If there’s one finishing touch we love to add to our homes, it’s house plants. Introducing pops of greenery to your living space always brings a fresh feel to living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms alike. 

Unfortunately for our leafy friends, there’s a bit of a misconception that they’re fussy. Hard to look after. Dramatic, at times. Whilst this is true for a select few types of plants, we’re here to squash that myth and show you just how easy it can be to keep them alive and thriving (we promise!). 

Spring and summer are the perfect time to get green-fingered as the rise in temperature of your home gets a little bit more suited to indoor plants. If you’re done with the days of sad looking leaves and barely-there branches, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and have a read of our top tips below.

Summer sipping

Now it’s starting to hot up outside, you’ll begin to notice some changes in how fast the soil in your plant pots dries up. In winter when our homes are heated, this makes for a high humidity environment where your plants retain water for much longer.

As the humidity levels drop, your green friends will be thirstier. Avoid the temptation to consistently water your plants whilst the soil is still wet. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil once per week by giving it a poke. If it’s bone dry, or very close to, give your plant a generous soak. Do this again when it’s back to feeling completely dry.

When we talk about overwatering plants, we’re talking about the frequency of watering, not the amount of water. Watering too frequently is the main killer of house plants, as it allows the roots to become waterlogged. When giving your parched plants a drink, don’t hold back on the h20- just check they’re dry before doing so.

Location, location, location

We couldn’t be more excited about the sun coming back, and your plants will be just as thrilled. You might start to notice some of your potted pals either leaning towards the source of light or getting a bit sunburned with brown patches. 

In general, a non-direct bright spot is usually suitable for most plants, however, there are a few that’ll really thank you for some direct sunlight- perfect for sun-flooded windowsills.

Plants that can tolerate direct sunlight include:

• Snake plants (sansevieria) 
• ZZ plants (zamioculcas) 
• Fiddle leaf figs (ficus lyrata)
• Crotons (codiaeum)

Moving on up

Got the basics of being a plant parent down? As your houseplants grow rapidly over the summer season, you should consider if they need repotting. You’ll know if your leaves need a bigger home if: 

• You can see roots trying to escape by peeking through the top layer of soil
• Your plant is shedding lots of leaves suddenly
• You can see visible roots pushing through the bottom of the pot

If you’ve noticed these tell-tale signs, it’s time to treat your house plants to new homes. We recommend finding a pot that’s a few inches bigger than the current one and using a good quality houseplant specific soil, available at most local gardening and DIY outlets. 

Remove your plant from its current pot by lying it sideways and pulling gently at the base of the plant, if you can. Be careful not to tear any bigger roots, and gently brush off all the existing soil. Load your bigger pot with your new, nutrient-rich houseplant soil, and fill up until the roots are tightly packed. Finish this off with a good soak, and leave your leafy friend to acclimate to its new pad. Need a visual? Check out this handy video tutorial. Easy. 

If you enjoyed this post, why not check out 5 Reasons Why Plants Are Perfect For Your Bedroom, Green Sofa Ideas, or Your Guide to Pet Friendly Sofas.