Expert advice and essential lifehacks for thriving plants
Professional tips to keep your plants healthy and beautiful
For orchids and delicate plants, place 2-3 ice cubes on the soil surface weekly instead of traditional watering. As the ice melts slowly, it provides consistent moisture without overwatering or shocking the roots. This method is perfect for preventing root rot and ensures your plants get just the right amount of water.
Don't throw away your morning coffee grounds! Mix dried coffee grounds into your potting soil or sprinkle them on top as a natural, nitrogen-rich fertiliser. They're particularly excellent for acid-loving plants like ferns, azaleas, and peace lilies. Plus, coffee grounds improve soil drainage and attract beneficial earthworms in outdoor pots.
Create a humidity haven for tropical plants by placing a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water beneath the pot. Ensure the water level sits just below the pebbles so the pot doesn't sit in water. As the water evaporates, it creates a humid microclimate perfect for monstera, calathea, and other moisture-loving plants.
Forget rigid watering schedules! Insert your finger 5cm deep into the soil. If it feels dry, water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. If it's moist, wait a few days. This simple test prevents both over and underwatering, which are the top two causes of houseplant death.
Save banana peels and soak them in water for 24 hours to create a potassium-rich liquid fertiliser. Alternatively, bury small pieces of banana peel directly in the soil. The potassium promotes strong stems, vibrant blooms, and overall plant health. This works brilliantly for flowering plants and fruiting vegetables.
Wipe leaves with a damp cloth monthly to remove dust that blocks light absorption and clogs stomata. For plants with many small leaves, give them a gentle shower in the bathroom. Clean leaves photosynthesize more efficiently, leading to healthier, faster-growing plants. Add a drop of neem oil to the water for natural pest prevention.
Crush cleaned eggshells into a fine powder and sprinkle around the base of your plants or mix into potting soil. Eggshells provide calcium carbonate, which strengthens cell walls and prevents blossom end rot in tomatoes. They also deter slugs and snails when sprinkled around outdoor pots with their sharp edges.
Turn your plants 90 degrees every week to ensure all sides receive equal light exposure. Plants naturally grow toward light sources, causing lopsided growth if left stationary. Regular rotation promotes symmetrical, bushier growth and prevents stems from stretching excessively toward windows.
Insert a wooden toothpick or chopstick into the drainage hole before watering. If water flows freely, drainage is good. If blocked, gently poke to clear compacted soil or roots. Proper drainage is crucial for preventing waterlogged soil and root rot, the silent killer of houseplants.
When propagating cuttings in water, add a tiny piece of activated charcoal or change the water every 3 days to prevent bacterial growth and keep water fresh. Place the container in bright, indirect light and wait for roots to develop. Once roots are 5cm long, transplant into soil. This method works brilliantly for pothos, philodendron, and monstera.
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