Houseplants offer us so much during February to boost our mood, and they are not as difficult to look after as you might think. I’m sure we’ve all experienced horror stories involving pot plants over the years, but understanding which ones are easiest to look after and choosing the right room for the right plant is key.
We often kill houseplants with kindness and over-watering during winter is the biggest killer. My top tip would be to use your finger as a gauge: when you push your finger into the pot, if it feels moist – don’t water. It’s easy to revive a dry plant, almost impossible to resurrect a sodden one.
So, if you are looking to invest in a houseplant or two to spruce up your home, here is the ultimate guide to picking the right kind.
The best houseplants to grow in winter
If you have struggled in the past, here is a list of robust houseplants that may tempt you to try again:
- Epipremnum aureum (golden pothos) is great for bathrooms and kitchens with high humidity and cooler temperatures
- Sansevieria trifasciata (mother-in-law’s tongue) is ideal for bedrooms, as it tolerates low light and warmth
- Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’ (spider ivy) is suited to cooler, well-lit rooms
- Spathiphyllum wallisii (peace lily) is an air-purifying plant ideal in bedrooms and living rooms with low light
- Hedera (ivy) is tolerant of low light and cool temperatures; find it a shelf to trail over
How to care for your houseplants properly
Although over-watering can be a big problem for houseplants, there are a few tricks you can use to make your home as welcoming as possible.
Provide a consistent temperature and avoid placing plants near doorways, draughts and heat sources such as radiators and open fires.
Don’t leave houseplants behind drawn curtains at night, either – that cold pocket of air next to the window is a very uncomfortable spot. A well-insulated room helps to prevent fluctuating temperatures.
Humidity is important: mist plants daily or place plants on a tray with gravel to allow surplus water to leave the roots and provide extra humidity.
Finally, clean windows for maximum light and give leaves a gentle wipe with a damp cloth to allow for photosynthesis. Dust can settle on large leaves in particular.
This article is kept updated with the latest advice.
