaped spike of vibrant pink, the Pink Quill plant is a low-maintenance bromeliad which will add a pop of colour for up to six months with its ‘quill’ of vivid pink, thought to resemble a feather quill and reaching up to 15cm in length,’ says Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation.

‘Thriving in bright, indirect light, this plant loves high humidity and temperatures of between 18 to 27 degrees celsius making it a perfect addition to a windowsill in a kitchen or bathroom.

‘Relatively easy to care for, I always make sure to use rainwater or distilled water when it’s time to water, which is normally once a week when I allow it to soak for 30 minutes and only water again once the soil has completely dried again.

Where to buy

• Tillandsia Cyanea Bromeliad, £12.99 at Carbeth Plants
• Tillandsia Cyanea Bromeliad Indoor Plant in 9cm Pot, £14.99 at B&Q
• Tillandsia cyanea Pastel - Set of 3 with pot, £26.95 at B&Q

3. Pink orchids

There was no way I could write an article about pink houseplants and not include orchids. There are literally thousands of pink varieties.

Orchids are instantly recognisable and undeniably beautiful, making them one of the most popular houseplants to shop for. However, it is worthwhile learning how to care for orchids, as it can be the difference between a plant that flowers with pink blooms every year and one that gives up and dies.

‘If you’re looking to add a touch of understated elegance, you can’t go wrong with a pink orchid. Whether it’s the delicate patterns of the Speckled Orchid or the soft tones of the Rose Quartz, these plants create a 'spa-like' calm in a space. I love placing these in areas where you want to feel relaxed, like a bedside table or a hallway, to create a welcoming first impression for guests,’ says Keira at Bloom & Wild.

Where to buy

• Phalaenopsis Asian Coral, £50.98 at Crocus
• Large Peach Phalaenopsis Orchid in Ceramic Pot, £35 at M&S
• Cambria 'Nelly Isler', £30 at Patch Plants

4. Indoor azaleas (Flandresse Pink)

Azaleas are a popular choice for many gardens, and growing indoor azaleas can be particularly beneficial if you want pink blooms during the winter months.

‘For a splash of colour indoors over winter into early spring, azaleas make perfect houseplants as they thrive in cool rooms with temperatures from 13 to 18 degrees Celsius,’ says Lucie.

‘This means potted azaleas are perfect for normally cooler rooms, such as spare rooms, halls and porchways, and as they dislike direct light, north or east facing windowsills are perfect. Whilst not easy for new plant parents, azaleas need you to keep their soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and will thrive if you water them twice a week, soaking them for between five and fifteen minutes, ideally using rainwater or distilled water.

‘In addition, they like high humidity, and I’ve found the best way to provide this is to keep them standing on a pebble tray, which increases humidity and looks pretty too.’

Where to buy

• Azalea flandresse Pink, £16.99 at Crocus
• Azalea 'Pink & White Bicolour', £12.99 at Dobies
• Azalea Standard, £16.99 at Suttons

5. Roses

‘Bringing a rose plant indoors is the fastest way to make your home feel like a secret garden, regardless of the season. The Marble Pink Rose is particularly special because it offers that classic, romantic look but in a compact, easy-to-care-for form,’ says Keira.

Caring for an indoor rose plant can be a little more challenging than growing roses outside. They require lots of bright light, protection from drafts and extreme temperatures and consistent moisture to thrive. Flowering roses can become quite thirsty in containers, so check the soil with your finger every other day for dryness.

Where to buy

• Luxury Pink Rose with Ceramic Pot, £20 at M&S
• The Potted Pink Rose, £35 at Bloom & Wild
• Luxury Scented Rose Duo in Kubu Basket, £35 at M&S

There you have it, five pink houseplants that will instantly brighten your home. I don’t know about you, but I’m already planning on checking out the Pink Flamingo plant…

String of hearts houseplants are exactly what they sound like: heart-shaped leaves dotted along trailing, string-like stems. If you already own one, or you know someone who does, it's really easy to learn how to propagate string of hearts and earn yourself some free plants.

Just as you can propagate pothos and other houseplants, you can multiply your collection of string of hearts plants through propagation. There are two key methods – in soil, or in water – and both, eventually, will grow a single cutting into a full-blown houseplant.

It’s best to wait until spring, when active growth starts again – but since that's creeping up on us, I’ve thrown together a guide on how to propagate string of hearts. I’ve broken it down into the two main methods, so you can choose whichever works for you and start prepping now.

What you'll need

How to propagate string of hearts houseplants in water

Learning how to propagate string of hearts in water is really easy – you’ll just need to take the right kind of cutting to start with.

‘Count back to approximately five nodes from the growing tip of a stem and cut just below a node,’ advises Kelly Dyer, plant doctor at Patch Plants.

It’s crucial that you clean your garden tools between pruning sessions, and the same applies to houseplant tools – so make sure you disinfect your snips before taking the cutting (an infected plant isn’t the best start!). These pruning scissors from Gardening Express are ideal, and you can buy natural tool cleaners like Agralan Citrox from Amazon.

Then, you’ll need to carefully pinch off the lower leaves and place the bottom of the stem in a clean jar or glass of water. Some propagation jars, like these propagation stations from Amazon, are handy for holding the cutting in place.

‘Make sure as many of the nodes as possible are submerged, as these are where roots will grow from – so the more potential growing points, the better,’ explains Kelly.

Once you’ve done that, you’ll just need to pop the jar somewhere warm, like a sunny windowsill, and make sure you change the water regularly. Within a few weeks, roots should start to form – and then you can plant them in a small pot of free-draining houseplant compost, like Growth Technology Houseplant Repotting Mix from Amazon.

The water method is used to propagate string of turtles and a range of other houseplants, too.

How to propagate string of hearts houseplants in soil

Or, you can skip the water step entirely and plant your string of hearts, cutting straight into a pot of soil. Make sure it’s free-draining – mix in some grit like Westland Potting Grit from Amazon, or even some perlite like Westland Gro-Sure Perlite from Amazon, to improve drainage.

‘Take a cutting of a long strand of stem with plenty of healthy leaves along it, and then curl your cutting in a spiral on top of the compost,’ says Kelly.

‘Gently pin it down (using floristry pins or paper clips), or just lightly cover over the sections of the stem between the leaves so that there is maximum contact between the nodes and the compost.’

You can buy 200 floristry pins for £4.75 at Amazon.

Once you’ve done that, give the cutting a light mist, and then place the pot on a sunny windowsill.

‘Cover the pot loosely with a clear plastic bag or cloche to maintain humidity,’ adds Andy Little, houseplant buyer at British Garden Centres.

You’ll need to keep the soil slightly moist, but never soggy, to avoid the growth of mould or fungal diseases – and Kelly says it’s wise to remove the plastic bag as soon as you see signs of new growth.

‘The nodes will eventually root where they touch the soil, and you can repot when you have a fuller plant,’ says Andy.

So, you’ve got two choices when it comes to propagating string of hearts houseplants: either root the cutting in water, or let it root on top of a pot of compost. Both methods are really straightforward, and they’ll earn you free plants with minimal effort.

How often should you water a fiddle-leaf fig? If you’ve been frantically googling for advice, you’re not alone; few houseplants have captured the hearts of British plant lovers quite like the sculptural beauty that is the fiddle leaf fig.

With its large, glossy leaves and sculptural presence, the fiddle-leaf fig has become the go-to indoor plant for anyone looking to make a statement in their living space. But with popularity comes a reputation: these standout beauties are known for being a little… dramatic. The opposite of an unkillable houseplant, if you will.

Still, whether it's a drooping leaf here or a brown patch there, more often than not, the culprit is simple: watering. Because, while it’s easy to be tempted to stick to a rigid schedule, fiddle-leaf figs prefer anything but.

How often should you water a fiddle-leaf fig?

There isn't an easy answer when it comes to figuring out how often you should water a fiddle-leaf fig, and that's because these beauties are tropical natives, accustomed to the warm, well-drained, and airy conditions of West African rainforests.

In our homes, though, light levels, temperatures, and humidity fluctuate throughout the year, which means that a one-size-fits-all watering routine rarely works. Instead, success comes from observation, understanding your plant, and responding to its needs.

'The trick is to keep a close eye on it to see if it’s showing any signs of distress and work out from there if it needs more or less water,' explains Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

As a general guide, he notes that watering every 7 to 10 days during the summer and every 10 to 14 days in winter works for many plants, but this should always be adjusted based on the soil itself rather than the calendar.

Your plant’s location also matters. A fiddle-leaf fig near a radiator or sunny bay window will dry out faster than one in a cooler corner. Light levels influence not only growth but also moisture usage, so always adjust accordingly.

'Only water if the top 5cm or more of soil is dry and the pot is lighter to lift,' suggests Morris. 'If the soil is still moist, it definitely won’t need more water. Too much will put the plant into distress and may even cause root rot.'

Finally, when you do water your fiddle-leaf fig, Morris recommends doing so thoroughly until water runs freely through the drainage holes at the bottom. If the plant sits in a saucer or outer pot, be sure to remove excess water so it isn’t left sitting in standing water.

Fiddle leaf fig care essentials

FAQs

Honestly, learning how often you should water a fiddle-leaf fig might seem like a faff, but it's actually easier than following a strict schedule; instead, it’s about tuning into your plant's natural rhythm.

Honestly, once you learn how quickly your plant dries out and how it reacts to the changing seasons, watering will become second nature. And the reward? A gorgeous sculptural diva that adds some serious va-va-voom to your home.

What could be better, eh?

From wedding plants to housewarmings and milestone gifts, houseplants have long been associated with symbolism, sentiment, and personal meaning. But did you know there's such a thing as birth month houseplants?

Oh yes, just as birthstones and birth flowers carry specific associations, one of the biggest houseplant trends for 2026 is linking birth months with the indoor plants that reflect the mood, energy, and seasonal shift of that time of year.

Rather than choosing plants purely for aesthetics, birth-month houseplants offer something more thoughtful: a living reflection of growth, resilience, abundance, and renewal. Many of these plants are also highly collectable, making them especially appealing to plant lovers who enjoy curating a meaningful indoor jungle.

Find your birth month houseplant

To guide us through all twelve months of the year, plant expert Sandi Liang of Dandi Plants and Palmstreet, the community-obsessed live shopping app for rare plants and more, shares her insights on the symbolism and care of each chosen plant.

Here's what you need to know...

January – Monstera obliqua

January is all about fresh starts, intention-setting and quiet reinvention, and few plants embody that energy quite like the Monstera obliqua. Delicate, architectural and famously rare, it’s a plant for those who appreciate patience and long-term care.

'This ultra-rare plant has a delicate arrangement, and is a true collector’s item for many plant owners, symbolising growth and reinvention, making it the perfect plant for the start of the new year,' says Sandi.

She adds that this plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and that you should 'make sure to allow the soil to dry out almost completely before watering so it doesn’t sit in excess water'.

'Monstera obliqua prefers higher than average humidity for optimal growth. Provide your plant with plenty of bright indirect light,' she finishes.

February – Peace lily

With its glossy green leaves and elegant white blooms, February’s plant feels well-suited to a month associated with care, connection and quiet renewal. Peace lilies are known not just for their understated beauty, but for the sense of calm and warmth they bring to a space: they have long been associated with peace, harmony and new beginnings, which makes them an ideal choice for this time of year.

It’s also one of the most widely grown houseplants, so it’s easy to find and surprisingly resilient. Just offer it a spot with bright, indirect light, pop it in a pot of moist but well-drained soil, and stick it in a warm room with moderate humidity.

March – Alocasia dragon scale

March signals the transition from winter to spring, and the Alocasia dragon scale captures that sense of awakening perfectly. Its jewel-like, textured leaves feel almost mythical, making it a true statement plant.

'This feels truly magical for the March birth month, as the Alocasia Dragon Scale is not only a captivating plant due to its appearance but also serves as a symbol of mystical beauty and natural strength,' says Sandi.

'It's a reminder of the rugged yet beautiful aspects of nature, bringing a piece of the wild and whimsical into your living space.'

She reminds us that this plant requires regular watering, and the soil should not be allowed to dry out. However, it is more tolerant of missing the occasional watering than some other varieties of Alocasia.

April – Begonia maculata ‘Wightii’

The birth month houseplant for April is a rare beauty indeed: the polka dot begonia. Playful, uplifting and full of personality, it reflects the creative, optimistic energy of spring in full swing. Its spotted leaves instantly lift a room.

'This joyous and creative plant has polka-dot leaves for a pop of colour to any indoor space and boosts your mood,' suggests Sandi. 'A begonia maculata thrives in a really humid environment.'

If the air in your home is dry, she urges you to consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity levels. And, if you're lucky enough to have a bright bathroom, Sandi promises that's the perfect spot for a polka dot begonia.

May – Philodendron gloriosum

Soft, creeping velvet leaves and understated luxury make this philodendron a perfect fit for May, especially as it's a month associated with connection, beauty and growth.

'This luscious plant serves as a reminder to pay attention to the details in our lives,' says Sandi, who points out that some philodendrons can even be grown as indoor hanging plants, like the heartleaf philodendron.

'Make sure to prioritise fertilising it during spring and summer to encourage new growth. These plants also don't enjoy sitting in oversaturated soil, as it can cause houseplant root rot and turn your philodendron yellow,' she finishes.

June – Calathea

June’s birth month houseplant is vibrant, expressive, and constantly evolving, much like early summer itself. With striking patterns dancing across each new leaf, every growth spurt feels like a fresh chapter unfolding in your home.

'It’s not just about the plant growing; it’s about you growing with it,' says Sandi poetically. The Calathea’s ever-changing foliage invites mindfulness and attention, encouraging a gentle, reflective rhythm to your daily routine. And its colour and movement bring an early summer energy that feels alive and uplifting.

This plant thrives in bright, indirect light, but be cautious against direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate leaves. Take a look at exactly where to place it.

July – Snake Plant

Bold, architectural, and unapologetically striking, July’s birth month houseplant is the Snake Plant, a living emblem of summer confidence and abundance. Especially as its upright, golden-edged leaves symbolise strength, resilience, and prosperity.

Caring for a Snake Plant is refreshingly simple. Place it in bright, indirect light to highlight the golden variegation, but it will also tolerate lower light conditions, making it incredibly versatile.

Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, and keep it away from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes to ensure its bold leaves remain healthy and vibrant.

August – Scindapsus

August brings a slower, more reflective energy, and this silvery-leaved birth month houseplant mirrors that calm beautifully.

'With thick, silvery leaves, this rare and resilient plant is a luxurious and sophisticated addition to your home that not only brings a serene elegance to your space, but also symbolises the subtle interplay between light and shadow and the beauty of quiet growth,' says Sandi.

She adds that something like the Scindapsus treubii ‘Moonlight’ variety is particularly striking, although this plant loves bright, indirect light and prefers above average humidity. It should still thrive, though, in an average household environment.

September – String of Pearls

Utterly refined, it’s little wonder this birth month houseplant is such a natural fit for September’s grounded, thoughtful mood.

With its delicate, bead-like leaves cascading like a gentle waterfall, the String of Pearls is more than just a visual delight: it embodies mindfulness, quiet reflection, and the beauty of patience. Traditionally, trailing plants like this have been associated with abundance and continuity, making them a symbolic choice for homes that welcome calm and considered energy.

'Those tiny, spherical leaves aren’t just pretty,' says Sandi, 'they remind us to slow down, appreciate detail, and enjoy the small joys of life.'

Caring for a String of Pearls is surprisingly straightforward, though it does benefit from a little attention. Plant it in a well-draining succulent mix, allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings, and give it bright, indirect light. With a touch of care, its elegant tendrils will spill gracefully from hanging pots or shelves, bringing both beauty and a meditative charm to any space.

October – Darker Philodendrons

Philodendrons, particularly those with dark, dramatic foliage (our hearts belong to the black cherry pink princess), are a natural autumn plant and thus an ideal birth month houseplant for October babies everywhere.

'This plant is dark and mysterious during the fall. Embracing something like the Pink Princess Philodendron in your home is like celebrating modern femininity and empowerment, as the plant's lush pink leaves are a symbol of grace, beauty, and renewal, resonating with the natural world's subtle power,' says Sandi.

To keep your philodendron happy, Sandi says to consider placing it near a humidifier, grouping it with other plants to naturally raise humidity, or setting it on a pebble tray filled with water.

'Regular misting can also help in drier climates, but avoid overdoing it to prevent fungal issues,' she adds.

November – Ivy

Trailing, resilient, and full of meaning, November’s houseplant pick is the timeless ivy, a natural symbol of connection, longevity, and enduring friendship.

'I love this beautiful plant,' muses Sandi. 'It's like sending a bouquet that doesn't wilt.'

Ivy is perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or as a climbing feature, adding elegance and life to any corner of the home. And better still, caring for ivy is straightforward. Place it in bright, indirect light, keep the soil lightly moist without letting it become waterlogged, and make sure it’s planted in well-draining soil.

Give it time, and it will trail, climb, and flourish, bringing both beauty and symbolism to your living space.

December – Christmas cactus

Dramatic white variegation and festive flair make the Christmas cactus albo a fitting birth month houseplant to end the year, as it feels as abundant as it does celebratory.

'This is more than just a plant; it symbolises growth, abundance, and a deep connection to nature. Incorporating this beauty into your home decor can evoke feelings of vitality and harmony,' suggests Sandi.

FAQs

Whether you choose to believe in symbolism or simply love discovering plants with a story behind them, birth month houseplants offer a more personal way to grow your indoor collection.

Think about it: they make thoughtful gifts, work well as meaningful additions to your own home, and always serve as a gentle reminder that we all grow at our own pace, in our own season. Just like plants.

Hey, if you’ve ever needed another excuse to bring one more houseplant home, consider this your sign.

Ever seen houseplants growing in a vase of water, sand or gravel, no soil in sight? That’s what’s known as ‘hydroponics’ – and there are so many plants you can grow hydroponically all year round.

