Advice & Care
Create a Christmasy Houseplant Display
Ho ho ho make the most of your beloved houseplants this Christmas and New Year by making them part of your festive decorations.
Euphorbia milii, crown of thorns
Euphorbia milii is a prickly succulent shrub native to Madagascar. It can also be grown as an indoor houseplant that enjoys a warm, dry spot with plenty of direct sunlight.
Houseplant hacks, tips and tricks
Debi Holland shares some tips on easy houseplant care that she uses at home.
Chlorophytum comosum, spider plant
The spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum, is a popular houseplant due to its low demands and is an ideal choice for new houseplant parents.
Happy holidays – low water houseplants
If you're off on your holidays or just so busy that you forget to water your plants, we have a few suggestions for low maintenance plants that require very little attention.
How to make a kokedama
Engage in the mindful activity of making your own kokedama with Debi Holland's step-by-step guide.
Aporocactus flagelliformis, the rattail cactus
Aporocactus flagelliformis, the rattail cactus, is a species of flowering cacti native to Mexico with long trailing appendages reminiscent of rat’s tails hence the name.
Clusia rosea, autograph tree
Clusia rosea is a succulent perennial tree which has become a trendy, low-maintenance houseplant.
How to propagate Tradescantia
Tradescantia’s sprawling tendency means over time stems elongate away from the base forming fresh new foliage at the tips but leaving the rooted end sparse with crispy old leaves. Propagation is the remedy!
Dieffenbachia seguine, dumb cane
If you are looking for a super easy houseplant for your home then Dieffenbachia could be it; these low maintenance plants require very little attention and will thrive in the right conditions.
How to repot cacti
Cacti are very popular houseplants. These slow-growing, low maintenance houseplants are easy to look after but as with all plants they will need a bit of attention from time to time.
Anthurium andreanum, flamingo lily
Anthurium andreanum is known by many names, flamingo lily, painter’s palette, lacyleaf and flamingo flower to name a few but none seem to really nail the ethereal beauty of this plant.
How to style your home with houseplants
Styling your home with houseplants is a beautiful way to use botanicals and bring the garden indoors.
Ficus elastica, rubber plant
If you are looking for a tough, evergreen houseplant that is easy to look after then a rubber plant could be for you.
Funky ways to display houseplants
Houseplants literally breathe life into our homes filling blank spaces like botanical sculptures but there are so many ways we can utilise houseplants rather than simply placing them in a pot.
Crassula ovata, Jade plant
Crassula ovata, Jade plant also known as the lucky plant or money tree is often associated with the orient but is in fact a subshrub native to South Africa.
Five houseplants for low light
Not all houseplants need bright light to thrive. Many houseplants are tolerant to dimly lit rooms. Debi Holland suggests five shade tolerant houseplants that might suit your home.
Dracaena Marginata, Dragon Tree
Native to Madagascar, the Dragon Tree or Dracaena Marginata is a slow-growing succulent with long sword-like green leaves edged with a red hue.
Euphorbia pulcherrima, Poinsettia
Poinsettias are not just for Christmas. Debi Holland has some advice on buying them and how to keep them thriving.
Five fabulous houseplants for winter
Winter does not have to signal the end of botanic joy, instead surround yourself with an oasis of colourful foliage and flowering houseplants.
Phlebodium aureum ‘Blue Star’ Fern (low light evergreen fern)
Phlebodium aureum, the 'Blue Star’ fern is an epiphyte that grows on trees throughout eastern Americas, the Caribbean and South American tropical cloud forests. It also makes a perfect houseplant for busy people.
Caring for houseplants in autumn
Debi Holland has advice on how to look after your houseplants through autumn and into winter.
Epipremnum aureum, Devil’s Ivy, golden pothos
Epipremnum aureum or golden pothos also boasts an aptly chilling halloween name, Devil’s Ivy. It has a reputation of being indestructible and can survive most living conditions.
Make a terrarium
A terrarium is an indoor container garden which can be sealed or open; they are ideal for slow growing plants with interesting foliage. Here's how to make your own.
