Practical help for your plants: what to check first and how to decide what comes next.
29 matching guides
First check moisture within the root ball, then review fertiliser, water quality and the plant's position. Dry heated air may contribute, but is not automatically to blame.
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Read the guideDrooping stems can mean either too little or too much water. Feel the mix first.
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Read the guideWait until the mix is dry enough for that species, then water thoroughly and let the excess drain. A cactus can dry out more than a calathea, so one watering day rarely suits the whole collection.
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Read the guideFor a Monstera growing in potting mix, check the mix before watering rather than following a universal weekly rule. Let it approach dryness, then water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain.
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Read the guideDo you really need to buy special water for the watering can? Usually not: many houseplants grow well with ordinary tap water.
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Read the guideCheck watering arrangements before you leave and give a helper clear instructions for the actual pots. Extra water is not a substitute for a working plan.
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Read the guideDoes it need a full watering can already? Not yet. Give your amaryllis a bright, warm spot and keep the mix barely moist at first.
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Read the guideReview watering, monitor adults, and keep the plant’s moisture needs in view rather than drying every pot indiscriminately.
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Read the guideYou spot sticky leaves or tiny moving dots while watering. Move the suspect plant away from the others, photograph what you found and take a closer look with a magnifier.
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Read the guideGive it a bright, cool spot, keep the root ball evenly moist and let excess water drain away. Low-mineral water matters too.
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Read the guideFor suitable houseplants, start with a healthy stem containing a growing node, clean water and a bright position away from strong direct sun.
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Read the guideDo not immediately water a wilting plant whose root ball is already wet. Empty its outer pot and check that excess water can drain.
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Read the guideStart by recording the pattern, checking the pot, and reviewing recent changes rather than immediately adding water or fertilizer.
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Read the guideOnce buds appear, steady conditions and the right amount of water matter.
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Read the guideWater when the mix surface becomes dry, then let all excess drain away. Good care starts in the shop and on the journey home.
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Read the guidePlain water is enough for most everyday cleaning.
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Read the guideA long ingredient list matters less than a mix that holds some water, lets excess drain and leaves air around the roots.
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Read the guideDo not assume every pot needs less water The RHS recommends checking whether a pot needs water rather than watering routinely.
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Read the guideBrown edges can also follow dry spells in the pot, fertilizer buildup or unsuitable water. If the mix stays wet, more watering will not fix dry room air.
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Read the guideWater slowly until it runs out below, then let the pot drain thoroughly. If the mix has pulled away from the pot’s sides, water may simply run around it.
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Read the guideYour plants, your favourite companion, and a little routine to look forward to. All in Plantly.
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