Growing even the most unkillable houseplants without water seems like a recipe for disaster, but actually, hydroponics offers plants everything they need to survive. They’re grown in a water-based solution that delivers essential nutrients to the roots.

If you’re keen to give this growing method a try, I’ve rounded up a list of the best plants for hydroponics (using water, specifically).

What you'll need

1. Pothos

There are plenty of houseplants you can grow hydroponically all year round, but natural climbers like pothos are one of the very best examples. If you know how to propagate pothos plants using the water method, you're already halfway there.

‘Plants that grow well hydroponically are generally those that are easy to propagate by cuttings in water,’ explains Kelly Dyer, plant doctor at Patch Plants. ‘These include climbing plants like pothos.’

If you’ve already got a pothos plant, simply take cuttings from just below a node, ideally a few inches long. Pop the cutting in water so a couple of nodes sit beneath the surface, and roots should start to form.

‘The key to growing plants hydroponically is to refresh and top up the water regularly, and to give them the tiniest amount of liquid plant food about once a month throughout the growing season (April to October),’ Kelly adds.

Growth Technology Hydroponic Houseplant Focus, which you can buy for £9.99 at Amazon, is specially formulated for hydroponically-grown houseplants.

2. Monstera

Like pothos, monsteras can be grown hydroponically, too. It’s best to start with a monstera cutting, rather than moving the entire plant to water.

‘When growing monsteras hydroponically, be mindful of the water quality, and the plant will need to be supported as it grows,’ advises Richard Barker, a horticultural expert from LBS Horticulture.

It’s best to use distilled or filtered water instead of tap water, or even bottled water, which contains natural minerals.

‘To keep the plant upright, you may need to add pebbles to support the stem within the container,’ Richard adds. These glass pebbles, £12.99 from Amazon are a popular incognito choice.

3. Philodendrons

Similar to pothos and monstera, philodendrons are one of the best plants for hydroponics.

‘Glossy-leafed philodendrons are happy in water,’ says Monique Kemperman, horticultural expert at the Plants and Flower Foundation Holland.

‘Cut the plant just below a leaf, at the leaf node. This is where the plant’s rooting hormone is concentrated. A bottle-shaped vase with a narrow neck will help to hold your plant in place.’

These propagation stations from Amazon are ideal.

4. Lettuce

There are plenty of vegetables that can be grown hydroponically, too. Learning how to grow lettuce is straightforward at the best of times, but in water, it’s even simpler.

‘Lettuce is one of the easiest plants to grow hydroponically, and it can be ready to harvest within a month,’ says Richard from LBS Horticulture.

‘First, start the seeds in a growing medium until they have produced a few leaves and roots, which usually takes two to three weeks. After this, they can be transplanted to the hydroponic growing system that you are using.’

For the best growth, you’ll need to position your hydroponic lettuce somewhere that receives plenty of sunlight (but make sure it isn’t too warm). Water-soluble fertilisers like Vitax Vitafeed, available at Amazon, are perfect for growing leafy vegetables hydroponically.

5. Basil

A huge number of herbs are suitable for hydroponics, too – and according to Easy Garden Irrigation’s gardening and greenhouse expert Lucie Bradley, basil is one of the top choices.

‘What makes it fantastic for growing hydroponically is that it germinates and grows at least twice as fast as when you grow it in the ground – with germination possible in three to seven days and harvesting as early as 21 days from sowing, rather than 60 days when grown in soil,’ Lucie explains.

‘This also means much higher yields when grown hydroponically, with studies showing three times as much compared to traditionally grown basil.’

You can pick up sweet basil seeds from Crocus.

6. Mint

Learning how to grow mint from seed is all fun and games until it takes over your vegetable patch – but of course, its pest-battling benefits are usually worth the risk.

If you’re keen to grow this popular herb for its culinary value, though, it's one of the best plants for hydroponics.

‘When mint is grown hydroponically, there is no soil for the rhizomes of mint to spread, limiting their growth,’ explains Lucie.

‘Growing mint in the controlled environment of a hydroponic system also significantly reduces the risk of disease – simply the fact that no soil is involved eliminates any chance of soil-borne pathogens, which can be responsible for rust and verticillium wilt.’

7. Dumb canes

According to plant doctor Kelly from Patch Plants, dumb canes (Dieffenbachia) are well-suited to growing in water, too.

‘Thicker woody or cane-stemmed plants like Dieffenbachia are also suitable for hydroponics,’ she says.

‘The trick is to change the water at least a week after feeding, to prevent a build-up of nutrients and algal growth, which will happen naturally as sunlight reacts with nutrients in the water.'

Our list of plants that can be grown hydroponically all year round isn't extensive, but it's long enough to get you started. I think it's a totally fuss-free, tidy way of growing plants – and, as the likes of basil show, some varieties grow even better in water.

If you recently bought or were gifted an amaryllis for the first time, the trumpet blooms are likely still going strong right now – but knowing what your amaryllis needs before January ends will encourage even better blooms next year.

With just a few days left until January ends, there’s still time to learn about what your amaryllis needs as it continues to flower. You can also start thinking about what to do with amaryllis after it finishes flowering – but in the meantime, it’s all about supporting the plant to conserve its energy for next year.

According to houseplant experts, completing four key (but simple) tasks before January ends will encourage the blooms to bounce back next year. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Make sure it’s in the right place

One of the most important steps in caring for an amaryllis properly is choosing the best spot for it to grow and flower, and in January, light levels are just as crucial for the plant’s growth and development.

Like plenty of other houseplants, amaryllis appreciates bright but indirect sunlight – but it’s not a case of simply leaving the plant stationary at this time of the year.

‘During winter, and especially before the end of January, the key with amaryllis is supporting the plant while it finishes flowering,’ says Connor Towning, in-house lead horticulturist at houseplant retailer Beards & Daisies.

‘Keep it in a bright spot with plenty of indirect light and rotate the pot every few days so the stem grows straight.’

If you're struggling to find a bright enough windowsill, it's worth considering grow lights like these Wolezek Grow Lights from Amazon, which mimic natural sunlight (the intensity can be adjusted, too).

2. Keep it somewhere cool in the evenings

While it’s important that your amaryllis receives plenty of indirect light in January, it’s wise to move your plant to a cooler spot during the evening if you want it to flower well next year.

‘This short rest period mimics its natural cycle and plays a key role in encouraging strong bud development and reliable flowering towards the end of the year,’ explains Connor.

Central heating can affect houseplants more than you’d expect, so always make sure you keep your amaryllis away from any radiators and heaters.

If you're in the market for another amaryllis plant, you can buy Hippeastrum 'Akiko' (PBR) for £14.99 from Crocus.

3. Water sparingly

Too much or too little water is the leading cause of amaryllis not flowering, but if there’s one thing your amaryllis needs in January, it’s as little water as possible.

‘Water sparingly during this period, letting the compost dry slightly between waterings, as too much moisture can prevent bud formation later on,’ says Connor.

Overwatering can also lead to bulb rot, so always make sure you aren’t giving your amaryllis too much love, regardless of the time of year.

4. Feed your amaryllis

If you want to give your amaryllis an extra boost, it’s worth starting to feed your plant every once in a while as we head towards the end of January.

‘Feed every couple of weeks with a tomato or high-potash fertiliser to build up strength,’ advises Andy Little, houseplant buyer at British Garden Centres.

Levington Tomorite, available from £4.50 at Amazon, is a classic, highly-rated tomato feed (and you can use the leftovers on your tomato plants later in the year!).

Amaryllis care kit

And that’s that: do these four things for your amaryllis before January ends (and, ideally, until it finishes flowering), and your plant will be primed for an even better flowering period next year.

I’ve been a calathea owner for several years now, and I’m hoping to expand my collection over the next few months. As luck would have it, learning how to propagate calatheas can bag you new plants for free.

I always thought you could grow these plants from cuttings, but according to houseplant experts, that isn’t an option for calatheas. Instead, you’ll need to divide them, which simply means splitting the plant up into smaller sections and repotting them. Then, it’s a case of figuring out where to place your calathea cuttings while they grow new plants.

‘The only way to propagate calatheas at home is through division,’ says Kelly Dyer, Plant Doctor at Patch Plants. ‘The best time to do this is early spring, so April and Maytime, as your plant is coming out of its winter dormancy and kicking back into active growth. This will give it the whole growing season to recover from the stress of division.’

If you’re keen to learn how to propagate calatheas, you’ll find everything you need to know in the step-by-step guide below (and better still, there are only two steps!).

What you'll need

1. Lift and divide

Learning how to propagate calatheas is really easy, because division is one of the most straightforward techniques. You can propagate ferns and spider plants through division, too.

‘Carefully lift the plant from its pot and gently separate the rootball into smaller sections, making sure each division has healthy roots and a few leaves,’ says Connor Towning, in-house lead horticulturist at online houseplant retailer Beards & Daisies.

Whether or not you need to use a tool to divide your calathea will depend on how rootbound your plant is.

‘This can either mean tearing them apart or cutting through the rootball, making sure that there is an equal amount of leaves to roots in each division,’ explains Kelly from Patch Plants.

If you do need to cut through the rootball, a garden knife like the Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens Collection Folding Garden Knife from Amazon is ideal.

2. Repot the divided sections

Once you’ve divided the rootball, you’ll just need to plant the new sections in separate pots.

Just as you would when repotting other houseplants, it’s best to use fresh, well-draining compost like the peat-free Growth Technology Houseplant Focus Repotting Mix, available at Amazon.

‘Make sure that the nursery pot size you choose leaves each plant a little room to grow, but not too much,’ advises Kelly.

Then, water the plants well and let them drain thoroughly before popping them in a spot with bright but indirect light.

‘Keep the new plants warm, humid, and evenly watered while they settle in,’ says Connor from Beards & Daisies. ‘Avoid direct sunlight at first, as calatheas prefer softer light, especially when newly divided.’

And it's as simple as that! You can quite literally split your calathea into brand-new plants.

Houseplant enthusiasts looking for fresh ideas and inspiration, I have good news for you: predictions for 2026 houseplant trends are in, and they’re looking exciting.

Last week, I talked about the 2026 garden trends that are set to reshape our outdoor spaces, and this year’s houseplant trend forecast looks ready to transform our indoor planting landscape, too. There’s a focus on intentional planting, jungle themes, and low-maintenance favourites taking centre stage – and if houseplant sales continue to grow as they did over the last year (an increase of 15%, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)), indoor plants are shaping up to be more popular than ever.

So, let’s get straight to it – here are all the 2026 houseplant trends you need on your radar for the year ahead.

1. Jungle plants

Jungle houseplants are set to be big this year, with the likes of monstera and dragon trees headlining 2026 houseplant trend predictions.

‘Leading the trend are Swiss cheese plants (Monstera) and dragon trees (Dracaena), prized for their bold, jungle-style foliage over more traditional architectural plants,’ says the RHS.

‘In addition, the RHS predicts calatheas, ferns and bonsai will continue to top the trends for 2026.’

This year, it’s all about statement foliage with eye-catching shapes and patterns, and with the right selection of indoor plants, you can create a jungle landscape in your own home. This Large Monstera Plant from M&S showcases large, glossy leaves.

2. Intentional greenery

Houseplants are often selected for their ornamental value, but houseplant experts expect intentional planting to be one of the biggest 2026 houseplant trends. That means choosing houseplants that reduce stress, or even houseplants that boost productivity.

‘As we move into 2026, people are seeking plants not only for their beauty, but for the balance and wellbeing they bring into everyday life,’ says Monique Kemperman, horticultural expert at Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland. ‘What we’re seeing is a shift toward intentional greenery – plants chosen to soothe, energise or reconnect us with nature.

‘Whether it’s a calming fern in the bedroom or a resilient desk plant that lifts your mood during a busy workday, the right plant can genuinely enhance how a space feels and functions.’

You can buy Asplenium 'Crispy Wave' (as shown above) for £13.99 at Dobies. It has brilliant air-purifying qualities.

3. Sustainable indoor growing

Sustainable gardening isn’t just for the outdoors – experts think sustainable indoor growing practices will be a huge 2026 houseplant trend.

‘Sustainability is now a key focus,’ says Andy Little, houseplant buyer at British Garden Centres. ‘Growers are increasingly using recycled materials, natural fibres in compost, and traceable, sustainable production methods.’

If you’re keen to get going with this houseplant trend for 2026, it’s worth opting for pots made from recycled materials. Elho’s Greenville plant pots from Amazon, for example, are made from 100% recycled plastic using wind energy (and they include a handy integrated water reservoir).

I always use peat-free compost, too, which is so much better for the planet. Growth Technology Houseplant Focus Potting Mix, which you can order from Amazon, is a highly-rated peat-free choice.

4. Low-maintenance made luxe

This one’s great for bad plant parents: unkillable houseplants.

They’re expected to be more popular than ever in 2026, but low-maintenance doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style – and according to Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland, it’s the year of low-maintenance houseplants made luxe.

‘A rising generation of urban professionals is demanding stylish, fuss-free plants and flowers,’ says Monique from Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland.

‘Hardy species such as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, Sansevieria and drought-tolerant succulents are set to headline 2026, alongside long-lasting floral staples such as anthurium blooms and hardy kalanchoe flowers.’

You can buy a Zamioculcas zamiifolia plant from £15.99 at Crocus, or go for the pink-flowered Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Serenity Bicolour Pink' for £6.99.

5. Rare houseplants

Branching off of the jungle plant theme I talked about earlier, experts think that rare, unusual houseplants will be a prominent 2026 trend, too. It looks like indoor growers will be looking to expand their collections with varieties that impress guests and add intrigue to their indoor planting landscape.

'We expect to see huge demand for rare and distinctive houseplants, something fresh and exciting that collectors can show off,' says Andy from British Garden Centres.

Plants like Philodendron 'Pink Princess' from Crocus are a good place to start, but if you're looking for a really rare houseplant, it's worth exploring prized varieties like this White Ghost Variegated Monstera from Plants for all Seasons.

Keep these 2026 houseplant trends in mind for a stylish, low-maintenance and sustainable indoor growing landscape this year.

Christmas is over, and for many Christmas cacti, so is the flowering period. If your plant looks like it's stopped putting out new blooms, you’re probably wondering what to do with a Christmas cactus after flowering.

Caring for a Christmas cactus properly means nurturing it at all stages of its growing cycle: before, during and after flowering. These succulents can live for decades when they’re well looked after, and following best practice after flowering has finished will give them the best chance of flourishing the following winter.

Here’s what to do with a Christmas cactus after flowering. According to the experts, less is more – so the read won't take you long!

1. Remove spent flowers

Even if your Christmas cactus has stopped producing new flowers, there might be a few old blooms remaining on the plant. Taking those away will promote better plant hygiene before its rest period.

‘Once a Christmas cactus has finished flowering, it’s a good idea to give it a bit of downtime,’ says Connor Towning, in-house lead horticulturist at online houseplant retailer Beards & Daisies.

‘Gently remove any old flowers and keep the plant in a bright spot with indirect light.’

You can even work out where to position a Christmas cactus according to Feng Shui – but always pick a bright spot that’s out of direct sunlight, and away from heaters and draughts (central heating can affect a Christmas cactus' health).

2. Scale back the watering

The rules around how often you should water a Christmas cactus are a little different at this time of the year. You’ll need to give your plant a lot less water than you normally would.

‘Once your Christmas cactus has finished flowering, radically reduce your watering over the weeks leading up to Spring (January to March),’ advises Patch Plants' Plant Doctor, Kelly Dyer. ‘Remember, those thick, fleshy leaves act as water storage organs!’

Beards & Daisies’ Connor says it’s best to allow the top layer of compost to dry out between waterings.

‘This resting period helps the plant recover and puts it in a much better position to flower the following year,’ he explains.

That doesn’t mean you should neglect your plant, though – and if your Christmas cactus starts drooping, it’s a sign it’s dehydrated.

‘If you notice the leaves drooping and starting to shrivel, then give your plant a drink to rehydrate it,’ says Kelly.

You can begin giving your Christmas cactus more water in spring, Kelly says, along with a monthly dose of plant food like Westland Cacti & Succulent Feed Concentrate, £2.59 at Amazon.

Christmas cactus care kit

And that’s it! All you need to do with a Christmas cactus after flowering is make sure any spent blooms are removed, place it in a spot with bright but indirect sunlight, and ease off on the watering until spring. From there, you can start thinking about the best ways to encourage a Christmas cactus to bloom throughout winter.

As every houseplant lover knows, one is never enough. What starts out as a lovely fern or spider plant perched on the windowsill is then joined by a monstera or maybe a palm, and then, before you know it, every shelf or surface is home to something lush and leafy. So the burning question: ‘Is there such a thing as too many houseplants?’

‘While you can never really have too many houseplants, if you’re finding it hard to keep on top of caring for your collection, it could be a sign that it’s time for a gentle declutter,' says Angharad James, Brand Manager at Baby Bio.

‘When plants are properly spaced and cared for, they’re more likely to stay healthy, grow well and look their best. Decluttering isn’t about getting rid of plants – it’s about giving the ones you love the right conditions to thrive!’

So if your houseplant ideas collection no longer brings you joy, if you’re finding it a chore looking after them all, or if your houseplants are simply not thriving, then these could all be signs that you have too many, and it might be time for a declutter. Here’s where to start.

1. Give plants space to breathe

‘Plants need light and airflow just as much as they need water,’ says Angharad. ‘When too many plants are crowded together, they compete for light and moisture, which can lead to weak growth and increase the risk of pests, which can be a killer of houseplants. Spacing plants out allows air to circulate around the leaves and soil to dry more evenly.’

‘A smaller, more considered display and well-spaced plant collection often looks more intentional and visually pleasing than lots of plants grouped together. Giving each plant room to shine helps create a calmer atmosphere, making your home feel more balanced and your plant care routine far more enjoyable.’

