Plant Care //

While we would always encourage to experiment with the exact position of your plants, there are three zones which broadly cover the range of light conditions you will find in your home. Just be aware that these may change with the seasons, so you should always keep an eye out for any signs of distress!

Bright or Direct Light - Any position in your home that gets direct and consistent sunlight. Not many houseplants can tolerate prolonged exposure to this level of light because many of the species that will happily grow indoors are those that have adapted to living under a canopy in the wild. The exceptions to this rule are plants like cactuses and succulents which are used to thriving in exposed environments. Also remember though that the sun is at its harshest during the afternoon, so a couple of hours of morning sunlight will usually be fine for most plants and is sometimes just what you need if you want to see some rapid growth.

Bright, Indirect Light - This type of light can more likely be found in any area of your house which is in close proximity to a window, but doesn't get hit by any direct rays. These areas are particularly useful because most houseplants can get the light they need, without the risk of their leaves being burnt.

Low Light - You know these spots; the dinghy corner at the back of the room, the windowless corridor, or any space that is obviously shaded all day (perhaps by neighbouring trees or a fence). Don't ignore these spaces, a plant can sometimes be just what you need to bring them to life, just make sure you pick one that will be happy there!

For the majority of houseplant species, it is recommended that you allow the topsoil to dry out in between waterings. The exceptions to this rule are some plants that specifically call for very wet or very dry soil.

You can test the moisture levels in your plants soil by dipping your index finger about 2.5cm into the top soil. If it feels completely dry, then it's probably time for a drink. If there is still some moisture in that top section of soil, leave it another couple of days and check again.

Most houseplant species require good drainage and do not respond well to permanently soggy feet, so sitting plants in saucers of water or drenching them too often is definitely something to avoid.

Most houseplants are supplied in a free draining potting mix, so its a good idea to pull your plants outside, or into the bath/shower/basin to water them. Water generously and then allow the water to drain fully through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot before returning the plant to its usual position in your home (this avoids any ruined floors)!

All of our plants are sold in a potting medium that’s suitable for the species, but when you come to repot your plants you’ll want to ensure you’re using the correct medium for continued health and longevity of your plant. When deciding, it's useful to consider the environment in which you would find a plant in its natural habitat. For example, succulents prefer a sandy, very free-draining medium to thrive in.

In general, however, it is usually fine to purchase a dedicated houseplant compost from your local nursery or hardware store, and more often that not, this will provide your plants with all that they need. If you do want to ramp it up a notch though, you can mix through 10-20% pearlite to ensure maximum drainage potential and aeration for your plant's roots.

Unlike in its' natural environment, a potted plant does not have access to an unlimited supply of nutrients. In fact, every time you water your plants some of the available nutrients are washed out. To be clear, your plant isn't going to die if you don't rush out and buy fertiliser on day one, but you do need to think about topping up its nutrients if you want it to thrive in the long term.

Although different plants will appreciate differing amounts of fertiliser, the general rule is more in spring/summer (every 2-4 weeks), less in autumn/winter (every 4-6 weeks).

Use a dedicated houseplant fertiliser in either liquid or powder form that you dilute into a watering can and apply directly to the soil (always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for dilution rates and application directions). Note that you should always apply fertiliser to damp soil, as applying it to dry soil can burn the roots of your plants.

 Ficus lyrata 

This plant can be a bit of a diva about its conditions but luckily, in true diva fashion, it won't hide its displeasure. Read how to spot the signs here.

Position / Light: 
This species requires plenty of indirect, bright light. A spot that gets a couple of hours of direct sunlight in the morning would be great, although any exposure to direct afternoon sunlight is best avoided, particularly during the summer months. Be sure to rotate regularly for even growth, as this plant will grow towards the light.

Care / Water:
Water generously and evenly whenever the top 5cm of soil becomes completely dry. This species hates soggy soil, so we recommend taking it outside (or into the bath or shower), giving it a good drench, then leaving plenty of time for all the residual water to drain through.

As a tropical species, this plant will enjoy regular misting to increase the humidity around its leaves, especially when you have the heating on. The leaves also need occasional dusting with a damp cloth to help keep the pores clear and allow the plant to breathe.

 Chamaedorea elegans / cataractum

Position / Light:
This plant will do well in a spot with a fair amount of bright, indirect light, but will also tolerate a shadier spot. Be sure to rotate regularly for even growth, as this plant will grow towards the light.

Care / Water:
Water whenever the top 5cm of soil becomes completely dry. Avoid overwatering as this will cause root rot. It is better for this plant to cope with occasional drought than too much water. Reduce watering in the winter months when conditions are cooler. As a tropical species, this plant will enjoy regular misting to increase the humidity around its leaves.

 Draceana trifasciata

The following care advice applies for both the classic and laurentii variants.