Palms
Palms have remained a popular houseplant since Victorian times. It's easy to see why; exotic to look at, low maintenance and tolerant of lower light conditions.
Houseplants with superpowers
Debi Holland guides you through plants with super powers!
Alocasia, Elephant’s Ear
Huge arrowhead-shaped leaves firmly place Alocasia as a striking foliage houseplant.
Houseplant prep for summer holidays
We all need a break and as the summer holidays stretch out before us the wanderlust bug is difficult to resist, but when you are a houseplant parent there can be anxiety about leaving your precious plants to fend for themselves for a couple of weeks. So what can we…
Strelitzia reginae, Bird of Paradise
Debi Holland's love of Strelitzia started back in the 80's when she was on holiday in Tenerife with her family.
Caring for cacti
Cactus are ideal houseplants for busy people but they still need some care to help them flourish.
Peperomia, radiator plant
Peperomia are easy-to-grow plants that are great for beginners, giving a lot in return for minimal input.
Air cleaning houseplants
Plants are the key to life on earth. Plants and humans have a perfect symbiosis but some houseplants go one step further and can actually improve air quality.
Fittonia, Nerve plant
Fittonia is an evergreen perennial which boasts beautiful deep-veined foliage. They naturally live on the floor of South American rainforests so are used to diffused light and highly humid conditions; if you manage to recreate this at home you will have a happy houseplant! These ground-hugging, creeping houseplants only grow…
Monstera deliciosa, Swiss Cheese Plant
Go large this year with statement houseplants and it does not get much larger than Monstera deliciosa, the Swiss Cheese Plant.
Spring – time to start feeding houseplants
Spring is here and it is time to crack open the plant food and give your houseplants a well deserved boost. Debi Holland guides you through which feeds to use.
Tradescantia zebrina
Tradescantia zebrina is one of 85 species in the Tradescantia genus and is a variegated trailing herbaceous perennial also known as spiderwort or Silver Inch plant.
Houseplants safe for pets
Debi Holland gives the low-down on which houseplants are toxic to pets and offers tips on how to still enjoy these plants while keeping your pets safe.
Begonia rex
Begonia rex is an impressive tender evergreen perennial with over 500 cultivars. Also known as Painted-Leaf Begonia, King Begonia or simply Rex Begonia; these are one of the easiest houseplants to grow.
Winter Houseplant Care
Our houseplants slow down in winter but they still need some TLC to ensure they stay healthy and conserve their energy ready for spring.
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
There are a variety of different species of Schlumbergera, all of which have individual defining characteristics and flowering times. The three most common species sold in the UK are the Thanksgiving cactus, Schlumbergera truncata, Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera bridgesii and the Easter cactus, Schlumbergera gaertneri, formerly Hatiora gaertneri and they all…
Christmas Crackers
Plantsmith's NEW range of Gift Crackers make ideal Christmas gifts for houseplant lovers.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
Peace Lily, Spathiphyllum wallisii, is in the Araceae family, commonly known as Aroids. It is an elegant dark, glossy foliage plant, which has tiny pure white flowers, or inflorescence, on spikes encased by protective hooded bracts, or spathes.
World Mental Health Day 10th October 2022 – Houseplants for wellbeing
It's World Mental Health Day on 10th October 2022. Read on to find out how houseplants can improve your sense of wellbeing.
Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
It's halloween this month so what better plant to talk about than the spooky and carnivorous Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). This carnivorous bog plant is native to the moist, acidic, low nutrient wetlands of North and South Carolina.
Identifying leaf problems
Identifying leaf problems can be the difference between a plant flourishing or dying. Here are some common leaf problems which can be easily avoided with a few adjustments to houseplant care.
Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Pilea peperomioides is an easy-to-grow succulent, which originates from the Yunnan Province in Southern China. Pilea require little maintenance so even for the most reluctant gardeners they make perfect companions. So what do you need to do to help this perennial evergreen thrive?
How to care for orchids
After a while, our potted orchids at home need reviving so read on to get the low down on how to care for orchids.