2. Find plants new spaces

‘Simply being strategic about where you place your best houseplants or just moving them around can help to maintain a more elegant and minimal space,’ says Victor Castro at the Nursery Project USA via the Palmstreet app.

‘If you’re thinking about decluttering your houseplants, start by sorting through them first, so you know which ones you have multiples of and to ensure you keep hold of your favourites!’

‘I always recommend getting rid of any plants that no longer excite you and finding them a new home. Keeping it in your home, where it only adds to the clutter, does not bring you or your plant any joy. If it is in good shape and does not have any pests, give it to a friend who you think would appreciate it and love it.’

Shop for indoor plant stands

3. Declutter gently, not drastically

‘Decluttering doesn’t have to mean getting rid of plants you love,’ says Angharad. ‘Start by assessing which plants are thriving and which are struggling first. Some may just need pruning, repotting or moving to a brighter spot, while others might be happier rehomed with friends or family. It’s about creating a collection that works better for your space and lifestyle.’

'To avoid completely getting rid of your beloved plants, you can give them away as gifts!' suggests Victor. 'Arrange and propagate smaller plants in gift baskets or give as housewarming presents, or simply gift a full-grown plant that you no longer want to keep.'

4. Keep them trim

'Instead of getting rid of houseplants, they sometimes just need a bit of pruning,' says Shelley Davis, plant expert at Flying Flowers. 'Plants like a monstera and a fiddle leaf fig can become a bit wild, leggy, or patchy, so don’t hesitate to give them a refreshing 'tidy up' to encourage new growth. Using sharp secateurs, make a clean, angled cut just above a ‘node’, the small bump where you often see new roots emerging. This not only controls the plant’s shape and makes the area feel less cluttered, but also gives you a head start on spring propagation.'

'To further tame any unruly bushiness, use a bendy moss pole as a support. By gently securing the branches with garden twine, you can guide the plant’s direction and create a completely new look.'

5. Focus care where it matters most

‘With fewer plants to look after, it’s much easier to keep on top of watering, feeding and general maintenance,’ says Angharad. ‘So if you’re struggling to look after a large collection, it may well be worth going through plants to reduce the amount. Plants are less likely to be overwatered or get forgotten about and dry out when there are fewer to look after, and you can then give each one the attention it needs.'

‘Overcrowded plants can trap moisture and create damp conditions, which pests like fungus gnats love. Decluttering helps reduce these problem areas and makes it easier to spot any issues early. Feeding regularly helps support strong roots and lush foliage and will keep plants alive, resilient and growing well, while lightly misting plants also helps keep foliage hydrated and refreshed, particularly in centrally heated homes where the air can be dry.'

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6. Consolidate plants together

‘Create a more interesting display by grouping smaller plants with similar care requirements together in one pot or alongside each other,’ says Victor. ‘By creating a healthier and cleaner environment for succulents or small plants, you are encouraging them to thrive! They’ll also take up less space in your home, and have the effect of making foliage look fuller and more beautiful.’

‘Grouping plants together also makes plants happier because they require the same amount of watering and help each other grow,’ adds Victor. ‘If one plant is slowing down in growth or going through a rough patch for any reason (and is therefore not taking up the water as quickly as it should), the other plants in the pot will take in the water, thereby helping to avoid root rot.’

6. Style your plants

‘Naturally, the placement of your houseplants plays a big role in keeping your collection looking curated and stylish, not cluttered,’ says Victor. ‘Styling your plants with dimension and height in mind helps with building a complete, not overwhelming look. You can place your plants at various angles and heights to help break up the group and create depth.’

‘Also, try using a number of different surfaces for your plants, like the floor, plant stands, or side tables, which will naturally add some variation in the space. Overall, you want your plants to blend in seamlessly rather than overcrowding the space.’

'Transforming an area of your home into a dedicated plant corner or reading nook can help you through the remaining chilly months while utilising your existing houseplant collection,' says Shelley. 'By grouping various plants together, such as peace lilies and philodendrons, you can create a mini oasis that feels immediately peaceful and serves as the perfect spot to relax during the shorter, darker days. Utilising plant stands, repurposed wooden steps, or hanging containers can bring the rejuvenating feel of the outdoors inside.'

7. Bottle them up

'If you have a collection of small plants but aren’t quite sure how to display them, try getting creative by designing a custom terrarium or a mixed planter,' suggests Shelley. 'Searching antique shops for old treasures is a wonderful way to find unusual containers, such as a Victorian ceramic tureen, which makes a cosy home for a curated selection of succulents.'

'Grouping your plants into artistic centrepieces is a clever way to free up surface space, though it is essential to pair varieties that share similar requirements. For smaller vessels, compact choices like miniature English ivy or even a Venus flytrap work perfectly; however, if you are looking to fill a more substantial container, you can upscale your selection with larger varieties like spider plants or the patterned prayer plant.'

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Do you have too many houseplants? Is it time to give them a 'declutter'? We'd love to know.

If lush foliage and heart-shaped leaves sound good to you, learn how to care for philodendrons – they’re one of the easiest and most attractive houseplants you can own.

Philodendrons are among the most popular indoor plants, and they’re pretty unfussy as far as tropical plants go. They’re also one of the fastest-growing houseplants, if, like me, you find it really rewarding seeing your houseplants double in size thanks to your plant parenting skills.

To help you hone those skills, I’ve thrown together a guide on how to care for philodendrons properly. Below, you’ll find tips on watering, feeding, pruning, and even training your philodendron (if you go for a vining variety!).

What you'll need

• A philodendron plant, like this striking black-gold philodendron, £15.99 at Crocus.
• A moss pole, like this Gardeners Dream coir moss pole, from £6.99 at Amazon.
• Some plant scissors, like these Bubblegum Stuff Houseplant Scissors, £15.99 at Amazon.
• Houseplant fertiliser, like Westland Houseplant Feed Concentrate, £5 at Amazon.

1. Position

The first step in learning how to care for philodendrons properly? Choosing the perfect spot for your plant. Like other tropical houseplants (monsteras and calatheas, for example), philodendrons appreciate bright but indirect light – but they’re also counted among the best low-light houseplants that grow in shadier positions (just more slowly).

‘Philodendrons grow vigorously in bright to medium light, but they can also tolerate a shady corner,’ explains Morag Hill, co-owner of The Little Botanical.

‘Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves and cause yellowing. Excessive light can stress the plant, while very low light may slow growth.’

It’s also a good idea to wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth, Morag says, to remove dust and allow the plant to absorb light more efficiently. Westland Houseplant Mist & Leaf Shine, £4.49 at Amazon, keeps leaves shiny and strong.

2. Watering

Once you’ve chosen a spot for your philodendron, you’ll need to make sure you water it properly – and, more importantly, not overwater it.

‘Philodendrons prefer their soil to dry out slightly between waterings,’ says Morag. ‘In most homes, this means watering every 7-10 days.’

It’s worth pressing your finger into the top inch of the soil to check its moisture levels. Morag suggests waiting a few more days if it still feels damp – but you could also buy a watering indicator like the £4 Westland Watering Indicator from Amazon, to give you some more confidence (or try a smart monitor like the elho Smart Pebble, which I tested last year).

3. Feeding

Besides watering, your philodendron needs the right amount of nutrients to maintain healthy growth throughout the year. You don’t need to feed houseplants in winter, but a monthly feed throughout the growing season is ideal.

‘Feed your philodendron once a month, but only during spring and summer, using a liquid houseplant fertiliser,’ advises Morag. ‘Reduce or stop feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows down.’

Baby Bio Houseplant Food is £1.99 at Amazon, with brilliant reviews.

4. Pruning

While philodendrons generally don’t need root pruning, a light trim here and there won’t go amiss. If you want to learn how to care for philodendrons properly, giving your plant a gentle tidy-up can help redirect its energy into fresh growth.

‘Occasional pruning helps maintain shape and encourages bushier growth,’ explains Morag. ‘Remove yellow or damaged leaves and trim leggy stems using clean scissors regularly.’

A pair of small snips like these £7.99 houseplant snips from Gardening Express are perfect for the job.

5. Training

Some philodendron varieties are non-climbing, but others are known as ‘vining’ types – and if you’re wondering how to care for philodendrons that climb, you’ll need to offer them plenty of support.

‘Climbing varieties like Philodendron 'Cordatum' or Philodendron 'Brazil' benefit from staking or, even better, using a moss pole,’ says Morag. ‘A moss pole is great as it will support upward growth and even encourage larger leaves!’

According to Morag, philodendrons generally climb trees in their natural environment, which explains why so many varieties vine. A moss pole mimics that naturally growing position even more, and Gardeners Dream coir moss poles start at £6.99 from Amazon.

Philodendron care kit

FAQs

Philodendrons are really easy to care for when you know how. It's just a case of deciding on a variety... they all look so different!

It's a known fact that house plants can help your wellbeing, but how good are they when we're living through winter with the dark nights, damp mornings and stuffy radiator-heated homes? I definitely feel like I get a little SAD at this time of year, and once Christmas is over and we enter January, it can feel rather depressing until the wonderful signs of spring appear.

'As the days grow shorter and it becomes chillier and darker, it’s completely natural to feel the effects of winter slump,' explains Angharad James, brand manager at Baby Bio. 'Houseplants can play a surprisingly powerful role in lifting our mood in the home.'

Neil Thomas, garden specialist and owner of FirePit.co.uk agrees, 'It's this time of year when houseplants make the biggest difference, as even the simple act of checking on them, watering them or spotting new growth gives you a little lift on days when you’re not outside as much.'

For the first winter ever, I've decided to follow the advice and invest in some houseplants – after all, according to NASA, there's a magic number for how many houseplants we need to improve air quality – so I've asked our experts which work best and why below.

1. Peace lilies

'Peace lilies are one I always recommend because they almost ‘reset’ a room,' says Neil. 'They’re great at lifting stale, dry air from the heating and bringing that soft, glossy greenery that instantly makes a space feel calmer.'

An eye-catching plant, they have white flower-like spathes that rise above the lush leaves. They are known for being one of the best plants for removing toxins like ammonia and carbon monoxide, so they will improve air quality during the winter months. Looking into where to place a peace lily will help this popular houseplant to thrive.

Amazon have a peace lily in a 9cm pot for £10.89, which is a great price if you want to start small.

Neil adds, 'They’re also very forgiving in low light, which is ideal for British winters. As long as the soil stays slightly moist and they’re not right next to a radiator, they’re happy.'

2. Jasmine

I often use trailing jasmine in floral arrangements, and I love the idea that I can have it in my home too. It's a winner because it has a lovely fragrant scent, and it's a pretty-looking plant.

'Indoor jasmine varieties bring delicate flowers, brighten winter evenings and help create a relaxing atmosphere,' says Angharad.

They are great too if you don't like to live in an overheated house, as they thrive in cooler temperatures and bright, indirect light. 'Keep their compost lightly moist and give them a quick spritz of Baby Bio® Houseplant Feed & Mist to hydrate and provide essential nutrients, supporting strong, healthy growth and vibrant foliage while you’re indoors,' Angharad advises.

I love this pink jasmine plant from Beards & Daisies, which allows you to choose from a white, pink, grey or navy pot, £34.

3. Cyclamen

Cyclamen is a really joyful plant and one I actually have on my windowsill right now. They come in white and shades of pink, making them ideal for adding colour to your home – and they make good little gifts too.

Mine was a gift and has lasted over 20 years! It flowers a couple of times a year and needs very little water. They are a great plant for those of us who forget to water...

Buy this pink and white pair from Thompson & Morgan, £14.99 and either gift one or place it in different rooms.

'Put a pot of cyclamen by the front door in November and move it to a mantel or desk once the Christmas decorations come down,' advises Andy Little, houseplant buyer at British Garden Centres. 'The heart-shaped, marbled leaves and bright flowers instantly lift a grey afternoon.'

4. Weeping fig

According to Dr Tijana Blanusa, principal horticultural scientist at the RHS, research conducted by the RHS and the University of Reading said that houseplants with soft, rounded shapes – such as weeping fig and golden pothos (see below) – were considered best for wellbeing.

The exotic-looking weeping fig likes temperatures between 16 and 24 degrees, so if you like your home on the warmer side during winter, it will be happy. They also release moisture into the air, which can be beneficial if your home gets a little dry from heating. It's also wonderful at filtering the air, and it is particularly good at removing toxins found in household items like furniture, paint and cleaning products.

'To maximise the wellbeing benefits, choose healthy specimens and look after them well, as unhealthy-looking plants can make us feel uneasy and stressed,' adds Dr Tijana.

Treat yourself to B&Q's YouGarden weeping fig houseplant in a 21cm pot, 90-110cm tall, £32.99. Keep it out of draughts, and it will be easy to care for.

5. Golden pothos

Golden Pothos is also known as Devil's Ivy. It's a great beginner plant, easy to care for, grows fast and loves most rooms. It has variegated green and yellow leaves and looks great in a hanging pot – or can be trained to climb a support.

The reason it's a fabulous wellbeing booster is that it purifies the air and is said to reduce your stress. It's considered a lucky plant in Feng Shui and is thought to bring good fortune and positive energy to a space.

Andy adds, 'It copes well with the lower light of a UK winter and needs very little fuss, so you can enjoy a lush, jungle backdrop in the coldest of climes.​'

I like the look of Amazon's Devil's Ivy indoor trailing plant that comes with a hanging basket, £19.99.

If you fall in love with this variety, you can learn how to propagate golden pothos for your home.

6. Fern

'The Boston fern helps restore moisture to the air naturally, offering relief to those who suffer from dry skin or irritably dry noses or throats during the central-heating months,' advises Andy.

There's something wonderfully lush about ferns, and the Boston fern offers quite specific benefits – it's great for soothing dry skin and throats – perfect for the winter months. It also removes formaldehyde and other nasties from the air. The voluminous greenery helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation too; it certainly has a visual appeal that reminds us of being outside. It's also pet-friendly, which is a huge bonus.

Have a look at Crocus's Boston ferns, you can choose from different pots – from a simple white design to a hand-etched aluminium pot, prices start from £8.99.

Top tip from Andy, 'Mist it daily for a calming ritual that keeps both the plant lush and my workspace feeling fresher.'

7. Moth orchid

Stylish and cheerful, a moth orchid is a classic houseplant to invest in.

Andy agrees, 'A winter treat is a moth orchid on the windowsill. It loves steady central-heating temperatures and will often flower for months, bringing colour and elegant stems of bloom instead of bare branches outside.'

Orchids are easy to care for as long as they are happy where they're placed. They will be fine – filtered sunlight is a great spot. They also help with dry skin and chapped lips as they put moisture back into the air. Orchids have a calming presence, too, and the flowers are long-lasting, which creates a sense of achievement.

In the past, I've bought mine from Amazon, their Vienna moth orchid comes in a 9cm pot and will grow up to 40cm, £19.99.

8. Lavender

'Although people don’t always think of lavender as an indoor plant, a small pot can be a real mood-booster in winter,' suggests Neil. 'The scent is naturally calming, and it works beautifully in cooler rooms. We don’t get much light in December or January, but a bright-ish spot – even just close to a window – is normally enough to keep it happy. The key is to water sparingly, as lavender really hates sitting in wet compost.'

Keeping your lavender plant in the bedroom will be beneficial if you struggle to get off to sleep; it helps to reduce anxiety, too. During the winter months, when coughs and colds can appear, it's a good option as it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Once spring appears, you can place your lavender outside; it's one of the best plants for making your patio smell gorgeous. Buy one from Wilko, their St. Anouk dark purple variety is a good starter for £3.99.

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Following the advice will ensure you have an extra helping hand with your wellbeing over the next few months. Caring for houseplants is so beneficial too, simply tending to their needs, however small and watching them grow will help us all.

Calatheas (now reclassified as Goeppertias) are one of my favourite houseplants. They can be fussy (and for me, that makes them even more rewarding), but knowing where to place a calathea will give your plant the best chance of thriving.

Striking patterned leaves make calatheas a statement in the home, and they’re one of the most popular air-purifying indoor plants, too. My ‘peacock plant’ (Calathea makoyana) is a stalwart in my bedroom, but it wouldn’t have lasted half as long had I not kept it in the right place.

According to houseplant experts, there are a few spots that calatheas love best (and I can vouch for one of them!).

1. North or east-facing windowsill

Much like monsteras, calatheas appreciate bright but indirect sunlight, so it’s crucial that you pick the right windowsill.

‘Place them near a north or east-facing window,’ advises Connor Towning, lead horticulturalist at Beards & Daisies. ‘Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch their delicate leaves. If the room is too bright, diffuse the light with a sheer curtain.’

My calathea has sat happily on the north-east-facing windowsill of my bedroom for the past eight months, in brilliant health. You can buy a Calathea makoyana plant for £13.59 at Crocus.

2. The bathroom

Calatheas are tropical plants, which means they thrive in environments with plenty of humidity.

‘High humidity is essential,’ says Connor. ‘Aim for around 60 per cent or more.’

Of course, you can mist your plants, even in winter – but the gold standard is choosing a room that already has higher humidity levels than the rest of the home, like the bathroom.

You can also buy a plant humidifier, like this one from Amazon, if you want to boost air moisture levels in other rooms.

3. The kitchen

If you’re wondering where to place a calathea besides the bathroom, the kitchen also tends to offer higher humidity levels.

‘In my open-plan kitchen, which receives natural light throughout the day, my calatheas are at their happiest, a metre away from the windows,’ says Morag Hill, co-owner of The Little Botanical.

That distance away from the windowsill is key, especially if you’re planning on placing your calathea on a south-facing window, to ensure it isn’t exposed to direct sunlight.

Where to buy calathea plants

If you're wondering where to place a calathea, opt for a humid bathroom or kitchen and a north or east-facing windowsill, away from direct sunlight.

I’d heard rumours about the one houseplant that experts say gets rid of dust, of course; everyone has. Still, I’d never really believed them – or, to be completely honest, I’d never really believed they’d be true for me, based on my past carelessness as a plant parent.

