Some people seem to have a knack for growing houseplants well. But if you’re struggling, the trick is to think of them as the plant equivalent of zoo animals – captive creatures, far from home, doing their best to survive in an alien environment. Your job is to try to mimic their natural growing conditions: the right light, heat, moisture, and food-all the little comforts of home.
Some houseplants will inevitably cause problems -gardenias, for instance, are very difficult to grow well. But all the plants featured here should thrive for you.
Growing success
The first step is to buy plants at the peak of perfection. Look for buoyant leaves, healthy new shoots, sturdy growth, and, on flowering plants, plenty of unopened buds. Reject any with yellowed or diseased leaves, spindly growth, and, most important of all, any that has been allowed to dry out completely. If the weather’s cold, insist that the plant is well wrapped for the journey home, to keep it at an even temperature.
Exposure
Houseplant labels now carry much more information than they used to, so always check for the recommended exposure. In general, few plants (except for cacti) will thrive in the full blaze of afternoon sun – most prefer a spot on, or close to, a window that faces north, west, or east. In shady spots, try aspidistra, fatsia, ferns, grape ivy (Cissus), and prayer plants or calatheas, but keep an eye on them and move them into a brighter location if they’re not growing well. All houseplants grow towards the nearest light source, so turning them now and again will prevent them from becoming lopsided.
Credit: ankakay
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