There’s a good reason why I have fond

memories of house plants – they take me back

to the 1970s – to my grandparents’ house and
the old Swiss cheese plant we had at home.
But things have really moved on since then,
and I’ve been amazed to watch a house plant
revival in recent years. Evidence now shows
that indoor plants are good for our health and
wellbeing and, with winter weather leading
to more time inside, why wouldn’t you grow
a few? They come in all shapes and sizes, so
there really is something for everyone. Some
have wonderful, architectural foliage, while
others reward us with beautiful flowers. And,
bar a few exceptions, most are not too needy.
If placed in a well-lit, draught-free spot with a
reasonably even temperature, they will be
more than happy. What’s not to like?

Potting on
Most house plants are tough old things that will
soldier on even if neglected a little. That said,
neglect isn’t something I recommend! Nearly all
house plants benefit from occasional repotting,
which is something you can do now with new and
existing specimens. You’ll find specialist house
plant composts at the garden centre, but I tend to
use peat-free multi-purpose and add some soil-
based compost, grit, composted bark or perlite,
depending on the growing conditions the specific
plant needs – the label should give you a guide.
Simply tease your plant out of its existing pot –
if it’s really pot-bound you may need a sharp knife
so you can trim the roots to help release it. Once
out, gently pull the roots apart – this will also start
to loosen the compost. Pop a small amount of
compost in the bottom of your new pot, then sit
your plant on the top. Don’t choose a new pot that
is too large – as a guide, I normally choose one
that allows for 4-5cm around the root ball. Be sure
to check the level of the plant too, aiming to plant
it at roughly the same depth as it was in the
previous container. Make sure there are no large
lumps in your compost and start to work the
compost into the pot by pushing it down around
the sides. Finally, gently firm in and give your plant
a good watering to help settle the compost
around the roots. If you repot now, you won’t
need to feed your plant until next spring.

Providing sustenance
As a rule, I find that most house plants die from
being overwatered. You want to keep the compost
just moist, and I tend to let plants nearly dry out
PHOTOS: SARAH CUTTLE; PAUL DEBOIS; JASON INGRAM

before watering. Tap water is usually fine for most

house plants but some, like carnivorous plants
and azaleas, can be a little more demanding and
benefit from rain water. With the exception of

TOP RIGHT Haworthia Sarracenia flava

and crassula are should be watered
succulents that need with rain water
a bright spot and RIGHT Nephrolepis
little water MIDDLE exaltata (Boston fern)
RIGHT Carnivorous thrives in a moist,
plants such as shady bathroom

44 gardenersworld.com December 2020