My big confession: I may have a green thumb in the garden, but I’ve only ever been able to handle the truly unkillable houseplants around. For whatever reason, my indoor plants tend to suffer more than any outdoor ones, as I forget to water them, sometimes let leaves collect dust, and, on occasion, prune a little too enthusiastically. (It’s the opposite of ‘out of sight, out of mind’, apparently).

There are a few specimens that have survived all my best efforts to kill them, though, and as luck would have it, one of them, a snake plant, has been touted as one of the best houseplants for reducing dust. It is so easy to care for a snake plant; mine stands tall, unbothered, silently thriving in the corner of my dining room.

Can a snake plant really get rid of dust?

According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, snake plants are great at removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from indoor air. They also naturally trap dust with their upright, sword-like leaves, which is a win for anyone who hates dusting with a passion.

Now, I can’t personally prove my dining room is dust-free: crumbs, dog hair, and the odd glitter from my toddler’s more chaotic craft projects still find their way onto the floor. That being said, I love that this unpretentious and decidedly unfussy plant has been scientifically proven to improve the air around me. It gives me a rare sense of domestic accomplishment, especially as my dining room is easily one of the least dusty corners of my home.

Other benefits

While my beloved snake plant (you can buy a similar breed of mother-in-law's tongue from Amazon) is widely touted as the one houseplant that experts say gets rid of dust, the benefits extend beyond dust control.

Snake plants are famously easy to care for; these striking specimens are slow-growing, hardy, and long-lived. Unlike more temperamental houseplants that wilt at the slightest sign of neglect, my snake plant doesn’t complain if I forget to dust its leaves for a month, or if my curious one-year-old occasionally nudges it off balance.

I’ve even moved it around the house, testing different spots near the dining table, beside the sofa, and on top of a tall bookshelf, and each time, it shrugged off the relocation and carried on growing. For anyone who has killed a string of fussy ferns or delicate orchids, this kind of reliability is bliss.

While many indoor plants require daily care or careful humidity monitoring, the snake plant thrives with the equivalent of a gentle nod in its direction. And plenty of experts note that its ability to trap dust and purify the air isn’t just a happy side effect: it’s one of the reasons this plant has become a favourite in offices, homes, and apartments where indoor air quality is a concern.

For me, the snake plant has also transformed how I view plant ownership. It has shown me that a successful plant relationship doesn’t require perfection. My “sins” as a plant parent (neglect, overwatering, occasional rough handling) haven’t betrayed me. Instead, this forgiving, stalwart plant continues to thrive, making the dining room fresher, greener, and somehow calmer.

Its presence is a quiet daily triumph, proof that sometimes, low-maintenance care can have surprisingly big rewards.

FAQs

So if you’re juggling a busy life, a family, or simply possess a lack of patience for finicky greenery (amen!), then you absolutely can embrace the one houseplant that experts say gets rid of dust. I’ve done the research, and the snake plant is worth a spot in your home.

Place it in a lacklustre corner, near a sofa, or beside a bedside table for instant va-va-voom. Let it grow without fuss, and wait for it to quietly purify the air, trap dust, and reward you with effortless greenery.

The festivities are in full swing, so looking after your houseplants might not be top priority right now. But if you’re heading off to visit family and friends over the holidays and want to keep plants looking lush and healthy, then our expert-approved tips for how to look after houseplants while you’re away over Christmas are a must-read.

While most houseplants will tolerate a few days' absence without suffering too much, if you’re planning to be away for longer than that and want to keep your houseplants alive and thriving, then working out an easy method for keeping plants hydrated and well-watered is definitely worth doing before you head off.

‘Many of us will be packing our bags to visit family or take a much-needed break over the festive season,’ says Angharad James, Brand Manager at Baby Bio. ‘But while we’re busy wrapping presents and planning journeys, our houseplants are left to face the challenges of winter – cooler temperatures, lower light, central heating and drier air. Here’s how to keep your indoor greenery hydrated, comfortable and thriving until you return.’

1. Prep plants ahead of the holidays

‘A little preparation goes a long way,’ says Angharad. ‘Water your plants thoroughly a day or two before you leave, making sure excess water drains away so roots aren’t sitting in soggy compost. This is also the perfect moment to tidy up any dead growth and check that pots are away from radiators or draughts – warm, dry air can speed up moisture loss.’

‘Healthy plants cope far better during short periods without attention. Wipe dust from leaves to help them make the most of available winter light, check for early signs of pests, and give tropical plants a final, refreshing spritz of houseplant feed. It will provide extra hydration and gentle nutrients, helping foliage maintain moisture and colour while you’re away.’

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2. Invest in a humidity tray

‘To ensure your plants stay hydrated while you are away, consider placing the pots on a humidity tray, which will help them retain moisture,’ says Sandi Liang from Dandi Plants at Palm Street app.

‘Make sure the pots are above the waterline because this allows the water to slowly evaporate and keep the air humid at a level most indoor plants prefer (no need to do this for cacti and succulents).’

‘When it comes to how to care for houseplants over winter or while away, if watered deeply, most indoor plants will thrive well for up to a week all by themselves. If you plan to be away for a week or less, watering your plants thoroughly before departure will be sufficient. This is especially true during the winter months when plant growth slows, and some plants even go semi-dormant. Drought-tolerant houseplants, like succulents and cacti, should be fine for a week or two without water.’

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3. Create a calm, winter-friendly microclimate

‘Grouping plants together helps them retain humidity, something they naturally struggle with during the colder months,’ says Angharad. ‘Move them slightly closer to windows to make the most of daylight but avoid placing them directly against cold panes.’

‘Moisture-loving varieties such as peace lilies, monsteras and ferns benefit from sitting on a tray of pebbles topped with water. As the water evaporates, it creates a gentle buffer of humidity that keeps leaves from drying out.’

‘Most plants tend to like moderate conditions no matter what season, so adjust your thermostat or air conditioning accordingly to improve air quality,’ says Sandi Liang. ‘Houseplants are usually tropical, so they prefer temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees.’

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4. Adjust light and temperature

‘When it comes to winter houseplant problems, such as how to keep your plants from wilting while you’re away, you can move them a little bit further away from their source of natural light,’ suggests Sandi. ‘Place them in the middle of the room so that the heat and light from the windows do not dry them out fast.’

‘If your plants were not receiving plenty of light originally, due to short winter days or obstructed windows, you can decide to keep your plants where they are. Whether you’re home or away, make sure to never leave an air conditioning or heating system blasting on or near a houseplant. Although a luxury for humans, ACs and heaters tend to rob your indoor environment of the humidity most tropical plants crave.’

5. Skip the fertiliser

‘If you occasionally use fertiliser on your houseplants, make sure to hold off on fertilising until you return from your trip,’ advises Sandi. ‘Do not fertilise your plants in the weeks before your departure either. You’ll want your best houseplants to grow as slowly as possible while you're gone, which will help them to conserve energy and water.’

6. Make sure to prune

‘Be sure to prune off any dead, dying, or unhealthy-looking plant foliage before you go,’ suggests Sandi. ‘You can also trim off any buds or flowers, which usually require more frequent water to stay healthy.’

‘When it comes to drought-tolerant plants like succulents, they can go over a month without watering, especially if placed out of direct light. This is a good choice for a plant if you travel a lot during the holiday season.’

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How do you look after your houseplants while you're away? We'd love to hear your own top tips.

With Christmas right around the corner, poinsettias are everywhere right now. If you want your plant to welcome guests with festive spirit, it’s worth knowing where to place a poinsettia according to Feng Shui principles.

If you look after your poinsettia properly, its red bracts can make a beautiful Christmas centrepiece. One of the most important care tips, though, is choosing the right spot for a poinsettia – and besides giving your plant the best chance of surviving the festive season, there’s one room that experts recommend in particular for positive Feng Shui.

I asked them where to place a poinsettia, just in time for Christmas.

Feng Shui is all about arranging furniture, plants and other parts of the home in a way that promotes positive energy, harmony and improvements in other areas of life, too. Just as you can position your Christmas cactus according to Feng Shui, there are recommendations for poinsettia placements, too.

Besides being classic symbols of Christmas, poinsettias represent good cheer. That’s exactly the energy we want at this time of the year – so finding the right spot is key.

I spoke to Feng Shui expert Dr Michael Oon, who singled out one room in the home as the perfect place for poinsettias according to Feng Shui – and contrary to popular belief, it isn’t the living room.

‘It’s very simple – place it just by the entrance hall,’ Dr Oon said. ‘It’s red, so it’s welcoming and striking.

‘If you put it in the living room, it gets cluttered. I mean, you’ve got Christmas decorations, and it doesn’t stand out. If it’s there as you come into the home, it’s a welcoming gesture to guests.’

So, if you’ve got room in the hallway for your poinsettia plant, that’s the spot to go for. You’ll need to make sure you’ve ticked off other locational boxes first, though, because the priority should always be your plant's health.

‘In Feng Shui, healthy plants are key, so placing a poinsettia somewhere bright but not in harsh sun is generally prioritised over strict directional rules,’ says Jo Lambell, founder of houseplant retailer Beards & Daisies.

It’s also best to avoid placing your poinsettia near draughty areas and radiators (central heating can affect Christmas cacti, too). Poinsettia mistakes like these can cause a host of problems.

Jo says social spaces like the living room can work, because poinsettias are associated with warmth and positivity – but make sure the space isn’t too cluttered, as Dr Oon suggested earlier on.

‘Be cautious in bedrooms, too,’ warns Jo. ‘Strong reds are often thought of as visually energising, so many people prefer to avoid them in bedrooms if they want the space to feel calm and settled. Lighter varieties tend to feel more appropriate here.’

You can buy a poinsettia for just £3.97 from Gardening Express, and it’ll arrive before Christmas if you place your order by 21st December.

So, the perfect place for a poinsettia according to Feng Shui is the hallway. Other rooms are fine if they aren't cluttered – but placing your plant in an entrance hall welcomes guests with plenty of festive spirit.

My biggest houseplant bugbear right now? Flies around my houseplants. Lots of them.

While I find myself wondering how to keep flies off my houseplants all year round, I’ve seen more of the critters than usual lately. As it turns out, there are two reasons for the explosion in numbers this December – and they're easily missed.

Here’s what's attracting so many flies to your houseplants this month – and a few expert-approved ways to keep them at bay.

1. The heating

I tend to see flies as a summer problem – that’s when I usually find myself looking for ways to get rid of fungus gnats – but this month, I’ve spotted more around my plants than usual.

Temperature-wise, we're having quite a mild December. It isn't freezing outside, but it’s still chilly enough to turn the heating on. That, sadly, could be the root of the problem.

‘These houseplant flies are known as fungus gnats, and they explode in numbers at this time of year because the cold outdoor weather forces us to turn up the central heating,’ explains Andy Little, houseplant buyer at British Garden Centres.

‘Warm homes with sealed windows trap the flies inside, so this, plus central heating, speeds up gnat lifecycles indoors.’

Those lifecycles are a force to be reckoned with when the heating’s on, but I just discovered a clever way of making things trickier for them on an Instagram reel by garden presenter Gardening with Ish. You’ll just need some horticultural grit, like this BetterGrow Coarse Horticultural Grit, which is £6.99 at Amazon.

‘Fungus gnats and little flies burrow in the soil and breed, and then emerge,’ Ish says in the video. ‘However, give them something they can’t dig through or emerge through, like horticultural grit, and they’ll stay in there and won’t cause you any bother.’

2. Overwatering

Overwatering your plants is never a good thing, but soggy soil and central heating? They’re a diabolical pair – and together, they're an absolute magnet for flies around your houseplants.

‘If your houseplant soil is too wet, this results in perfect conditions for the gnats to breed,’ warns Andy. ‘Overwatered soil attracts females that lay hundreds of eggs in the damp top layer, where larvae munch on fungi and roots.

‘Add in nutrient-packed compost that breaks down fast, poor pot drainage trapping moisture, and fallen leaves on the surface, and flies will thrive.’

Andy recommends letting the top inch or two of soil dry out completely between waterings. If you haven’t already added horticultural grit to the soil, it’s worth putting a layer of gravel or sand over the surface to prevent female flies from laying eggs.

Ish also suggests popping some fly papers around your plants to catch any stragglers. You can buy 30 fruit fly traps for £4.99 from Amazon.

So, central heating and overwatering are the two leading drivers of flies around your houseplants this December. Keep some horticultural grit handy!

It is finally Christmas cactus season, and if you’re one of the many people enjoying its festive blooms, have you considered the plant’s Feng Shui placement? Experts say the correct placement could result in an abundance of joy and harmony.

Known for their spectacular red and pink trailing blooms that flower over the festive period, Christmas cacti are one of the most popular houseplants during this time of year. Luckily for you, there is a lot of easily accessible Christmas cactus care to help keep yours in optimum health.

You may already be aware of when to water a Christmas cactus or even how to repot one, but according to feng shui, where you place a Christmas cactus should be just as important for your home's well-being.

Where to position a christmas cactus according to Feng Shui

If you’re looking to improve your home’s Feng Shui for free, the placement of your houseplants is important. This ancient Chinese practice centres on arranging your home to harmonise with the natural flow of energy (Chi). As flowering houseplants like a Christmas cactus can represent harmony and joy, it’s important to position them correctly to contribute to the positive flow of energy.

‘According to Feng Shui principles, a Christmas cactus is best placed in a bright, welcoming part of the home where energy naturally flows, such as a living room, dining area or home office,' says Maryam Ghani, floral expert at Haute Florist.

'East or southeast-facing positions are especially favourable, as these areas are traditionally linked with growth, vitality and abundance. Placing the plant near a window with bright, indirect light supports both its health and its positive energy, allowing it to thrive without being stressed by harsh sun.'

‘In Feng Shui, healthy, flowering plants are seen as symbols of renewal, harmony and gentle positive energy. A Christmas cactus in flower represents balance and emotional warmth, making it a lovely addition to shared spaces where people gather and relax. Its soft, arching stems and colourful flowers help soften sharp lines in a room and create a calmer, more nurturing atmosphere. From a practical point of view, placing it in a bright but not overly hot spot also encourages reliable flowering.’

Where to avoid putting a Christmas cactus

While understanding the right Feng Shui placement for a Christmas cactus is important, you also need to know where to avoid putting one.

‘What tends to backfire is placing Christmas cacti in bedrooms or on lines where people sleep or walk directly past. In Feng Shui terms, even a gentle holiday cactus can feel too active for a yin, restorative zone, so avoid bedside tables, headboard shelves, and high shelves that point toward the bed, especially in a room anchored by a Natural Fibre Mattress and calming textiles,' says Ryan Kerr, founder of John Ryan by Design.

'Steer clear of tight hallways, door lines, or directly opposite the front door, where the plant’s form can create minor Sha Qi and the constant movement can stress buds.'

In Feng Shui, Sha Qi refers to harmful energy, which can negatively affect health, wealth, and relationships. Because of this, you should also avoid putting the plant in cluttered spaces or dark corners.

‘Drafty spots near doors, radiators or fireplaces can cause temperature fluctuations that stress the plant and lead to bud drop,’ adds Maryam. ‘Kitchens can also be tricky due to heat and steam, which can upset both the plant and the energy balance.’

If you’ve been enjoying your Christmas cactus this year, it’s still worth ensuring that you have positioned it in alignment with Feng Shui - especially if you want an abundance of joy and harmony this Christmas.

I’m all for a handy houseplant hack, but do Christmas cacti like sugar water? Really?

If you want your Christmas cactus to bloom for a long time, you’ll want to steer clear of this one. Feeding the plant sugar water can play host to a number of Christmas cactus problems, and it can even ruin the festive blooms altogether.

Here’s why Christmas cacti absolutely don’t like sugar water – and what to feed them instead, if you want plenty of blooms over the next month or two.

Do Christmas cacti like sugar water?

Sugar water is sometimes recommended as a quick hack for encouraging more Christmas cactus blooms. It might be an expert-approved ingredient in butterfly food, but for Christmas cacti, it’s another story – and actually, feeding your plant sugar water can do more harm than good.

‘It’s not recommended to use sugar water on Christmas cacti, as it can stop the plant from absorbing important nutrients,’ warns Asta Foufas, floristry lead at ethical flower retailer Arena Flowers.

It’s all down to the moisture balance in the soil, which sugar water can very quickly disrupt.

‘Sugar changes the way water moves through the soil, making it harder for the roots to take up what they need,’ explains Jo Lambell, founder of houseplant retailer Beards & Daisies.

Sugar water can also draw moisture out of the plant’s root cells, Jo adds, leading to limp pads and fewer buds. The last thing you want is to be googling how to perk up a droopy Christmas cactus at this time of the year, so it's best to put this questionable Christmas cactus care tip to bed.

Beyond the impact on the plant itself, sugar water can attract a host of other problems.

‘Sugar water is not good for Christmas cacti as it can cause mould or attract pests,’ says Andy Little, houseplant buyer at British Garden Centres.

Plus, there’s just no substantial benefit to feeding your Christmas cactus sugar water in the first place.

‘Christmas cacti can’t use sugar in a way that meaningfully supports growth or flowering,’ says Jo.

A Christmas cactus is one of the longest-flowering Christmas houseplants, but using sugar water can forfeit the blooms.

If you know how often to water a Christmas cactus, and keep it in a spot with a consistent temperature, that’s a good start – but if you’re keen to promote even more blooms, it’s wise to get your hands on a good fertiliser…

The best fertiliser for a Christmas cactus

Now that we’ve established that Christmas cacti don’t like sugar water, we can look for a fertiliser that actually will give the blooms a boost.

‘Use a balanced fertiliser made for houseplants or cacti during the growing season,’ says Andy from British Garden Centres. Westland Cacti & Succulent Feed Concentrate, £2.59, is Amazon's choice for cacti fertilisers.

So, which ingredients should we be looking for?

