How to Care for and Safely Repot Houseplants

How to Look After House Plants

1. Look for Warning signs

There are a few things to look out for if you think that your house plants might need some TLC.

Typically, losing leaves or leaves turning yellow is a sign of poor drainage, too little light or not enough water. Similarly, leaves turning a pale colour probably means that your houseplant needs to be moved to a brighter spot. Yellow leaves can also mean you have a pest problem.

If you notice any of these warning signs, work through the following house plant care steps and your plants should be thriving again in no time.

2. Plant placement

It’s important to take lighting and humidity into consideration when finding a home for your house plant, as different plants have different needs. Most indoor plants are happiest in a well-lit, draught-free environment with reasonable humidity.

However, there is some variation. Flowering plants and plants with variegated leaves prefer a lighter spot compared to plants with green foliage, while ferns are good house plants for dark rooms.

If you notice poor growth, variegated leaves turning green or no flowers on a flowering plant, move your houseplant to a lighter spot to encourage healthier growth.

What is the best house plant for a dark room?

Whether you live in a ground floor flat or a period cottage, not every home has a surplus of natural light streaming in through the windows. Luckily, there are plenty of plants that thrive in shadier conditions. 

Begonias have wonderfully eye-catching leaves and require only a little light. Boston ferns are also happy with relatively low light levels and ivy is a hardy option if you’re looking for a trailing plant. 

Top tip: Introduce a little greenery to every room with our guide to the best house plants for your bathroom.

3. Choose the Right House Plant Potting Mix

Using the best house plant compost for your type of plant will ensure that it gets the nutrients and proper drainage it requires to thrive.

There are specific potting mixes for Mediterranean and citrus plants, succulents and cacti, and orchids, so make sure that you’re using the best option for your house plant.

4. Feed and water

Feeding house plants during their growth periods (typically spring and summer) will keep them healthy and ensure that they are getting all the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. Flowering plants, such as a peace lily, are particularly hungry and will often benefit from a weekly feed.

So, how often should you water a house plant? The answer varies between species of plant, so make sure to check your house plant care label to find out how much water it needs. Overwatering is the most common cause of house plants dying so, if in doubt, it’s best to wait for signs of wilting in the leaves before you water.

5. Transplanting

As healthy house plants are always growing, they need transplanting every so often. Smaller plants should be repotted once every two years, while large house plants can go four years before they need transplanting.

If you’re not sure how to re-pot a house plant, you’ll need a bigger pot to ensure that there’s space for more roots to grow. Place a handful of fresh house plant compost into the base and place the root ball of your plant on top. Gently fill the edges with compost, and you’re good to go! You can also find a handy step-by-step guide below.

Top tip: As well as pretty house plant pots, you can get creative with shelving options for your house plant.

6. Leaf-care

Leaves are the biggest telltale sign of how healthy your house plant is, and there are several things you should be doing regularly to keep them in top condition.

• Dust and clean leaves regularly – this will help with photosynthesis
• Remove yellow and browning leaves and pinch off any dying flowers
• Mist leaves daily to create a humid environment

7. Pest control

Sometimes house plant pests are unavoidable – but luckily the most common types are easy to get rid of. If you notice any of the symptoms below, tackle them quickly and your house plant will be looking its best again in no time.

• Mealy bugs and wooly aphids: small tufts of white fluff are indicative of these sap-sucking bugs. They are easily removed with an organic soft soap spray.
• Scale insects: These limpet-like bugs stick to leaves and stems. They can be carefully rubbed off with a tissue or by hand.
• Red spider mites: Yellow speckled leaves and fine webbing are symptoms of these tiny mites. To remove, cut off any affected areas and mist the plant to prevent future outbreaks – these bugs love warm, dry environments.

When to Repot House Plants

There are multiple reasons why your house plant may need repotting, but outgrowing the container is among the most common. Look out for roots growing through drainage holes or circling around the base of the pot.

Discolouration, stunted growth, a top-heavy plant and particularly dry soil are also signs that it could be time to rehome your plant.

The best time of year to repot is early spring, when house plants enter their growth period. Repotting can be stressful for a plant, but roots will adapt to their new surroundings quicker then, reducing the likelihood of harming the plant. However, if your plant is looking unhealthy, then don’t wait.

Spring is also the best time to prune plants, as the conditions will be right for healthy regrowth.

How to Repot House Plants

1. Carefully remove the plant from its current container, tilting it and gently tapping the base if it’s being stubborn. It’s important to choose the right replacement pot – opt for one that’s slightly bigger than the existing one.
2. Select a suitable compost (you can buy mixtures that are specially formulated for different types of plant). Moisten it before repotting as this will help it to better absorb water.
3. Take a look at your plant’s roots. If they appear unhealthy or are particularly long and unruly, give them a small trim with a pair of sharp secateurs.
4. Place some compost at the bottom of the new pot, covering approximately a third of the depth. Position your plant centrally and make sure that it sits at the same height as in the old pot. This will help to make the transition as smooth as possible.
5. Fill the area surrounding the plant with compost. Compress it gently as you go to remove any pockets of air.
6. Once you’ve followed these steps, water thoroughly to ensure that your plant gets a healthy dose of hydration.

There we have it, that’s how not to kill your house plants! With these house plant care tips, you can look forward to growing bigger, better and healthier plants and add an attractive touch of greenery to your interior space. Share your own tips on how to look after house plants with us @Homebase_UK.