5 tips for healthy houseplants

Today is Houseplant Appreciation Day. For years, this was a day of mourning (or embarrassment) for me, but now I’m so happy with my indoor jungle. Here’s how to have houseplants that you’ll appreciate too.

Healthy houseplants

They say succulents can survive anything, but I’ve killed more cactuses than I’d like to admit.

I’ve tried so many times to nurture plants at home, but I’ve finally figured out how to help them thrive.

So if like me, you despair over gardening, here’s what has helped me to celebrate Houseplant Appreciation Day.

1. Moisture meter

This tiny tool has been revolutionary. My previously over-watered plants agree.

You can usually tell when a plant needs water (well, I could when it was limp and brown), but it’s hard to see when a plant doesn’t need water.

Especially when brown leaves can also be a sign of over-watering.

But simply dipping the moisture meter into the soil will tell you when to water your plants.

Best money I’ve ever spent on my plants.

2. Watering Wednesday

While the moisture meter helps to tell you how much to water your plants, you still have to remember to use it.

That’s where a schedule helps. I always water my plants on a Wednesday.

The alliteration helps me know how long it’s been since I checked them and it stops me from overwatering them too.

3. It’s not just dirt

Plants aren’t really meant to grow in pots so you have to help them more than plants in nature.

I’ve also since learned that soil isn’t dirt and that there are many types of potting mix for your plants.

But if like me you’re only just realising dirt isn’t soil, this soil enricher from Plant Runner is amazing for helping your plants thrive.

4. Plants need food too

My parents are keen gardeners, so the smell of dynamic lifter haunts my Saturday morning memories.

But growing plants in an apartment doesn’t need to be so gross.

These fertiliser supplements, added to your watering schedule, are so easy to use and make a huge difference for your plants.

5. Coordinated Shine

Plants are seen as a home accessory, but they truly do enrich your space. They improve your air quality and your quality of life at home.

But they should also match your space, so choosing pots can be a fun part of houseplants.

Then to help your plants look and feel their best, I use this leaf shine spray. It also contains Neem oil to protect from pests.

I name all my plants and talk to them as I water them on Wednesdays and wipe their leaves down.

So happy Houseplant Appreciation Day and I hope these tips help your plants to thrive.

After many years successfully killing houseplants, something switched and now I am successfully growing a mini jungle from our apartment.

House plant resources

Sometimes we all just need a bit of guidance, especially with gardening. Here are a few places I like to find information on taking care of my potted darlings.

The Plant Runner

Horticulturalist friends Duncan and Dominic share their green-thumbed wisdom with plenty of tips for keeping your leafy pets happy and healthy.

They also sell a wonderful range of products and equipment like these amazing Japanese-crafted Hidehisa secateurs and this Plant Runner Booster Kit they’ve created with their Soil & Microbe Booster, Neem Oil Leaf Shine and Indoor Plant Food products.

Indoor Jungle by Lauren Camilleri and Sophia Kaplan

Having a healthy balcony garden and curating a beautiful green space in your apartment or office are very different things.

This book has some amazing inspiration and advice for designing vignettes and features with the plants you’ve nurtured.

Garden Clinic subscription

Renowned horticulturalist Graham Ross of Better Homes and Gardens fame and his staff of brilliant botanists are always available through my subscription to the Garden Clinic to answer any worries or queries I have with my plants.

Depending on your subscription level, you also get all kinds of goodies from seasonal magazines to Christmas hampers and a meet-and-greet with Graham himself!

Indoor Jungle book healthy houseplants

1 Comment

  • Reply October 11, 2024

    maya hudson

    Such a fantastic and practical guide! I’ve always struggled with keeping my houseplants healthy, but your tips make it seem so much easier. I especially love the advice on watering and light—simple yet effective! Thank you for making plant care so approachable and fun.

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