‘Go for a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertiliser,’ advises Jo from Beards & Daisies. ‘Something gentle and even, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula, works well.

‘Look for magnesium, iron and manganese on the label; these help maintain healthy colour and steady growth.’

Baby Bio Houseplant Feed, which you can grab for just £1.99 at Amazon, is a balanced, highly-rated fertiliser.

It’s important to know when to stop feeding indoor plants before winter arrives, and the same goes for Christmas cacti.

‘Feed lightly,’ says Jo. ‘Dilute to half strength and use every two to four weeks from spring to late summer, then pause feeding in early autumn to help with bud formation.’

Jo even recommends orchid feed as a good alternative, thanks to its low, steady nutrient levels, which are perfect for a Christmas cactus’s sensitive roots. Westland Orchid Feed Concentrate, £2.59 at Amazon, is a good choice.

Avoid giving your Christmas cactus sugar water and stick to a balanced houseplant feed, and your plant will stand the best chance of flowering success.

If you’re looking for a festive houseplant that flowers for a really long time – I’m talking most of the winter, and sometimes even longer – you’ll want one particular succulent on your radar: the Christmas cactus.

Sure, lots of the best Christmas houseplants are renowned for their long flowering period – but once you know how to look after a Christmas cactus properly, the blooms can last for months.

To find out more and how you can maximise your Christmas cactus’s flowering potential, I spoke to the experts.

According to plant experts, Christmas cacti are among the longest-flowering Christmas houseplants, and they're an easy-care choice for beginners, too.

‘The Christmas cactus is one of the most reliable for longevity, often producing waves of blooms for several weeks,’ says Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies.

With the right care, Christmas cacti can flower from late November to late January – and if you’re really good at looking after them, and nip any Christmas cactus problems in the bud, the blooms can last even longer.

Jo says consistency is key to keeping a Christmas cactus blooming for as long as possible.

‘Steady, light, gentle watering, and avoiding temperature shocks are the simplest ways to keep blooms going through December,’ she says.

‘If the soil ever feels heavy, pause watering for a few days – it usually protects the next round of flower buds.’

Besides knowing how often you should water a Christmas cactus, you’ll also need to make sure it isn’t being affected by central heating, and keep it away from any radiators or draughty spots. A plant humidifier, which you can buy from Amazon for £13.99, can help to keep humidity levels up.

‘Good light, the right amount of water, and some humidity are what the cactus really needs to stay healthy and bloom well indoors during the heating season,’ agrees Andy Little, houseplant buyer at British Garden Centres.

Christmas cactus essentials

What about poinsettias?

Many people assume that poinsettias are the longest-flowering Christmas houseplants, and while that’s true, it isn’t for the reason most of us believe.

That’s because the red ‘flowers’ the plants are famous for aren’t actually flowers at all – they’re bracts, which are a kind of modified leaf. Poinsettias do have flowers, though – they’re the tiny yellow-green blooms that sit in the middle of the bracts, and they're easily mistaken for pistils.

Although the bracts aren’t true flowers, they can last a really long time – months, if you care for your poinsettia properly – and if you know what to do with a poinsettia after Christmas, it could even bloom again next year.

There are plenty of other expert-approved festive houseplants that flower for a long time, too – but the Christmas cactus is a brilliant choice for beginners.

The Christmas cactus is one of the most popular festive houseplants, but despite its name, it’s particularly vulnerable to one silent killer at this time of the year: central heating.

Hot radiators and centrally heated rooms are the underlying causes of so many Christmas cactus problems – and thanks to the chillier weather outside, they're an even bigger issue right now. Luckily, though, the symptoms are pretty obvious.

Below, you’ll find out how central heating affects a Christmas cactus, the signs it’s struggling, and a few ways to keep your plant as healthy as possible over the winter months.

What you'll need

• A Christmas cactus plant, like this red-flowered Schlumbergera, £11.69 at Crocus
• A humidifier, like this plant humidifier, £13.99 at Amazon
• Or, a shallow tray like this £6 Verve tray from B&Q, filled with pebbles like these premium clay pebbles for plants, £6.99 at Amazon
• Houseplant feed, like the Westland Cacti and Succulent Feed Concentrate, £2.59 at Amazon

How can central heating affect a Christmas cactus?

I thought we’d start by looking at exactly how central heating can affect a Christmas cactus. If you’ve noticed the buds falling off your Christmas cactus, your indoor heating system could be to blame.

‘Central heating can dry out Christmas cacti and make them lose moisture fast,’ warns Andy Little, houseplant buyer at British Garden Centres. ‘This causes the leaves to go limp, shrivel, and sometimes turn brown or red. The flower buds may fall off before opening, too.’

So, besides colour changes and bud loss, a Christmas cactus will drop its leaves when it’s under stress from indoor heating. If you want your Christmas cactus to flower, it’s crucial that you keep it well away from hot radiators.

The plant’s surprising origins have a lot to do with its resistance to artificial heat.

‘Despite its name, Christmas cacti actually originate from tropical rainforests, so they tend to like a more humid environment,’ explains Asta Foufas, floristry lead at Arena Flowers. ‘This can be difficult to maintain in the average British home, especially in winter when we have the central heating and radiators blasting out heat and lowering humidity.’

Luckily, there are a few ways to protect your Christmas cactus from the worst effects of central heating…

How to protect a Christmas cactus from central heating

If you’re afraid that your Christmas cactus is at risk from central heating, the first thing you need to do is move it to a cooler spot. In fact, choosing the right place for your plant is one of the most important parts of caring for a Christmas cactus properly.

‘Move the cactus away from hot radiators and direct sunlight to a cooler spot with bright, indirect light,’ advises Andy from British Garden Centres.

Temperature consistency is key: most houseplants hate spots where it’s cold one moment and hot the next, so make sure your Christmas cactus is far away from heaters, radiators and draughty areas.

Asta already mentioned that Christmas cacti love a moist environment, so it’s worth looking at ways to boost humidity levels, too.

‘Misting plants in winter can also be beneficial, and you could also try placing your plant in a shallow tray of moist pebbles to increase the humidity in the surrounding air,’ Asta suggests. You can buy clay pebbles for plants from Amazon to line a shallow tray, or even buy a plant humidifier from Amazon.

It can be tempting to water your Christmas cactus more to compensate for the drier environment, but overwatering can actually do your plant more harm than good.

‘Watering too much to fix the dryness can harm the roots,’ warns Andy. ‘Water only when the soil on top feels dry, and make sure excess water drains away.’

If you’ve already overwatered your plant, it’s worth repotting the Christmas cactus with fresh, well-draining soil like the Westland Houseplant Potting Mix from Amazon.

Christmas cacti make some of the very best Christmas houseplants for vibrant blooms over the winter months. Keep them away from radiators and heaters, and water them properly, and you should see a colourful display every year.

If you’re green-fingered, or you know someone who is, a plant is the obvious gift of choice – even at this time of the year! That’s if you know which Christmas plants to send as gifts, anyway.

Thankfully, a lot of the best Christmas houseplants are packed and delivered carefully by garden retailers, often with beautiful gift wrapping or accompanying treats to seal the deal.

When it comes to choosing which Christmas plant to send a friend or family member, the choice can be overwhelming – so I’ve thrown together a quick list of my go-tos, with suggestions from the experts, too.

1. Christmas amaryllis

Christmas amaryllis makes a beautiful, festive gift for a loved one – and if they learn how to care for amaryllis properly, the bulbs will survive for years and years, rewarding them with fresh blooms every autumn and winter.

‘Either send the bulbs ready to plant or a pre-grown flower,’ says Chris Bonnett, gardening expert and founder of Gardening Express. ‘They bring a burst of colour to the home or garden over Christmas and can be planted almost any time of year, with blooms appearing in just a few weeks.’

Where to buy Christmas amaryllis for gifting:

• Gardening Express: Browse a beautiful range of amaryllis bulbs.
• Bloom & Wild: Send this festive red amaryllis plant straight to a friend.

2. Christmas cactus

The Christmas cactus is one of the most popular houseplants at this time of the year, thanks to its vibrant blooms. It’s also really easy to look after a Christmas cactus – it's in the succulent family, for one!

'A December favourite with bright flowers that arrive just as the days feel their darkest, the Christmas cactus is compact, long-lasting, and easy to care for, making it ideal for gifting,’ says Jo Lambell, houseplant expert and founder of Beards & Daisies.

With the right care, you can get your Christmas cactus to bloom throughout winter.

Where to buy a Christmas cactus for gifting:

• Dunelm: This Beards & Daisies Christmas White Cactus House Plant comes in a ceramic pot.
• Appleyard London: This Christmas cactus can be personalised with a gift card.

3. Cyclamen

Another popular winter-flowering houseplant is cyclamen – and yes, while it’s often found outdoors in cottage garden borders, you can learn how to grow cyclamen indoors, too.

‘Red and white cyclamen are another festive favourite,’ says Chris from Gardening Express. ‘These small potted plants have a gentle fragrance and look charming together on a display or as a table decoration.’

Cyclamen are a feature of so many seasonal plant displays, it isn't hard to track down a giftable plant.

Where to buy cyclamen for gifting:

• Gardening Express: Go for festive red cyclamen or snowy white cyclamen.
• Bloom & Wild: This Seasonal Cyclamen gift arrives in bloom.

4. Jasmine

For beauty and fragrance, consider sending an indoor jasmine plant as a Christmas gift. Species like Madagascar jasmine are the most commonly grown indoors, and they're often arranged in a hoop,

‘It’s a delicate, fragrant option for someone who loves scent,’ explains Jo from Beards & Daisies. ‘It prefers cooler, bright spaces and rewards light, regular care with long-lasting fragrance.’

Where to buy jasmine for gifting:

• Beards & Daisies: This jasmine plant comes in a ceramic pot.
• B&Q: A Gift-wrapped Stephanotis jasmine plant that's perfect for gifting.

5. Poinsettia

Last but not least, I had to include poinsettias in my list of the best Christmas plants to send as gifts. Whether you’ll be handpicking a poinsettia from the supermarket or ordering a gift set straight to a loved one’s door, these festive houseplants are practically *the* symbol of Christmas.

‘Poinsettias are festive staples with bold red bracts that bring instant warmth to a room,’ says Jo. ‘Modern varieties also hold colour well into the New Year.’

Where to buy poinsettias for gifting:

• M&S: This poinsettia comes in a Kubu basket, and you can add wine, chocolates or candles!
• Next: A poinsettia in a hatbox!

Which Christmas plants will you be sending as gifts this year?

If you’ve ever unwrapped a poinsettia full of hope only to watch it sulk a few days later, you’re not alone: the mistakes everyone makes with poinsettias are far more common than you’d think.

Before you even get it home, knowing how to choose a poinsettia is half the battle, especially when so many are already stressed before you’ve even swiped your card. It also helps to understand how to care for poinsettias properly once they’re through your front door, because these colourful bracts may be iconic, but they can be a bit… well, let’s just call them dramatic.

And if you’ve ever found yourself quietly wondering how long does a poinsettia last? Don’t worry; with the right fixes (and a bit of luck), yours can stay healthy and vibrant well into the new year. Just take care to avoid the following...

1. Buying a plant that’s already stressed

According to Morris Hankinson of Hopes Grove Nurseries, most problems start before you even get home.

‘Most poinsettias have already become stressed before you even take them home with you. They need specific conditions to thrive and will already be struggling after being packed, shipped and kept in shops with a draught or heat, under direct light or any other number of conditions they don’t like,’ he explains.

To avoid making this major poinsettia mistake, then, he advises you choose one that has deep green leaves and vibrant coloured bracts (these are the modified leaves with the colour).

‘Make sure there aren’t any yellow leaves, black leaves or broken stems,’ he adds, ‘and take care to confirm it’s been kept inside and away from doors or heaters. Plus, get it in a protective sleeve and home quickly!’

2. Letting it catch a chill (indoors or out)

Another of the most common mistakes everyone makes with poinsettias? Forgetting that poinsettias (which hail from Mexico!) hate the cold.

‘Even a few minutes of cold will cause shock,’ says Morris. ‘Wrap them well when transporting them home.’

Steven Bell, gardening enthusiast and founder of Paving Shopper, adds that in the UK, ‘cold draughts and sudden temperature drops are the number one reason for leaf drop.’

To fix this, Steven says you should aim to keep your poinsettia in that sweet spot between 15-22°C.

‘Avoid doors, windows, radiators and cold windowsills at night,’ he adds, ‘and move it away from glass once the heating goes off.’

3. Overwatering (the silent killer)

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again; there’s nothing sadder than an overwatered plant, and poinsettias are often killed by kindness. You need, then, to learn how often to water a poinsettia if you want it to thrive.

An overwatered poinsettia looks as unlike the vibrant festive foliage we crave as possible; think yellowing leaves that drop off the lower parts of the plant.

‘Too much and wet soil will kill off the plant in no time,’ says Morris. ‘Most are sold with a foil pot cover that traps water and rots the roots.’

Steven agrees. ‘Little and often watering keeps the compost constantly damp, which is a fast track to root rot.’

'Water only when the surface of the compost is dry to the touch. Give it a good drink, let excess water drain, and never leave it sitting in water,' says Steven Bell of Paving Shopper.

To that end, then, make sure your poinsettia is in a pot with good drainage, take care to only water when the top inch of soil is dry, and try a pebble tray to maintain humidity without drowning the roots. To make a pebble tray, just fill a flat saucer with something like these clay pebbles from Amazon.

4. Giving it too little light

Many people treat poinsettias as low-light ornaments, but low light equals dull colour and leaf drop. ‘Place them near bright light but without direct sun,’ says Morris. ‘They’ll stay vibrant for longer.’

‘Bright, indirect light prevents legginess and keeps bracts vivid,’ adds Steven.

Choose a sunny room, then, but take care to keep your poinsettia out of the harsh midday sun. And don’t forget to rotate the plant weekly for even colouring.

If you're struggling to work out the best place for your plant, consider investing in the elho Smart Pebble from Amazon. It is £40, but it will monitor water, light, nutrients and temperature and send the information straight to an app.

5. Moving it around too much

FAQs

Avoid making these common poinsettia mistakes, and yours should look perky long after the wrapping paper’s been cleared away. And if it still throws a bit of a diva strop? Don’t take it personally; poinsettias are the drama queens of the festive plant world.

At least now you’ll know exactly how to keep yours happy… or at the very least, how not to accidentally doom it before the nut roast is out the oven.

The festive season is upon us, and if you're keen to incorporate indoor greenery as part of your holiday decor, then a festive houseplant is a must. But while poinsettias are a Christmas classic that are always a winner, there are plenty of other equally colourful options worth considering too, so I asked plant experts to share which festive houseplants they always grow at this time of year.

From favourites like poinsettia and amaryllis to winter-flowering houseplants like the Christmas cactus, they are all guaranteed to bring a welcome splash of colour indoors, whether in your own home or as a gift for loved ones.

'Christmas houseplants are the perfect way to share lasting festive cheer,’ says Keira Kay, plant expert at Bloom & Wild. ‘They’re a vibrant, growing gift that brings a daily reminder of your love and a warm, natural presence to a home. They are simply the best choice for injecting joy into the season, whether you are tending to them yourself or sending that enduring festive spirit to someone you care about.’

1. Poinsettia

‘For me, poinsettia is the classic Christmas flower, says Shelley Davis, plant expert at Flying Flowers. ‘Just seeing its vivid red ‘petals’ (which are actually leaves) signals that the festive season is near. They’re great to grow in the lead-up to Christmas and can be cared for year-round, so they rebloom the following season.’

‘Poinsettias thrive in winter and use spring and summer for new growth,’ adds Shelley. ‘Because they’re particular about light and temperature, keeping the right environment is key. For how to care for poinsettias, place them in a bright spot out of direct sunlight, maintain a steady temperature, and avoid radiators or draughty windows.’

‘A well-lit living room or dining table centrepiece makes an ideal home, especially when hosting guests. They also make a great alternative to bringing a bottle of wine to a party. Walking in with a beautifully gift-wrapped poinsettia plant always gets a warm welcome.’

‘Poinsettias bring instant colour at a point in the year when most plants are slowing down, and their bracts (petals) hold well through December if they are kept warm and away from draughts,’ says Connor Towning, lead horticulturist at Beards & Daisies. ‘I always keep poinsettias somewhere consistently warm. A cold blast from an open door is usually what makes poinsettias drop leaves. Bright, indirect light and gentle, even watering are the two things that keep them looking full right through Christmas.’

Where to buy poinsettias:

• Flying Flowers: Send this cheery red Poinsettia, £30, as a Christmas gift.
• Amazon: Add instant colour indoors with this potted Poinsettia plant, £21.99.

2. Amaryllis

‘With their vivid colours and elegant trumpet-shaped blooms, amaryllis plants make a striking addition to Christmas decor,’ says Shelley Davis. ‘When planted in early November, amaryllis bulbs will flower right around Christmas, perfect timing for a festive dining table centrepiece.’

‘If you purchase one already in bloom, give it proper care as soon as you bring it home. The mature flowers can become top-heavy and cause the stem to bend or break, so consider placing a cane inside the hollow stem before arranging it.’

‘And a charming tradition my family has enjoyed for years is giving each person an amaryllis bulb and seeing whose plant grows the longest into the new year!’

‘Amaryllis offers the joy of watching it grow from a bulb,’ agrees Keira Kay. ‘To care for an amaryllis, start by keeping it in a warm environment with the soil only slightly moist. Once the shoot begins to push out, you can then increase watering frequency to encourage the dramatic flowering display that defines the festive season.’

Where to buy amaryllis plants:

• Bloom & Wild: Complete with gold scalloped pot, go for The Amaryllis Plant, £42.
• Gardening Express: Or go for six assorted varieties, with the Amaryllis Mega Bag, £19.99.