Prayer plant (Maranta leuconura)
Dreaming of tropical climes or just back from an adventure and keen to continue the summer holiday vibe? Well, look no further than Maranta leuconura, the Prayer plant with exquisite variegated foliage of bold colours and patterns.
Why feed houseplants?
Houseplants rely totally on us to feed them. When planted in the ground, plants extract minerals from the soil which are replenished through various means like rainfall, but when pot bound indoors, it is our responsibility to give houseplants a balanced diet.
Silver Squill (Ledebouria Socialis)
Silver Squill is a low maintenance, drought tolerant houseplant that is ideal for beginners. So how do you look after it?
Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Look in old houseplant books and you’ll often find this succulent listed as mother-in-law’s tongue on account of its long, pointed leaves. These days it goes by the far more politically correct name of snake plant.
Houseplant Doctor – Is my house plant dying?
Many houseplants live a long life, without ever giving cause for concern. However, it can be worrying when a cherished plant starts to go downhill and there is no obvious reason for its decline. Fortunately, most plants will make a full recovery once you figure out the problem.
Light Requirements of Houseplants
There are various factors that have a big impact on houseplants but the big three are watering, temperature and light. The amount a houseplant receives will make a big difference to its health, wellbeing and appearance.
Devil’s Ivy (Epripremnum aureum)
Devil's Ivy is an easy-going houseplant with glossy, heart-shaped leaves splashed with yellow. Most commonly grown as a climber, it can also be grown as a trailer from a hanging container.
Houseplant Doctor – How do I get rid of bugs?
There’s nothing worse than waking up one morning to find the leaves of your favourite foliage houseplant have been nibbled by a mysterious pest. Read on to find out how to identify, treat and prevent problems with your houseplants.
Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
If you're looking to create a lush, leafy, tropical effect indoors, then Kentia Palms can't be beat. A favourite plant of Queen Victoria, they can often be seen in the background of photographs taken of the Royal Family during her reign.
How to Repot Houseplants
All houseplants, even slow growing ones, will eventually outgrow their pots and need moving into bigger ones. Read on for our essential guide on when and how to repot your plants.
Houseplant Doctor – Why are the leaves of my houseplant turning brown?
It’s a common concern for many owners of houseplants. You’ve just bought a stunning new plant, put it in your desired location and within a week or so, a leaf starts to turn brown and eventually falls off. Don't panic. Read our guide on what is happening and how to…
How to Trim Houseplants
Most houseplants will need pruning at some point. It might be to improve its shape, encourage bushy growth or to keep a vigorous specimen from taking over a given position. On the other hand it might simply need dead, diseased or damaged growth removing. Read our guide on when and…
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Apart from possessing striking good looks, Zamioculcas zamiffolia or ZZ plant is almost foolproof to look after, which makes it perfect for beginners. It is also one of the best air purifying houseplants.
Top 10 Houseplants for Beginners
Some houseplants require careful attention. But not all houseplants are quite so fussy. Whether you’re looking for something that will thrive in a shady corner or a plant that can cope with erratic watering, here’s our top ten foolproof houseplants for beginners.
Houseplant Care Guide – Feeding
Feeding houseplants Plants in the garden have it easy. They can use their roots to seek out nutrients in the soil to ensure healthy growth but houseplants are completely reliant on us to keep them well fed. Yet, all too often we forget to fertilise our indoor treasures, allowing them…
Houseplant Care Guide – Misting
Misting your houseplants Many of our favourite houseplants come from tropical parts of the world, where they flourish in humid conditions. Unfortunately, the air in our central heated homes is much drier than your average rainforest and plants tend to suffer as a result. In extreme cases leaves will wilt,…
Top Tips for looking after Houseplants
Overwatering is the number one killer of houseplants. Different plants have specific watering requirements, so gen up on individual varieties to ensure they thrive. Typically, wait until compost has almost dried out before giving anymore. Remember to feed your houseplants throughout growing season (from March to September). Houseplants are supplied…