Indoor Plants

← Back to Blog homepage

Our latest articles

  1. Choosing

    <h2>Pineapple: Caring for This Houseplant Through the Seasons</h2> <p>The pineapple plant (<em>Ananas comosus</em>) is a fascinating and exotic addition to any indoor plant collection. With its striking foliage and potential to produce fruit, it’s a rewarding plant to care for. Here’s how to maintain your pineapple plant throughout the year, ensuring it thrives in every season.</p> <h3>Spring: A Time for Growth</h3> <p>As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, your pineapple plant will enter its active growth phase. Place it in a bright spot with indirect sunlight, as direct sun can scorch its leaves. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. This is also an ideal time to repot if the plant has outgrown its container.</p> <h3>Summer: Watch for Blooms</h3> <p>During summer, your pineapple plant may produce a flower spike, which eventually develops into the fruit. Ensure it receives plenty of light and warmth, but avoid placing it in direct midday sun. Increase watering slightly, but always allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. A balanced liquid fertiliser every two weeks will support healthy growth.</p> <h3>Autumn: Preparing for Rest</h3> <p>As autumn approaches, growth will slow down. Reduce watering and stop fertilising to allow the plant to enter a rest period. Keep it in a bright location, but protect it from cold drafts. If you’ve been lucky enough to harvest a pineapple, this is a good time to remove the spent fruit and tidy up the plant.</p> <h3>Winter: Minimal Care</h3> <p>In winter, your pineapple plant requires minimal care. Water sparingly, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Ensure it’s kept in a warm spot, ideally above 15°C (59°F), and away from cold windows. If the air is dry, consider misting the leaves occasionally to maintain humidity.</p> <h3>General Tips</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Light:</strong> Bright, indirect light is ideal.</li> <li><strong>Water:</strong> Keep the soil moist but not soggy.</li> <li><strong>Humidity:</strong> Pineapple plants appreciate moderate humidity.</li> <li><strong>Fertiliser:</strong> Use a balanced fertiliser during the growing season.</li> </ul> <p>With proper care, your pineapple plant can be a long-lasting and delightful addition to your home. Enjoy the journey of nurturing this tropical beauty!</p>

    by Pascale

  2. Dypsis - Areca Palm: Cultivation and Care The Areca Palm, scientifically known as Dypsis lutescens, is a popular houseplant prized for its lush, feathery fronds and tropical appeal. Native to Madagascar, this elegant palm adds a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor space. Here's how to cultivate and care for your Areca Palm to ensure it thrives. Light Requirements Areca Palms prefer bright, indirect light. Place your plant near a window with filtered sunlight, but avoid direct exposure to harsh rays, which can scorch the leaves. In lower light conditions, the palm may grow more slowly and lose some of its vibrant green colour. Watering Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your Areca Palm when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage. During winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant's growth slows. Humidity This tropical plant thrives in humid environments. To maintain adequate humidity, mist the leaves regularly or place a humidifier nearby. Alternatively, you can set the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, ensuring the pot isn't sitting directly in the water. Temperature Areca Palms prefer warm temperatures between 18°C and 24°C. Avoid exposing the plant to cold drafts or temperatures below 13°C, as this can cause damage to the foliage. Fertilisation Feed your Areca Palm with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in autumn and winter when the plant's growth naturally slows. Pruning Remove yellow or brown fronds to maintain the plant's appearance and encourage healthy growth. Use clean, sharp scissors to trim the damaged leaves at the base. Repotting Repot your Areca Palm every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and use a well-draining potting mix. Spring is the ideal time for repotting. Common Issues - Yellowing leaves: Often caused by overwatering or insufficient light. - Brown tips: Typically a sign of low humidity or underwatering. - Pests: Watch out for spider mites or mealybugs. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. With proper care, your Areca Palm will reward you with lush, vibrant foliage and a touch of tropical elegance in your home. Happy gardening!

    by Olivier

  3. Calathea: Varieties, Cultivation, and Care The Calathea, with its stunning foliage and vibrant patterns, is a favourite among plant enthusiasts. Native to the tropical forests of South America, this plant is prized for its decorative leaves and relatively easy care. In this article, we'll explore the different varieties of Calathea, how to cultivate them, and the essential care tips to keep them thriving. ### Varieties of Calathea Calatheas come in a wide range of species, each with its unique leaf patterns and colours. Some popular varieties include: - **Calathea orbifolia**: Known for its large, round leaves with silvery-green stripes. - **Calathea medallion**: Features dark green leaves with a striking feather-like pattern in shades of light green and purple undersides. - **Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant)**: Recognisable by its long, wavy leaves with dark green spots and purple undersides. - **Calathea roseopicta**: Boasts bold, pink-tinged patterns on its dark green leaves. ### Cultivation Calatheas thrive in environments that mimic their natural tropical habitat. Here's how to create the perfect conditions: - **Light**: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. - **Temperature**: Keep in a warm environment (18-24°C). Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. - **Humidity**: High humidity is essential. Mist regularly or place the plant on a pebble tray with water. ### Care Tips To keep your Calathea healthy and vibrant, follow these care guidelines: - **Watering**: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use filtered or rainwater, as Calatheas are sensitive to chemicals in tap water. - **Fertilising**: Feed with a balanced, diluted fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). - **Pruning**: Remove yellow or damaged leaves to encourage new growth. - **Repotting**: Repot every 1-2 years in a well-draining potting mix to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. With proper care, your Calathea will reward you with its stunning foliage and bring a touch of the tropics to your home. Happy gardening!

    by Arthur

Most read

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7
  8. 8
  9. 9