3. Helleborus

‘The helleborus - or Carol rose - is another wonderful winter-flowering favourite of mine,’ says Keira Kay. ‘It must be kept in a cooler spot with indirect light, away from heat. To prevent it from sitting in water, take the nursery pot to the sink to water, allowing it to drain completely before returning it to the cover pot.’

‘Once the beautiful blooms are spent, trim them back to encourage new growth. If moving to grow helleborus outside, remember to acclimatise the plant slowly over a couple of weeks to prevent shock.’

Where to buy helleborus:

• Bloom & Wild: Ready-planted in a glam gold planter, try The Christmas Carol Rose, £38.
• Gardeners Dream: Try a starter plant with this 9cm potted Heleborus Christmas Carol, £8.98.

4. Winter-flowering begonia

‘These compact plants flower for weeks and bring colour indoors when light levels are low, making them a strong choice for rooms that don't get strong direct sun in winter,’ says Connor Towning.

‘I grow winter begonias for steady colour. They like a bright spot and a light, regular watering routine, never heavy soaking. Just remove faded flowers promptly and they will keep producing new ones well into January.’

‘The red begonia is one of my top choices for a vibrant festive flourish,’ says Keira Kay. ‘When it comes to how to care for houseplants over winter, place your begonia in an area with bright, indirect light. The key to watering is caution: only give it a drink when the top inch of soil feels dry, which you can check with your finger. Since they love humidity, a light misting will help, and remember to prune away spent flower heads to keep new blooms growing.’

Where to buy winter-flowering begonias:

• Bloom & Wild: Add a splash of colour with the jolly red flowers of The Red Begonia, £38.
• Thompson & Morgan: Or try the coral-coloured Begonia 'Majestic New Sunburst Mixed', from £17.99.

5. Moth orchid

‘When Christmas approaches, and the central heating is cranked up, especially in UK homes, it’s important to pick plants that can handle the extra warmth,’ advises Shelley Davis. ‘The phalaenopsis orchid - or moth orchid - is a lovely choice because it’s perfectly happy in a cosy, heated room with gently filtered light.’

‘For how to care for orchids, just try not to place them right next to a radiator, as they still need a bit of fresh air. And like many houseplants, orchids don't enjoy being overwatered, so keep watering lightly and avoid getting the leaves or the crown too wet.’

Where to buy moth orchids:

• Amazon: Add exotic colour with the vibrant Orchid Phalaenopsis Jamaica, £19.99.
• Crocus: Or go for the creamy tones of the Phalaenopsis White Willd Orchid, from £31.49.

6. Christmas cactus

‘The name says it all,’ adds Shelley Davis. ‘Scientifically known as Schlumbergera, the Christmas cactus is a low-maintenance tropical plant native to the Brazilian rainforests. Although it comes from warmer climates, it blooms only in winter when daylight decreases, and its flowers can last well into January.’

‘Christmas cactus naturally blooms in late November to December, so it is perfectly timed for the festive season,’ says Connor Towning. ‘It also handles central heating better than many other winter plants and wants bright light without the midday glare. For how often to water a Christmas cactus, once watered, let the top of the compost dry out before you water again, because a short dry spell encourages the plant to form buds. If you can give it a slightly cooler spell in autumn, the flowering is even better.’

‘Taking a spin on a more well-known holiday plant, the variegated Christmas cactus gives you the traditional Christmas cactus look but with a rare variegated mutation adding white to its overall colour,’ says Sandi Liang from Dandi Plants at Palmstreet app. ‘Just like a regular Christmas cactus, it will bloom on days where it experiences cold nights and warmer temperatures throughout the daytime.’

Where to buy Christmas cactus:

• Beards & Daisies: Add colour with the peachy tones of the apricot Christmas cactus and pot, £32.
• Amazon: Or mix it up with the pretty Christmas Cactus Multi Colour - Schlumbergera, £19.99.

7. Norfolk island pine

‘This is a softer, greener alternative to a full Christmas tree and works well in smaller spaces,’ says Connor Towning. ‘Indoors, it keeps its shape and feels festive without being disposable.’

‘Treat a Norfolk Island pine like a humidity-loving houseplant rather than a hardy conifer. Keep it away from radiators, mist lightly, and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Consistency is the best way to avoid browning tips over winter.’

Where to buy Norfolk pine:

• B&Q: Add a festive touch with the Norfolk Island Pine - Araucaria heterophylla, £39.95.
• Beards & Daisies: Or go for this mini tree complete with pot - Norfolk Island Pine, £55.

8. Musa nono banana

‘For an alternative houseplant idea, I love to lift someone’s spirits for the holidays by gifting a little starter plant of a Musa nono banana, which is something that starts out small,’ says Sandi Liang. ‘As you care for it over the winter, your little plant will be ready to be planted outside in either April or May, where it will flourish. And when planting outside, be mindful that temperatures in your area are not dipping below 60 degrees to ensure that the plant thrives outside.’

‘If you like white or heavily variegated plants, you can opt for the Musa florida for its variegated white leaves and upon maturity, it will produce green and white bananas that have a much sweeter taste than regular bananas. This plant is an excellent choice for winter because it grows well in the cold temperatures!’

Where to buy musa nono banana:

• Plants for all Seasons: Try your hand at growing the Musa Nono Banana House Plant, £39.99.
• Crocus: Or go for the Musa 'Florida Variegata' variegated banana, £69.99.

Shop for indoor planters

Are you planning on buying a festive houseplant for your home or as a gift? Let me know your favourites.

If you've ever wondered why your houseplants look a little droopy in winter or worry you've over-watered your monstera, it's your lucky day, as there's an app and gadget for that. Enter the Willow starter pack, RRP £36.99, exclusively at Willow.

I care deeply about my indoor jungle and try to keep everything alive as best I can, but sometimes houseplant care can feel a lot like guesswork (if, like me, you don't quite know everything there is to know about each plant). Which is why I bought into Willow's very clever tech without hesitation.

Here's why it should be on every plant lover's gift wishlist and would make an ideal last-minute gift idea.

So how does Willow work? Well, the brand is a British plant-care startup bringing data-driven precision to the world of houseplants. I am using it to track a Monstera that needed a little bit more care since moving from another room.

Its clever, slimline sensor slots into the soil and tracks things like moisture, light, temperature and humidity, which then sends live readings to a Wi-Fi connected hub and the companion app.

This app gives you real-time alerts like ('your monstera is thristy'), trend charts and a plant happiness score that tells you exactly how well your home environment is suiting your beloved greenery. It's the sort of tech I can get behind.

Once paired and placed in the pot, the low sensor takes moisture readings every 15 minutes and light readings every minute, building a surprisingly accurate profile of a plant's day-to-day needs.

It's especially timely as we all head into winter, which is a tricky season for houseplants, thanks to darker days, central heating dryness and fluctuating temperatures.

The app's alerts take the guesswork out of watering and positioning, making it easier to keep your plants alive and thriving, so you'll look like the perfect plant parent.

The Hub can support up to 40 sensors, making it a smart starter gift for someone building out their own outdoor jungle. The starter pack includes a smart sensor, WiFi hub, USB power cable and a pre-installed battery.

This will get you started, with the idea that you can invest in more later for a fully connected plant network. Or if you struggle to care for a particularly fussy specimen, the starter pack is all you'll need to keep an eye on it.

Whether it's for the plant-obsessed friend, a new homeowner or someone who kills every plant they own, I think it's the sort of present that's thoughtful, techy and genuinely useful.

Shop these alternative plant gadgets

After giving it a whirl myself, I know I'll be investing in one for my mum.

It's an easy win for anyone looking for something actually helpful, as well as a bit different.

Ever heard of paperwhites? They’re a variety of delicate white daffodils that famously flower over Christmas. If you want blooms on the day itself, though, you’ll need to know when to plant paperwhite bulbs.

Learning how to grow paperwhite daffodils is relatively straightforward, but timing is everything if you want the flowers to last the festive season. We’ve almost reached the end of the planting window, actually – but there’s still time if you get planting soon.

This is the best time to plant paperwhite bulbs, according to experts – with a few varieties and planting recommendations to get you started.

Paperwhite daffodils are one of the best Christmas houseplants you can grow for festive flowers, and although they’re not technically indoor plants, they’re often forced indoors for a winter display. If you’re wondering when to plant paperwhite bulbs for Christmas blooms, you’ll need to pencil the task into one particular month on the calendar.

‘To have flowers right around Christmas, the best time to plant is usually mid-November,’ says Elise Harlock, flower expert at Prestige Flowers.

‘Most paperwhites take about four to six weeks from planting to flowering, so timing them within that window gives them just the right amount of time to root, grow and open their beautifully scented white flowers in time for the festivities.’

Now, we’ve passed the mid-November mark at this point in the month – in fact, we’re closer to December now – so I asked Elise if we can still plant paperwhite bulbs now for a Christmas display.

‘Absolutely!’ she says. ‘There’s still a good chance you’ll get flowers for Christmas, especially if you choose a fast-forcing type like ‘Ziva’. You can buy Narcissus papyraceus 'Ziva' bulbs at Crocus from £8.39 for 10 bulbs.

They might flower closer to the New Year if you’re planting them later on, Elise says, but you’ll still ring in 2026 with a lovely display. They’re also brilliant plants to grow for cut flower arrangements in winter, which is especially handy during the colder months of January and February.

There is a way to speed the flowers along a little bit, though.

‘You can help nudge them along by keeping them in a warm, bright room once they’ve started sprouting,’ Elise advises.

What to grow paperwhite bulbs in for Christmas blooms

It’s also a good idea to think about what growing medium you’d like to grow the paperwhites in. They’re adaptable, thriving in a range of different indoor mediums, according to Elise. As long as they have access to moisture, they should flower happily over the Christmas period.

For a more traditional look, Elise recommends planting them in a shallow layer of compost (Westland Bulb Compost from Amazon is a solid choice) – but you can also nestle them into gravel, decorative pebbles, or moss. You can buy sphagnum moss from Amazon, too.

Paperwhites are also favourites of gardening expert and author Sarah Raven, who loves to decorate them over the winter months.

'Narcissi ‘Paperwhites’ is my favourite festive houseplant for hallways – a beautifully fragrant and nostalgic daffodil,’ Sarah says. ‘Decorate narcissi with branches of silver birch or hazel at the base, and as a final touch, hang silver and clear glass baubles on the twigs for a wonderful display.’

Get planting this week for a beautiful display of paperwhite daffodils over Christmas!

Glamorous symbols of Christmas, poinsettias are perhaps the most festive houseplant you can buy. Now is the perfect time to pick one up from your local shop – but it’s worth knowing how to choose a poinsettia before you head out to get one.

If you’re going to care for your poinsettia properly, it goes without saying that picking up a healthy plant will get you off to a good start. You’ll need to give the plants a good inspection before you take them to the checkout: leaves, flowers, and bracts (and I’ll explain what those are shortly). It’s worth checking the pot, too, and even the location of the plants in-store.

To find out how to choose a healthy poinsettia, I spoke to the experts, took their advice on board, and went on a hunt for one myself. Below, you’ll find a list of things to look out for when it comes to choosing a poinsettia from the supermarket or garden centre (with a few photos and learnings from my own search!).

1. Check the bracts

Contrary to popular belief, the red ‘flowers’ of a poinsettia aren’t flowers at all. They’re actually bracts, which are more leaves than petals, and it’s a good idea to start there when it comes to choosing a poinsettia from the supermarket or garden centre.

‘When I’m choosing poinsettias, I focus on the basics: the bracts should be bright and firm, not curled or drooping,’ says Jo Lambell, houseplant expert and founder of Beards & Daisies.

When I went out to look for a poinsettia, I found that a lot of the plants on sale had shrivelled, curling bracts. I’m all for rescuing a plant from the clearance table, but with Christmas so close, I decided it was better to set my sights on some of the more sprightly looking poinsettias on the shelf.

2. Look at the leaves

Beneath the red bracts of a poinsettia, you’ll find its green leaves. They’re another strong indicator of the plant’s health, so I had a rummage around beneath the bracts to see what I was up against.

‘You can recognise a fresh, healthy poinsettia by its dense, undamaged foliage that has no discolouration or deformed leaves,’ says Dr Suzanne Lux, poinsettia expert at Stars for Europe. ‘If a plant is already losing leaves, look elsewhere.’

It’ll save you wondering why your poinsettia is dropping its leaves right off the bat, that’s for sure – and a strong set of leaves will help your poinsettia last longer, too.

You can also buy poinsettia-specific fertilisers that can help extend the life of your plant, like Growth Technology Poinsettia Focus, which is just £3.99 at Amazon.

3. Find the flowers

We’ve established that the red foliage of a poinsettia isn’t the flowering part, so where are the blooms?

Well, the flowers are actually located in the middle of the bracts, where they’re often mistaken for the plant’s pistils, or centre of the ‘flowers’. They’re tiny, yellow-green and often missed upon first glance.

‘Another important indicator of freshness is the flowers,’ says Dr Suzanne. ‘They are small and inconspicuous and are located in the middle of the coloured bracts. On a fresh poinsettia, they will be yellow-green and in bud.’

Poinsettias are one of the best Christmas houseplants you can buy for showstopping bracts and delicate blooms, so it’s worth choosing buds with the most potential.

4. Feel the pot's weight

A lesser-known way of choosing a poinsettia is feeling the weight of the plant itself. It'll give you a good idea of how well it’s been looked after in the shop, and save you bothering about saving an overwatered plant.

‘It's easy to check whether a poinsettia is getting the right amount of water,’ says Dr Suzanne. ‘Simply lift the plant and its pot a little. If it's very light or noticeably heavy, be wary of buying it. The plant should also not be standing in water.’

If in doubt, Dr Suzanne says, choose a different poinsettia. It’s wiser to steer clear of plants with soggy soil, too – moist soil is okay, but anything wetter is a potential warning sign.

5. Note the location in the shop

We’ve covered the main signs of a healthy poinsettia on the plant itself, but its position in the shop can also offer insight into the plant’s current and future condition. For a start, they don’t like draughts.

‘Steer clear of poinsettias displayed in a draughty entrance area, outdoors in windy conditions, in temperatures below 15°C, or in a dark corner of the shop,’ warns Dr Suzanne. ‘They may have suffered damage that will only become visible a week later when the leaves drop.

‘In a shop, plants should be placed in a bright, warm spot protected from draughts.’

It’s also worth checking for any signs of pests and diseases.

‘Skip anything with soft stems, leaf spots, or signs of pests like sticky residue, white fluff, or tiny insects,’ adds Jo from Beards & Daisies.

Where to buy poinsettias online

If you’re looking to order a poinsettia online instead of heading out to the supermarket or garden centre for one, these are some of the best places to shop.

Check this list off as you browse for a poinsettia and you'll bring home a plant with plenty of potential!

The colder weather might keep us from getting outside as much as we’d like right now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get our gardening fix indoors. There are some fabulous winter-flowering indoor plants that can really brighten things up inside the house and by getting started now they can be enjoyed all through winter.

Aside from bringing some much-needed colour when it’s grey and gloomy outside, the benefits of the best christmas houseplants are plentiful. They can improve air quality, help reduce stress, combat cabin fever and are a brilliant mood-booster too.

‘As the days get shorter and we spend more time indoors, plants that bloom in winter bring a lovely, uplifting connection to nature,’ says Keira Kay, plant expert at Bloom & Wild. ‘There are some gorgeous indoor showstoppers that will brighten up your home and bring you joy throughout the cooler months, and all that’s required is a little extra TLC to keep them blooming and looking beautiful.’

1. Cyclamen

‘One of my favourite winter indoor plants is cyclamen,’ says Keira. ‘Cyclamen bring a vibrant pop of colour to brighten up grey winter days, with flowers that stand elegantly above the heart-shaped leaves.’

‘To help cyclamen thrive indoors, keep it in a cool, bright spot, such as a windowsill away from a harsh radiator. You can check the topsoil with your finger to feel how moist it is. Wait until the top couple of inches feel nearly dry before giving it a drink to prevent overwatering. And aim to water the plant from below the leaves to prevent liquid getting on stems and leaves which can cause rot.’

To keep cyclamen going from year to year, you’ll need to reduce watering over the summer period so that it goes dormant, before re-starting watering in early autumn.

Where to buy cyclamen:

• Bloom & Wild: Complete with planter, add a pop of colour with The Seasonal Cyclamen, £35.
• Gardening Express: Or buy individual plants like these delicate looking Snowy White Cyclamen Plants, from £3.99 each.

2. Peace lily

‘As the holiday season approaches and calendars begin to fill up, low-maintenance easy-care plants are ideal companions for the busy winter months,’ says Shelley Davis, plant expert at Flying Flowers. ‘With their elegant white blooms and glossy green leaves, peace lillies, are not only easy to care for but also help purify the air.’

‘Keeping soil moist, removing wilted or dead leaves once a week, and spraying a gentle mist of water once a week is all that peace lillies need to thrive, especially in a warm, steamy bathroom. So, while you unwind in a cosy bath, your plant will be happily flourishing by your side.’

‘If the leaves of your peace lily start to droop, step in and check if it's thirsty as a good drink will quickly sort the problem. If you know you’re watering like a pro, but your peace lily is suffering then it might be the water. They are particularly sensitive to fluoride found in tap water and you might need to consider using filtered water instead, at room temperature is best.’

Where to buy peace lillies:

• Flying Flowers: Gift yourself or a friend the gorgeous Serene Peace Lily, £27.
• Amazon: Or try this variety in a range of sizes - Spathiphyllum 'Peace Lily' from £8.48 each.

3. African violet

‘With its soft, heart-shaped leaves, the African violet can thrive throughout winter and well into spring, provided it’s given the right care,’ says Shelley. ‘Keep it away from windowsills, only water when it's dried out, and avoid getting water on its fuzzy foliage, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful purple blooms that bring a touch of spring to your home, even on the darkest, coldest days.’