Position / Light:
This hardy species can tolerate fairly low light conditions, so if you really want to add some life to that dingy corner of the room, this would be a good choice. It will however grow best with ample amounts of indirect light.

Care / Water:
It is particularly important to avoid over-watering this species; it should only be watered once the top 5-10cm of soil is completely dry. When it's time, we recommend pulling it outside (or into the bath or shower), giving it a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For this reason you should always keep this species in a pot with adequate drainage holes.

 Monstera deliciosa

Position / Light:
Indirect, bright light. This species will particularly enjoy large amounts of dappled sunlight, but avoid exposure to direct sunlight as this could burn the larger leaves, especially during summer.

Care / Water:
Monsteras are fairly low-maintenance houseplants but they do benefit from having plenty of space and sometimes require support as they grow larger (i.e. a bamboo stake). To ensure even growth, you should rotate the plant regularly. Leaves need occasional dusting with a damp cloth to help keep the pores clear and allow the plant to breathe.

The most reliable way to keep this plant suitably hydrated is to water generously whenever the top 5cm of soil becomes completely dry, allowing all residual water to drain through. For optimal growth, apply liquid fertiliser once a month during spring and summer.

 Pilea peperomioides

Position / Light:
This species requires plenty of indirect, bright light, although exposure to direct afternoon sunlight is best avoided, particularly during the summer months. Be sure to rotate regularly for even growth, as this plant will grow towards the light.

Care / Water:
It is particularly important to avoid over-watering this species as it is prone to root rot; it should only be watered once the top 3-5cm of soil is completely dry. When it's time, we recommend placing it outside (or in the sink), giving it a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For this reason you should always keep this species in a pot with adequate drainage holes, i.e., place the plastic nursery pot inside any decorative pot and remove for watering.

 Nephrolephis cordifolia 'Duffii'

Position / Light:
This plant will do well in a spot with a fair amount of bright, indirect light, but will also tolerate a shadier spot.

Care / Water:
This species doesn't appreciate drought and so it is a good idea to water generously whenever you notice the top 2cm of soil has dried out. We recommend putting it outside (or in the sink), giving it a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For this reason you should always keep this species in a pot with adequate drainage holes. This species will also particularly enjoy a weekly misting.

 Epipremnum aureum / Scindapsus pictus

Position / Light:
Indirect bright light. The more light, the quicker it will grow, but direct sunlight will scorch its leaves. Train this guy up a stake, a trellis, or whatever you can find. Alternatively, let their hair down and allow it to cascade over a hanging basket or shelves.

Care / Water:
This plant fairs better than most during dry spells, but ideally you will want to water it generously whenever the top 5cm of soil completely dries out, always allowing excess water to drain freely. For optimal growth, apply liquid fertiliser once a month during spring and summer.

 Crassula sp. 

Position / Light:
These species will appreciate as much indirect bright light as you can give them, although prolonged exposure to direct afternoon sunlight is always best avoided, particularly during the summer months. They will be equally happy outside in shady conditions, although need to be protected from frost or extreme heat.

Care / Water:
Succulents are particularly good at drawing on stored moisture and so require relatively infrequent watering, particularly during the winter months. They should therefore only be watered once the top 5-10cm of soil is completely dry. We recommend putting them outside (or in the sink), giving them a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For this reason you should always keep succulents in a pot with adequate drainage holes.

 Senecio radicans / rowleyanus

Position/Light:
This species will appreciate as much indirect bright light as you can give it, although exposure to direct afternoon sunlight is always best avoided, particularly during the summer months. This species will be equally happy outside in shady conditions, although it does need to be protected from frost or extreme heat.

Care / Water:
Succulents are particularly good at drawing on stored moisture and so require relatively infrequent watering, particularly during the winter months. This species should only be watered once the top 5-10cm of soil is completely dry. We recommend pulling it outside (or into the bath or shower), giving it a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For this reason you should always keep this species in a pot with adequate drainage holes.

 Strelitzia reginae / nicolai

Position / Light:
These species require plenty of indirect, bright light (as much as you can give them) and will therefore be equally happy outside. Just remember that your plant will need adequate drainage if it's going to get rained on.

Care / Water:
These are pretty thirsty species, so make sure to keep them well watered (especially in the summer). As always however, drainage is key, so we recommend taking your plant outside (or into the bath or shower), giving it a good drench, then leaving plenty of time for all the residual water to drain through. For optimal growth, apply liquid fertiliser every two weeks during spring and summer. During winter (if kept inside), these species will appreciate a regular misting so that they don't dry out as a result of your heating.

 Spathiphyllum wallisii 

Position / Light:
This species will easily tolerate the darkest corner of your room, although if you want it to flower you may need to give it some brighter, indirect light. It's air purification properties make it a great choice for the living room or bedroom.

