House Plants

Growing your own houseplants

Houseplants started when Victorian plant collectors adopted exotic greenery used to warmer climates into their homes. For your houseplant to thrive, you need to replicate its natural climate and consider humidity, light, and water.

For example, the Areca palm, originating from the humid tropics of Madagascar, is used to high humidity and moist soil whereas the Swiss cheese plant likes dry indoor conditions.

How to look after houseplants?

Do you have a graveyard of indoor plants or are you a beginner making sure they'll thrive under your care? Each houseplant is different and therefore has different needs. Sometimes, it can take trial and error to learn what they like, although there is a lot of information available on how best to raise your plant without any tantrums. But there are certainly some rookie errors you can avoid. Remember – everything in moderation.

Watering your houseplants

Often, people are worried that they are risking their plants becoming parched, when usually they are watering far too much. In nature, water would drain from soil rather than being sat drowning a plant's roots.

Overwatering your plant is a common mistake. Only water your plant when the soil has dried and allow it to drain. You can place it in the shower, saturate the soil, and then wait for the remaining water to escape the pot through the holes in the bottom.

You’ll notice some plants are a lot thirstier than others, so just check by sticking your finger in the soil to see how dry it is or if there is still moisture there. They also need watering a lot less in the winter.

How much sunlight do you need?

Light is food for plants, so make sure they can eat. Some plants need a lot more or less sunlight than others, so try out a few spots around your house. And if you notice it flourishing, you've found it's home. If plants aren't getting enough sunlight, they will stop growing.

Pruning your houseplants

Pruning houseplants can be good for them, just like you like to trim back your hair and nails. This can get rid of damaged leaves and stems which can become an energy drain. Keep them looking their best with our houseplant accessories. If your plant is growing sideways towards the sunlight, this could cause it to tip over, so pruning can also give balance.

How to get rid of flies in houseplants

You might see some pesky little flies hovering around your houseplants, known as gnats. While they don't cause damage, they can be annoying. 

You can create a DIY trap by mixing:

• A tablespoon of sugar
• A few drops of sweet-smelling dish soap
• A cup of white vinegar

to a bowl and cover tightly with cling film. Poke a few holes in the cling film and place it close to your indoor plant to catch the flies.

When to repot indoor plants

As a rule of thumb, plants normally need repotting every 12 to 18 months. Some can be slower and some faster, but they need soil replenishment. We recommend repotting in spring before your plant starts to grow. You can also look out for things like:

• Roots growing through the holes at the bottom of the planter or the plant is being pushed up by the roots
• Growing slower
• Plant dries out quicker than usual
• Salt and mineral build up

Is the type of room I place my houseplant important?

Some rooms have more humidity than others, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Plants that need humid climates would benefit from living there.

You can also consider greenhouse plants if you have a plant which thrives in milder temperatures.

Other plants are more tolerant to colder climates and will be fine in any other room, like your living or dining room.

Choose your perfect houseplant from the brilliant and affordable range at Primrose. From succulents to foliage to flowering houseplants, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.