When it comes to how to care for houseplants over winter, with the right growing conditions, African violets can flower non-stop for months on end. While they dislike dry air, they shouldn’t be misted (as it can mark the leaves) so standing the pot in a saucer of damp gravel will provide the plant with moisture without getting the roots or leaves too wet.

Where to buy African violets:

• Primrose: Try this stunner in a dark purple colouring Saintpaulia Top Dark Blue, from £7.99.
• Houseplant.co.uk: Or go for this super-pretty pink variety African Violet Blush, from £12.99.

4. Snowy orchid

‘Orchids are a beautifully elegant choice for winter, and this variety's snowy white blooms will bring a touch of magical sophistication to any room,’ says Keira. ‘Give it a spot with plenty of natural light, out of draughts and avoid placing directly above a radiator.’

‘When it comes to how to care for orchids and watering advice, your orchid's visible roots are your best guide,’ adds Keira. ‘If they look silver and dry, it's thirsty, but if the roots are green, then you can hold off for a few days. To water, stand the pot in a bowl of room temperature water for a short time to soak up what it needs, and then remove it to prevent the bark mix from becoming waterlogged.’

Using a specialist, orchid potting mix is always advised, which will be free-draining to ensure proper aeration for the roots and often contains a mix of bark, perlite and sphagnum moss or coconut coir.

Where to buy snowy orchids:

• Bloom & Wild : Complete with a glam gold rimmed glass vase, go for The Snowy Orchid, £42.
• Patch Plants Or try the equally stunning Lara - Boquetto Sensation orchid, £30.

5. Stephanotis

‘The stephanotis is a wonderfully fragrant plant, sometimes called the Madagascar jasmine, and it will fill your home with a subtle, sweet scent. Its glossy green leaves and delicate white flowers make it a perfect, long-lasting addition to a warm, brightly lit room,’ says Keira. ‘Stephanotis is a vine and is often sold trained over a wire hoop, like our Stephanotis Hoop, with the flowers appearing along the length of the stems.’

Stephanotis prefers a bright spot, out of direct sunlight and somewhere humid like a conservatory or bathroom, although over the winter months it should be put somewhere cooler (it needs a minimum temperature of 13°C).

Where to buy stephanotis:

• Bloom & Wild: Complete with ceramic pot, The Stephanotis Hoop, £38, makes a lovely gift.
• B&Q: Or try the smaller Stephanotis floribunda on Hoop, £17.99.

6. Christmas cactus

‘The Christmas cactus is a must-have festive favourite, famed for its easy care and long-lasting, brightly coloured blooms that arrive just in time for the holidays,’ says Keira. ‘As a tropical plant, it loves humidity - I recommend using a pebble tray or humidifier instead of misting, as too much moisture can cause rot. A common Christmas cactus problem is root decay (as its foliage holds water) so only water it every two to three weeks during winter, increasing slightly when it is in flower.’

Christmas cacti are available to buy in the festive run-up, when they will usually be in flower so make a lovely Christmas gift. Choose one that has plenty of buds rather than a plant in full flower, so that the blooms will last for longer. When not in flower, the long, flat segmented stems cascade down so they can still look lovely on a windowsill or in a hanging planter.

Where to buy Christmas cactus:

• Amazon: Get set for the festive season with this Christmas Cactus Multi Colour 'Schlumbergera', £19.99.
• Gardening Express: This vibrant pink Flowering Christmas Cactus 'Schlumbergera' Plant, £5.99, is equally eye-catching.

7. Narcissus, crocus, and muscari bulbs

‘Many people assume that bulbs only bloom during the warmer, sunnier months, but it’s actually possible to coax them out of dormancy early and enjoy a colourful display as soon as January,’ says Shelley.

‘By bringing spring bulbs indoors, like narcissus, crocuses and muscari, the warmth of your home can encourage them to wake up and flower ahead of schedule. For best results, plant the bulbs in an outdoor pot with good drainage and compost, set it on an old plate, keep the soil slightly moist, and simply sit back and watch them grow.’

Where to buy narcissus, crocus, and muscari bulbs:

• Suttons: Add colour with the Narcissus 'Sunshine Mix', from £10.39.
• J. Parker's: Try the Crocus Large Flowering Mix, from £5.99 per pack.
• Gardening Express: Or plant up these Muscari armeniacum - Blue Grape Hyacinth, from £1.99 for a pack of 10.

Shop for indoor planters

Will you be brightening up your home with a winter-flowering indoor plant? Will you choose one of these plants or do you have your own favourite?

It may have taken years of careful experimentation, but I've added four unkillable houseplants to my home at long last... and, honestly? It's made such a difference!

Confession: I love houseplants, but they don’t always love me back. I have a handful of fussy divas that behave like my dog, constantly demanding attention, hydration, misting sessions, and (in one plant’s case) emotional support.

These unkillable plants, though? They’re different. These are the cats of the plant world. Meet their basic needs, and they look after themselves. Ignore them for a week or two? They barely notice.

In return, they wax air-purifying magic, and help me achieve that peaceful, greenery-filled aesthetic of my dreams, in spite of the day-to-day chaos in my house (I have two very small children; it’s not my fault!).

If you’re looking to green up your space without adding another item to your “daily care” list, then, these are the four unkillable houseplants I swear by...

1. ZZ Plant

When I say the ZZ plant thrives on neglect, I'm not exaggerating; it's the ultimate low-maintenance plant, and the one I recommend to anyone who insists they 'kill everything'.

This unkillable houseplant is the kind that shrugs off low light, dry air, inconsistent care and accidental forgetfulness; they can even go 2-3 weeks without watering.

Honestly, I’ve gone on holiday and come back to mine looking better than when I left, which feels mildly insulting. So grab yourself a glossy, architectural, and deeply unfussy Zamioculcas zamiifolia from Crocus. You won't regret it.

2. Peace Lily

I always had the peace lily pegged as a drama queen. When I was at university, I had one (which I lovingly dubbed Barry), and it visibly wilted whenever I forgot to water it. And yet...

Well, and yet this is also another of my top-rated unkillable houseplants. Why? Because that drooping quality is actually incredibly helpful for working out how to care for a peace lily; mine droops, I water it, and 10 minutes later it’s back to its perky, elegant self, like nothing happened.

This plant is actually now the barometer by which I decide when to water my fussier plants, because if the peace lily is thirsty, everyone probably is. It's also tolerant of even very low light, and only really needs its leaves dusted every so often to keep it happy.

If you pick up a peace lily from Crocus, stick it in the bathroom so it gets a lovely misting from your shower steam, and you'll be golden.

3. Snake Plant

When I decided to add a bevy of unkillable houseplants to my home, you'd best believe there was a snake plant in the mix!

Snake plants are legendary for a reason. It is unbelievably easy to care for a snake plant. They tolerate low light, bright light, bone-dry soil, forgetful owners, and the occasional “oops, I watered you twice” mistake (did I mention already I have two small children? Don't judge me). They are basically impossible to offend.

If you live in a darker home, travel often, or simply forget to care for things, this is the plant for you; it can survive a month between waterings and is an excellent houseplant for purifying your air like a pro.

4. Golden Pothos

A classic overachiever that always looks good? Yeah, the golden pothos is basically my role model in life.

This unkillable houseplant trails, climbs, cascades, fills awkward corners, and makes your home look instantly more lush (I've hung mine from the curtain rail in my bedroom, and it's made things look instantly more designer-chic).

Even better than all of that? It's also one of the best plants for improving indoor air quality, which feels like a bonus prize for doing almost nothing. Pick up your very own Epipremnum pinnatum 'Golden Pothos' from Crocus and relax.

What is the most unkillable indoor plant?

I used to think the spider plant was the ultimate low-maintenance queen, but now I have one of my own, I know that the snake plant is the most unkillable indoor plant. It can handle low light, very sporadic watering sessions, and rarely gets pests... and it does it all while looking amazing. Win!

If your home is ready for plants but your schedule isn’t, I promise that the four unkillable houseplants I added to my home will make you feel like a competent plant parent again.

They’re forgiving, rewarding and just independent enough to make you wonder why you ever bothered with the drama queens in the first place.

Sometimes the best plants are the ones that listen to The BeeGees and simply… stay alive. And these? These are ah, ah, ah, ah staying alive, no matter what I do to them. Promise.

Hello, my name is Kayleigh, and I’m addicted to buying plants. Can you blame me, though? Especially as I added 3 plants to my home to help with damp, and it actually worked.

Yes, while I suspect that plants can’t solve all of life’s problems, they can certainly do the bulk of the work for us – and so, if you’ve been hunting out the most effective ways to get rid of damp in your home, don’t turn your nose up at the best plants for reducing condensation.

With two small children in the house, I almost always have a load of washing on the go. In the summer, this is fine; it goes into the garden for a spin on the washing line. At this time of year, though? It all goes on the clothes airer in the kitchen, releasing moisture into the air, and causing all sorts of problems… so, could houseplants really help with this?

Using indoor plants to combat damp

Well, while I’m still saving up for one of the best dehumidifiers (I’ve been told they’re a must!), I have found a lot of success in adding 3 plants to my home to help with damp.

Part decor, part practical, I love how they look dotted about the place… and I especially love how they help to siphon all of that moisture from the air.

Better still? They’re not all that expensive… although, yes, I may have gone a little overboard on the pots. Without any further ado, then, here are the 3 plants I added to my home to help with damp…

1. Spider plant

The first of the 3 plants I added to my home to help with damp? Why, the not-so-humble spider plant, of course!

These striking houseplants aren’t just one of the most easily recognisable (everyone knows those long white and green tendrils by sight); they’re also one of the easiest to look after.

Remember the small children I mentioned? Well, sometimes I’m so focused on them I forget to show my plants any TLC, but the spider plant never punishes me for it; it’s put up with a lot of negligence over the years, actually.

When you consider it’s a pro at absorbing excess moisture and improving indoor air quality, you have more than enough reasons to try growing spider plant babies for yourself. Otherwise, pick up one of Crocus’ Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum, £6.99 plants, stat; you won’t regret it.

2. Chinese evergreen

My Chinese evergreen is next on the list of plants I added to my home to help with damp; these basically unkillable houseplants have long been heralded for their ability to reduce humidity levels, and I’ve certainly found this to be true; the devil works hard, but this plant works even harder.

If you fancy doing the same, be sure to find a spot with indirect light; too much bright sun will burn this one’s leaves. Otherwise, it’s ridiculously easy to look after; just keep it moist and away from cold draughts.

Again, you can and should pick up an Aglaonema 'White Joy', £24.99 from Crocus. You won’t regret it, I promise; even if you don’t have a problem with damp, it’s notoriously brilliant at purifying the air in your home.

3. English ivy

I’ve made no secret of my love for ivy over the years, so it makes sense that I have some about the place – both in my garden and inside my house. This glossy evergreen is pretty adept at trapping moisture with its leaves, so you’d best believe it’s a pro choice for anyone who wants to control condensation and prevent mould growth.

It trails beautifully, so it’s great to use on a high shelf or hang it up high. In fact, the Hedera helix 'Wonder', £26.99 at Crocus comes with the option to add on a hanging gourd bowl, which should help you do just this.

Fair warning, though: keep it out of reach of grabby little hands. My poor English ivy took a pretty nasty tumble a few months back, and I’m convinced it was down to my youngest daughter’s curiosity…

Shop my damp-busting plant picks

FAQs

As I mentioned, they won’t solve all of life’s problems, but I added three plants to my home to help with dampness, and I’ve never looked back. Why don’t you follow my example and do the same? Especially now that temperatures are dropping and moisture levels are rising?

I promise you this: you won’t regret it.

When the temperatures plummet and the time comes to put on your heating, I can guarantee there’s one member of your household who won’t be happy about switching on the thermostat - your houseplants.

You may not be aware of this common winter houseplant problem, but your central heating can have a negative impact on the health of your favourite houseplants. Reducing the humidity in a room, your plants can dry out, overheat and become stressed.

Anyone who loves houseplants will tell you there is an art to keeping them alive, and while on the one hand you need to know how to help houseplants that have been exposed to the cold, it’s equally important to know what to do if the heating is too hot in your home. This is everything you need to know.

How can your heating harm houseplants?

As important and beneficial to your home a central heating system is, it often creates warm, dry air which can damage your houseplants.

‘People often blame themselves for being a ‘bad plant parent’, but the truth is most plants are reacting to sudden environmental changes in your home,' explains horticulturalist Ollie Burgess, working in partnership with boiler experts BOXT. ‘Houseplants don’t like surprises. Heating can change their microclimate - air dries out, temperatures fluctuate, and draughts appear. For plants, that’s stressful.’

Most of your houseplants, such as monsteras or peace lilies, originate in tropical climates, which means they prefer more humid conditions. This is why the dry air from your heating system can stress your plants.

‘The biggest mistake I see is running the heating on a high, fluctuating schedule,’ says Ollie.

‘Even swings from 16°C at night to 25°C during the day are enough to stress plants, causing browning leaves, curling, and drooping. The single most important thing to keep them alive when heating comes on is maintaining a stable environment. That means consistent temperature, humidity, and airflow.’

What plants are most affected?

While some houseplants are practically unkillable, others do prefer warm, humid conditions - these are the plants most likely to be negatively affected by your central heating system.

‘The houseplants which will be affected most by our central heating are those which like humid atmospheres, such as alocasia (elephant ear), calatheas (prayer plants), ferns, orchids and peace lilies. All these plants like high humidity, and as our central heating reduces the humidity, these plants will start to show the stress they are under with foliage wilting, tips of leaves turning brown and dry and may start to curl and shrivel,’ explains Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation and also working in partnership with Barratt Homes.

‘Whilst houseplants such as cacti and succulents, snake plants and ZZ plants are all able to tolerate dry air as they have originated from climates where they have been forced to adapt to survive in hot, dry areas of the world.’

How to protect houseplants from central heating

If you want to keep your houseplants alive while enjoying a warm home this winter, you need to consider the location of your houseplant and the humidity of its environment.

‘When it comes to location, ideally you need to move plants away from both draughts, such as when you open a door or window, as well as moving them away from heat sources, such as those which might be near fireplaces, on mantlepieces, or near radiators or other forms of Heating,’ says Lucie.

‘To increase the humidity around your plants, one of the most efficient, as well as remaining pretty to look at, is to group plants on a pebble tray - a shallow, watertight tray that you fill with pebbles and water. The pebbles keep the base of the potted plants from sitting in the water so their roots don’t rot, whilst increasing the humidity in the air.’

You should also mist your houseplants in winter for an immediate boost of humidity, but be careful not to do so, as this can cause fungal diseases. If your plants are already damaged from a lack of humidity, consider moving them to more humid areas, such as your kitchen or bathroom.

It is also recommended to prune the damaged foliage away and increase your watering schedule, especially if the soil is drying out quickly. Alternatively, these products are handy for increasing humidity in your home.

Putting your heating on is an unavoidable part of the colder months. But to avoid damage to your plants, keeping a close eye on the humidty in your home will make all the difference.

There are several reasons that your peace lily's leaves are turning brown, including watering issues, positioning and humidity levels.

Even if you know how to care for a peace lily, figuring out the cause of the peace lily's leaves turning brown can be daunting. However, for the most part, it's a matter of elimination.

Start by figuring out your watering scheduling – possibly adapting this to respond to the autumn/winter climate. Then address any other areas of possible concern. 'It's also worth noting that brown leaves could also just be part of the natural ageing process; every leaf has a lifespan,' says Lisa Price, founder of Root Houseplants. If it's only one or two leaves, then this is likely the case.

1. Low humidity

At this time of year, the most common reason for peace lily leaves turning brown is low humidity, so knowing how often to water a peace lily is essential.

'In many homes this autumn, the air has been much drier because heating’s been on early, which is enough to crisp the edges of those delicate leaves. Move your plants away from direct heat sources like radiators,' explains Sonia Kainth, brand executive at House of Kojo.

Thankfully, this is really easy to remedy, with the use of a spray bottle – like this from Amazon. Simply fill with water – ideally filtered water (due to the fluoride in tap water) and spritz your plant every day or two. This raises the humidity and will prevent the plant from drying out. Alternatively, investing in a humidifier – like this from Amazon – can automate the process, which is ideal if you don't have a lot of spare time for houseplant care. 'Every time you water your plant, spend some time misting it with a handheld mister,’ adds Beth Chapman, founder of Leaf Envy.

'Also check the position of your plants and move them away from heat sources like radiators and wood burners, which reduce the humidity,' adds Morag Hill, Co-Founder at The Little Botanical.

2. Underwatering

In addition to humidity, underwatering can cause the tips of a peace lily's leaves to turn brown. Adjusting your watering levels at this time of year is one of the key ways to care for houseplants over winter.

The best way to assess whether your peace lily is underwatered is to check the soil. This is easily done by sticking a finger in the soil and feeling whether it is dry. Alternatively, a moisture meter – like this from Amazon – is a mess-free option that also takes the guesswork out of testing the soil.

To remedy underwatering, check the moisture levels in the soil every day and water when the soil feels dry. Ideally, the soil should always feel moist but not wet.

If this isn't feasible, then investing in a self-watering pot – like this Lechuza design from Amazon – will be a game-changer.

3. Overwatering

Overwatering can also lead to peace lily leaves turning brown – it's one of the most common watering mistakes, especially at this time of year.

This is likely to be a problem if you don't have the heating on or your peace lily is in an unheated part of the house. 'With shorter days and cooler indoor temperatures, the plant growth naturally slows, which means it requires less water and feeding,' explains Andy Little, Houseplant Buyer at British Garden Centres. Maintaining your regular watering schedule can quickly overwhelm the plant.

Like when addressing underwatering, a moisture meter will prove invaluable, helping to assess when the plant needs a top-up of water.

Another cause of overwatering is a lack of drainage. Ensure that your plant is not left standing in water. Ensure that your plant is placed in a nursery pot inside a cover pot, rather than directly in a decorative pot with no drainage. An hour after watering, empty out the cover pot so that your plant doesn't become saturated.