Care / Water:
Peace lilies are great at letting you know what they need. Its leaves will droop when it needs a drink, and perk right back up shortly after. If the leaf tips go brown, you're probably overwatering so let it dry out. This species will appreciate a regular misting to increase the humidity around its leaves.

 Calathea zebrina

Position / Light:
This plant will enjoy as bright a spot as you can give it, without ever letting it get any direct sunlight as this will burn the delicate foliage.

Care / Water:
This species likes to be kept moist, particularly in summer, although (as always) avoid letting it sit in water. Use your finger to check to the soil regularly and do your best to never let it dry out. When watering, we recommend popping it outside (or into the bath or shower), giving it a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For this reason you should always keep this species in a pot with adequate drainage holes.

This is a species that will respond particularly well to high humidity, so regular misting or sitting it on a tray of pebbles and water is highly recommended.

 Schefflera amate

Position / Light:

This plant will do well in a spot with a fair amount of bright, indirect light, but will also quite happily tolerate a shadier spot.

Care / Water:

Water generously and evenly whenever the top 2-3cm of soil becomes completely dry. This species likes moist soil but (as always) you need to avoid letting in sit it water. We'd therefore recommend placing it outside (or into the bath or shower), giving it a good drench, then leaving plenty of time for all the residual water to drain through.

As a tropical species, this plant will enjoy regular misting to increase the humidity around its leaves, especially when you have the heating on. The leaves also need occasional dusting with a damp cloth to help keep the pores clear and allow the plant to breathe.

 Pilea cadierei

Position / Light:

This species requires plenty of indirect, bright light, although exposure to direct afternoon sunlight is best avoided, particularly during the summer months. Be sure to rotate regularly for even growth, as this plant will grow towards the light.

Care / Water:

It is particularly important to avoid over-watering this species as it is prone to root rot; it should only be watered once the top 3-5cm of soil is completely dry. When it's time, we recommend pulling it outside (or into the bath or shower), giving it a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For this reason you should always keep this species in a pot with adequate drainage holes. This species likes it humid so will be grateful for a misting every few days.

 Rhaphidophora tetrasperma

Position / Light:

This species will appreciate plenty of indirect, bright light, although it can tolerate slightly lower light conditions. It's vertical vine-like growth means you'll at some point probably need to give it a stake or moss pole to climb.

Care / Water:

Water once the top 3-5cm of soil is completely dry, which will happen quicker during the warmer months and slow down over winter. When it's time, we recommend pulling it outside (or into the bath or shower), giving it a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For this reason you should always keep this species in a pot with adequate drainage holes. As a tropical species, this plant will enjoy regular misting to increase the humidity around its leaves, especially when you have the heating on.

 Hypoestes phyllostachya

Position / Light:
This species requires plenty of indirect, bright light to keep those leaf patterns popping. If you do begin to see solid green patches appearing on the leaves, it’s time to move your plant to a brighter position.

Care / Water:

Try and maintain evenly damp soil throughout the warmer, summer months, misting regularly too. Once it cools down, reduce your watering regime allowing the top 2-3cm of soil to dry out in between drinks. When it's time, we recommend pulling it outside (or into the bath or shower), giving it a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For this reason you should always keep this species in a pot with adequate drainage holes. Should your plant put out flowers, it’s a good idea to nip them off as flower production is very energy-costly and will shorten the life-span of your plant.

 Ficus elastica

Position / Light:
This species requires plenty of indirect, bright light, although exposure to direct afternoon sunlight is best avoided, particularly during the summer months. If you do want to place this plant outside, make sure it’s in a partly shady spot to avoid sunburn on those big leaves.

Care / Water:

This plant fairs better than most during the occasional dry spell, but ideally you will want to water it generously whenever the top 3- 5cm of soil completely dries out, always allowing excess water to drain freely. When it's time, we recommend pulling it outside (or into the bath or shower), giving it a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For this reason you should always keep this species in a pot with adequate drainage holes.

 Olea europaea

Position / Light:
This species is more suitable for outdoors, although can be kept indoors if you’ve got a nice sunny spot for it. If keeping indoors, this species requires plenty of indirect, bright light; as much as you can give it! If keeping it outdoors, this tree will thrive in full sun to part shade.

Care / Water:
As always, drainage is key, so wherever you decide to place your Olive make sure it’s in well-draining soil and aim to water once topsoil is completely dry (approx. top 2-5cm). This species will also respond well to pruning in late Autumn.

 Trachelospermum jasminoides

Position / Light:
This species is more suitable for outdoors, although can be kept indoors if you’ve got a nice sunny spot. Either way, a spot that gets a good amount of full sun is ideal for the best blooms. This plant will also need good support if you want it to grow to its full potential!

