Underwatering – or indeed overwatering – is one of the biggest mistakes houseplant owners can make.
The needs of your plants will change in the colder months, so an expert has given advice on watering at this time of year.
Some clever hacks can make watering your plants easier, indoor plant expert at luxury flower gifting service Haute Florist Maryam Ghani explained.
The expert said it is better to water your plants gently than to give them large amounts of water. While many people will not have endless time to faff over their plants, she suggested using an ice cube hack.
Many succulents can go weeks without being watered
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Maryam said: “It’s a little unconventional but you can place an ice cube on the surface of the soil, ensuring it isn’t touching any of the leaves. As the ice cube melts slowly, the plant becomes hydrated over time.
“This isn’t the best idea for large, thirsty plants, but if you have smaller varieties it can be a nice little trick which saves time and ensures your plant gets a gentle, gradual drink.”
Houseplants need different levels of care, and if you are not good at watering yours, go for succulents or snake plants.
These generally require less attention than other houseplants, with some succulents able to go weeks without being watered.
No matter what plant you have, Maryam shared adding plants to your property comes with a number of benefits.
She explained: “Houseplants are great at injecting a bit of life into homes and research has suggested they can even make them happier, healthy places to live.
“Whether you’re green-fingered or a total novice, there will always be a plant to suit you.”
Ice cubes can be used as an alternative to watering cans
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This will encourage “really nice, large leaves”. The expert said: “Choose the right plants. Not all plants even have the potential to size up significantly. I like to grow climbing aroids.
“Do a bit of research online and see if other people manage to grow their plant to maturity and if that is the case, then chances are, you can do it too.
“In nature, these plants would climb up trees and as they climb up the tree they get access to more light.
“Light really sets the potential for these plants to mature. if you’re not providing them with sufficient light they will never size up.”