4. Chemicals in tap water

Watering your peace lily with tap water cause also cause the leaves to turn brown.

'Peace lilies are sensitive to fluoride, and the high fluoride content of tap water can cause the leaves to go brown,' explains Morag Hill, Co-Founder at The Little Botanical.

Instead, use filtered water, or even better, rainwater, to water your peace lily. Rain harvesting is a great way to always have rainwater to hand.

5. Receiving too much sunlight

Knowing where to put a peace lily can prevent the leaves from turning brown. 'Peace lilies prefer bright indirect light. They’ll be happiest in the middle of a room,' says Morag Hill, co-founder at The Little Botanical.

However, 'overexposure to direct light or being positioned too close to a grow light can also cause brown, burned leaves,' explains Lisa Price, founder of Root Houseplants. Too much light can also cause peace lily leaves to droop.

Moving your peace lily away from the window or reducing the intensity of your grow light will prevent further problems.

Should I trim off brown leaves on peace lilies?

Yes, Morag Hill, co-founder at The Little Botanical, advises 'trimming brown leaves at the base of the stem. Also, keep the soil evenly moist and check your plant is in a good position in your home, away from radiators and draughts.'

Follow the experts advice and your leaves will be back to their green selves in no time.

It's a difficult time of year for houseplant owners. The drop in temperature, lower levels of natural light and the return of central heating make for a difficult habitat for houseplants – especially tropical ones like prayer plants.

Even if you know how to care for a prayer plant, this doesn't mean you are immune to prayer plant leaves curling. 'Prayer plant leaves curling this time of year often signal that the plant is struggling with the shift from warmer summer conditions to cooler autumn ones. Nights are longer and temperatures start to drop, sometimes quite suddenly, which can stress these tropical plants that prefer stable warmth and humidity,' explains Andy Little, houseplant buyer at British Garden Centres. Thankfully, a few easy changes to how to care for a prayer plant can help bring your plant back to life.

Several common winter houseplant problems can cause prayer plant leaves curling – so the first step to solving this problem is to identify which problem is the one affecting your plant.

1. Underwatering

'When it comes to most houseplant care problems, the first place to look is your watering schedule,' says Sonia Kainth, brand executive at House of Kojo, and prayer plant leaves curling are no different. After all, incorrect watering is one of the biggest killers of houseplants.

'Curling leaves on a prayer plant are a common sign of underwatering. When the plant doesn't have enough moisture, the leaves curl inward to reduce the surface area and conserve water,' says Lisa Price, founder of Root Houseplants. 'Check the soil; if the soil is dry, give your plant a thorough watering, and if by the following day the leaves haven’t uncurled, the plant may have been dry for too long, causing the roots to die back.'

Underwatering is particularly common at this time of year, as the soil dries out more quickly when the central heating is on – possibly even more frequently than during the summer months.

A moisture meter, like this digital reader from Amazon, lets you assess whether your plant needs watering – preventing you from overwatering or underwatering your prayer plant. A moisture meter will also help you discover whether your prayer plant leaves curling is a result of incorrect watering.

To rejuvenate a Prayer Plant with curling leaves, Morag Hill, co-founder at The Little Botanical, recommends watering weekly from the base. 'Place your Calathea in the sink once a week and allow it to soak up the water it needs. Leaving it overnight will allow the plant to take up what it needs and help uncurl those leaves. Continue your watering regime and ensure your plant is getting good light to encourage the leaf to unfurl.'

You should also consider the best time to water houseplants, too.

2. Low humidity

From personal experience, I have found that low humidity is the culprit of my prayer plant leaves curling – especially once the heating goes on.

This is something Connor Towning from Beards & Daisies explains:

'Curling leaves on a Prayer Plant are most often a sign of stress. These tropical plants love moisture, so when the air gets dry from central heating, their leaves curl inwards to conserve water,' says Connor. 'Over the past few weeks, the colder weather and use of central heating have made this especially common.'

Thankfully, this is easy to remedy. Personally, I use a spray bottle – like this 300ml bottle from Amazon – filled with water and spritz my plant every few days. Alternatively, Connor suggests 'increasing humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier, and keep the soil lightly moist - never bone dry or soggy.' Regardless of whether your prayer plant leaves are curling or not, make sure you don't stop misting plants even though it's winter.

'Grouping plants together also helps increase humidity,' adds Morag Hill, co-founder at The Little Botanical. Alternatively, consider moving your prayer plant to the bathroom, which naturally has higher humidity. Prayer plants are one of the best bathroom plant ideas after all.

3. Too much sunlight

At this time of year, there is less natural light available. So while your prayer plant may have had enough sunlight during the summer months, it may now be starting to struggle – especially with evenings getting increasingly darker.

'Prayer Plants dislike strong, direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to curl or fade. Bright, indirect light and regular misting will usually help them perk up again,' says Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies.

Lisa Price from Root Houseplants seconds this. 'Curling leaves can also be a protective response to receiving too much light; the leaves curl inward to protect the plant from the intense light and heat, which also helps it retain moisture.'

To solve the problem, move your prayer plant to a spot that receives lots of bright indirect light.

If you lack confidence with plant care, products such as Elho's Smart Pebble on Amazon will guide you on whether your plant needs watering or fertilising and if the plant is happy with the current temperature and light levels.

Where light levels are not ideal and you don't want to move it to a different spot, using a plant grow light, like this from Amazon, can let you have the best of both worlds.

What You'll Need

When working from home, watching Netflix or simply scrolling TikTok on your phone, you’ll know how frustrating it is when your Wifi is particularly slow or ceases to work altogether. But could houseplants be the cause? A new study has revealed that your household plants can slow down your WiFi by a whopping 40%.

At Ideal Home, we believe that investing in the best houseplants is always a good idea. Not only do they enhance your home decor, but houseplants have a wide range of benefits, including air-purifying plants and even reduce the dust levels in your home.

However, experts have revealed that placement is key, as positioning your houseplants in the wrong area can actually disrupt your WiFi connection and slow it down. Here’s everything you need to know.

What did the study find?

Researchers at Broadband Genie found that moving your router away from your houseplants could increase your broadband speeds by 36%. This was particularly true for small flats and rooms that had large amounts of houseplants near the router.

‘Our researcher ran 5 speed tests with 4 large houseplants placed in their normal positions in relation to both the router and the device on which speed tests were being carried out,' explains Peter Ames, Broadband Expert at Broadband Genie.

'These plants were then removed, and 5 speed tests were carried out once again. The results are the average download speeds from those tests.'

The results found that the average download speed with the router placed near plants was 84Mbps, whereas the average download speed with the router placed away from plants was 114Mbps.

How do houseplants slow WiFi down?

Peter points out that the idea of plants affecting WiFi speeds has been considered within tech circles for a while; however, the researchers were not expecting to see such a huge difference after moving the router away from the plants. But why is this?

‘WiFi is essentially radio waves. When these radio waves are obstructed by large obstacles such as plants with pots filled with densely-packed soil, they are at risk of being obstructed,' says Peter,

'This means that houseplants can weaken the signal if placed between your router and the device on which you are trying to use the internet.'

Where should you put your houseplants?

The moist soils and dense foliage of houseplants can absorb and deflect WiFi signals, and this is why your houseplants may interfere with your WiFi speeds.

But instead of getting rid of your pretty plants, you need to think more carefully about where to put them.

‘Physical obstacles like walls, doors and furniture can weaken the radio signal. Even items like fish tanks can weaken the signal, and the same logic also applies to the largest plants and pots,’ says Tom Heywood, broadband expert at Community Fibre.

‘For the best results, we recommend placing your router in a central, elevated position with as few obstacles around it as possible. Try and position it to avoid the signal getting blocked by large physical objects or thick walls.'

'If you love your houseplants, don’t worry, you can still enjoy them throughout your home. Just try not to gather them around too many large plants around your router, as this could affect connectivity.’

However, Peter says: ‘even a cluster of small potted plants around the router or directly in the path you want the WiFi to take from router to device could cause issues.’ So, if you’ve been having connectivity issues, it’s best to keep the area around your router completely clear.

I for one, had no idea my houseplants could interfere with my WiFi, and I will be putting this research to the test in my own home. How about you?

Some houseplant TLC is always a good thing, but as cooler days turn into chilly weeks, you can overdo it – and that’s why it’s important to know when to stop feeding indoor plants.

Once you’ve worked out whether you actually should feed your houseplants in winter, you’ll need to know when to start scaling back the summer feeding regime. Fertiliser is an indoor plant care essential, but feeding your houseplants over the colder months can do more harm than good.

Of course, there are a few exceptions – and to find out more, I spoke to a few indoor plant experts.

Fertiliser is a staple in any houseplant fanatic’s cupboard, but contrary to popular belief, it isn’t something you should be using all year round.

‘Most houseplants only require feeding during their active growing season in spring and summer, when the days are longer (March to September),’ says Monique Kemperman, horticulture expert at Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland.

So, if you’re wondering when to stop feeding indoor plants, it’s sooner than you’d think.

‘Fertiliser should be dialled back or paused entirely during autumn, as most plants enter a semi-dormant state,’ advises Jo Lambell, CEO of Leaf Envy.

That means now’s the time to store the houseplant fertiliser away for the winter. If you don’t, you'll risk welcoming a host of winter houseplant problems into your home.

‘During winter, most houseplants are not actively growing and cannot make use of additional nutrients,’ Monique explains. ‘Continuing to feed at this time can place stress on the plant, leaving it more vulnerable to diseases, pests, and root damage.’

Instead, wait until the start of the next growing season.

‘It is far better to wait until spring, when fresh growth begins and your plants can truly benefit from the nutrients you provide,’ says Monique.

Are there any exceptions?

So, it’s generally best to stop feeding your houseplants from autumn onwards. That rule doesn’t apply to all houseplants, though – if your plant flowers during the winter, it might need the extra boost.

‘The main exceptions are winter-flowering houseplants, such as cyclamen and poinsettia, which may benefit from light feeding to support their blooms,’ says Monique from Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland.

So, if you’re learning how to grow cyclamen indoors this year, it’s worth keeping some fertiliser like Houseplant Focus Liquid Concentrated Fertiliser, £6.22 at Amazon, on hand. You can even buy Growth Technology Poinsettia Focus Concentrated Plant Food from Amazon if you're keen to care for a poinsettia properly.

If you're keen to care for your houseplants over winter in the best possible way, it's best to stop feeding them this autumn.

While the garden gets my full attention over the summer months, it’s my houseplants I’ll be focusing on now that autumn is on its way.

Indoor greenery is a must for me, especially when it's gloomy outdoors, so September is the month when I’ll try propagating my favourites in the hope of expanding my collection with fast-growing houseplants for free. And for the best chance of success, there are some great houseplants that are super-easy to propagate.

‘As summer begins to mellow and the days grow slightly shorter, September still offers plenty of warmth and light to support plant propagation,’ says Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies. ‘This late-summer window is perfect for encouraging healthy root development before autumn sets in.’

1. Spider plant (chlorophytum comosum)

One of the first houseplants I can remember my parents owning when I was a child, spider plants are a favourite of mine, with memories of them in macrame hanging baskets all around the house. Spider plants are one of the easiest plants to grow and will thrive in bright, indirect light, so they’re the perfect plant for beginners, too.

I remember being amazed when I first saw the spider plant babies appear (also known as plantlets), and when it comes to propagating, how to grow spider plant babies is the key, as it is these offshoots that will become your new plant.

‘Spider plants naturally produce offshoots or 'pups', which are perfect for propagation in September,’ advises Jo. ‘Snip off a pup that has small nubs or roots already visible, and then you can place it directly into water or soil.'

Where to buy spider plants:

• Beards & Daisies: Buy a standard spider plant, £10 like this and you'll soon be able to propagate your own spider plant babies.
• B&Q: Or try the chunkier chlorophytum comosum ocean spider plant, £14.99, to give a bushier effect.

2. Pothos (epipremnum aureum)

you wantAnother houseplant staple that is easy to grow, pothos is a trailing vine with glossy, heart-shaped leaves that looks fab on a shelf (like mine) or suspended in a hanging basket. Low-maintenance, pothos are tolerant of most conditions and are often described as ‘unkillable’, so knowing how to propagate pothos will come in handy if you’re wanting to create new plants for free.

'Late summer is an ideal time to propagate pothos,’ says Jo. ‘Pothos cuttings root easily in warm temperatures and bright, indirect light.’

‘Take a 4 to 6-inch cutting just below a node, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water. You’ll often see roots within 1 to 2 weeks, and once they’re about an inch long, your new plant is ready to pot up.’

Where to buy pothos:

• Gardening Express: Go for the attractive glossy-leaved epipremnum pinnatum aureum (Devil's Ivy pothos), £9.97.
• Amazon: Or try the easy-care golden pothos, £12.99, with its trailing greenery.

3. Peperomia (peperomia obtusifolia, caperata)

Peperomia is an attractive houseplant that comes in many different varieties and with a diverse range of foliage, from string of turtles that are great for hanging houseplant ideas to more traditional ivy leaf varieties. Usually fairly small plants, some varieties have upright stems, while some are horizontal and other varieties are trailing.

While easy to look after, peperomia prefer medium to bright indirect light, but can tolerate low, indirect light and are great candidates for summer propagation either through leaf or stem cuttings.

‘Cut a healthy leaf with a short stem or a piece of stem with a few leaves attached,’ advises Jo. ‘Pop it in moist soil and keep the humidity high using a plastic dome or bag. With steady warmth, new growth will start to appear in a few weeks.’

Where to buy peperomia:

• Gardeners Dream: Add a peperomia rotundifolia, £13.99, to your collection.
• Gardening Express: Or grab the heart-shaped leaved peperomia polybotrya raindrop, £9.99.

4. ZZ Plant (zamioculcas zamiifolia)

A tropical plant with upright growth and shiny, oval-shaped, deep green leaves, the low-maintenance ZZ plant is a tough cookie that thrives with a lack of water and fertiliser. One of the best low-light houseplants, ZZ plants are a good option for darker areas of the home where there is little natural daylight.

‘While ZZ plants grow slowly, September is a good month to get propagation started,’ says Jo. ‘You can propagate ZZs through leaf cuttings or division. Place individual leaflets into moist potting soil and keep warm. Roots take longer to form, but late summer warmth gives them a great head start. But be patient, this one’s a slow but satisfying grower.’

Where to buy a ZZ plant:

• Leaf Envy: Go large with this impressive 1m high ZZ plant, £100.
• Gardening Express: Or try the more compact Emerald Palm ZZ plant, £11.99.

5. Hoya (hoya carnosa, hoya pubicalyx)

Hoyas, with their waxy leaves and trailing vines, make exotic, eye-catching houseplants and are a good plant to try if you want to branch out and diversify your collection with more unusual houseplants.

Slow-growing, hoyas like plenty of light, warmth and some humidity, so are a good choice for growing in a bright spot or a warm conservatory or sun room. In summer, they produce clusters of white, waxy flowers that are highly scented, particularly in the evening.

'These tropical beauties root well in late summer, so are ideal for propagation in warm months, ready to grow indoors as the cooler months approach,’ says Jo. ‘Snip a few inches of stem just below a node, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or moist soil. Keep it warm and bright, but out of direct sun.'

Where to buy hoyas:

• Primrose: Try the pink flowered hoya carnosa krimson queen, £14.99.
• Thompson & Morgan: Or go for the hoya gracilis, from £19.99, with its attractive spotted foliage.

Jo Lambell's top tips for houseplant propagation

• Sunlight and Warmth: Place your cuttings near a bright window with indirect sunlight. Keep temperatures between 18 to 26°C for the best results.
• Clean Tools: Always use sterilised scissors or pruning shears to prevent the spread of bacteria or disease.
• Water or Soil: Use water for visible rooting, or well-draining soil for faster transition to pots. Change water regularly to avoid stagnation.
• Be Patient: While some plants root quickly, others may take several weeks.

Houseplant propagation essentials

I'm making the most of the late summer weather to propagate my houseplants and expand my collection. Will you be trying the same with your favourite houseplants?

If you’ve ever owned a pothos, ivy or string-of-hearts, you’ll know the joy (and slight chaos) that comes when those tendrils start taking over. One week they’re daintily draping from a shelf, the next they’ve decided to swing across the curtain pole and make friends with the lampshade. Lovely and naturalistic, yes – but not exactly the chic, curated plant display you had in mind.

Which is why I was very pleased with myself when I stumbled across these clever little leaf-shaped plant clips. They’re called plant climbing fixtures (£5.99, Amazon) and they’re a game-changer for keeping your trailing plants looking intentional rather than out of control.

In these sunny summer months, houseplants can start to grow quickly thanks to all that extra light and warmth. Which is wonderful, don't get me wrong, but also means those vines can suddenly find themselves trailing onto the floor or dangling precariously near where you like to burn candles.

When I recently found myself in this position (one arm of my silver pothos ending up on the floor and another covering a favourite painting), my mind went straight to command strips, but a white hook doesn't exactly blend in...

The ones I ended up buying are different. They’re small, green and shaped like little leaves, so at a glance they can visually disappear into your plant’s own foliage.

They come with little sticky pads so there’s no drilling or tools required. You just peel off the backing, stick the clip to a clean, dry surface, and gently tuck the vine inside.

Since my plant had exploded in length, I decided to make the most of it and use these long arms to create a bit of a feature on the wall meaning I wasn't just tidying up the pothos, but giving a stretch of blank wall some character and movement.

And the best bit? They stay put, but they don't seem to be permanent. I had to move one recently because I decided that my plant would look better trailing in a different position and it peeled off without taking any paint with it.

While I picked these up mostly for aesthetics and practicality, training these types of plants can actually help their health too. Clips like these can add support and direct growth, meaning you're stopping them from becoming leggy or in a position where they can't reach the best light.

Other plant clips

So, if you’ve got a plant that’s making a bid for freedom, these little clips could be your secret weapon.