Care / Water:
This is a pretty thirsty species so make sure to keep it well watered (especially in the summer) until it’s established. If keeping indoors, drainage is key, so we recommend taking it outside (or into the bath or shower), giving it a good drench, then leaving plenty of time for all the residual water to drain through. For optimal growth, apply liquid fertiliser every two weeks during spring and summer. If keeping outdoors, it will do well in most soil types but will perform best in rich, well-draining soil.

 Philodendron cordatum

Position / Light:
Generally low maintenance, this plant will appreciate a good amount of indirect, bright light. The more light, the quicker it will grow, but direct sunlight will scorch its leaves so is best avoided, particularly in the afternoon. Great as a trailing plant, or give it something to climb.

Care / Water:
Water generously whenever the top 2cm of soil completely dries out. When it's time, we recommend placing it outside (or in the sink), giving it a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For this reason you should always keep this species in a pot with adequate drainage holes, i.e., place the plastic nursery pot inside any decorative pot and remove for watering. For optimal growth, apply liquid fertiliser once a month during spring and summer.

 Hoya pubicalyx

Position / Light:
Low to moderate. This plant is easy-going enough to tolerate fairly low light levels, but as usual a position with a good amount of indirect light is where most indoor plants are happiest. As a vine, this plant will do well in a hanger, cascading over a shelf, or trained up a trellis.

Care / Water:
This plant is definitely one that should be kept on the drier side, with moderate watering in the summer (when the top 2-3cm of soil is dry), and low watering in the winter (when the top 5cm of soil is dry). When it's time, we recommend placing it outside (or in the sink), giving it a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For this reason you should always keep this species in a pot with adequate drainage holes, i.e., place the plastic nursery pot inside any decorative pot and remove for watering. For optimal growth, apply liquid fertiliser once a month during spring and summer.

 Aglaonema commutatum

Position / Light:
This plant will definitely tolerate a shadier spot (which is why it's a good option for a low light office), but indirect, bright light will help maintain that vibrant variegation.

Care / Water:
This species likes to be kept evenly moist, particularly in summer, although (as always) be careful not to overwater to the extent that the roots get soggy. Use your finger to check the soil regularly and do your best to not let it dry out. When watering, we recommend popping it outside (or into the bath or shower), giving it a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For this reason you should always keep this species in a nursery pot with adequate drainage holes.

Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to help keep the pores clear of dust and allow the plant to breathe.

 Begonia maculata

Position / Light:
This species likes plenty of indirect, bright light, although exposure to direct afternoon sunlight should be avoided as the delicate leaves will burn easily. Be sure to rotate regularly for even growth, as this plant will grow towards the light. To encourage new leaves and protect stems from damage, this plant can benefit a supporting stake.

Care / Water:
It is particularly important to avoid over-watering this species as it is prone to root rot; it should only be watered once the top 3-5cm of soil is completely dry. When it's time, we recommend placing it outside (or in the sink), giving it a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For this reason you should always keep this species in a pot with adequate drainage holes, i.e., place the plastic nursery pot inside any decorative pot and remove for watering. This plant also appreciates higher humidity so will benefit from regular light misting.

 Haworthiopsis fasciata

Position / Light:
This species will appreciate as much indirect bright light as you can give it, although exposure to direct afternoon sunlight is always best avoided, particularly during the summer months.

Care / Water:
Succulents are particularly good at drawing on stored moisture and so require relatively infrequent watering. This species should only be watered once the top 5-10cm of soil is completely dry, in winter this might be an infrequently as every other month. We recommend putting it outside (or in the sink), giving it a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For this reason you should always keep this species in a nursery pot with adequate drainage holes.

 Philodendron sp.

Position / Light:
This plant will appreciate a good amount of indirect, bright light. The more light, the more variegation, but make sure to avoid direct sunlight as it will burn the delicate leaves.

Care / Water:
This plant will appreciate damp soil (especially in spring/summer), although as always it's important to avoid overwatering. The best way to achieve this is to water generously whenever the top 2cm of soil dries out, but always in a pot with good drainage (i.e. nursery pot). When it's time, we recommend placing it outside (or in the sink), giving it a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For optimal growth, apply liquid fertiliser once a month during spring and summer.

 Peperomia sp.

Position / Light:
This species requires plenty of indirect, bright light, although exposure to direct afternoon sunlight should be avoided, particularly during the summer months. Be sure to rotate regularly for even growth, as this plant will grow towards the light.

Care / Water:
Water once the top 2-3cm of soil is completely dry. When it's time, we recommend placing it outside (or in the sink), giving it a good drench, then leaving time for all the residual water to drain through. For this reason you should always keep this species in a pot with adequate drainage holes, i.e., place the plastic nursery pot inside any decorative pot and remove for watering. This plant will also appreciate occasional misting.