Plant Care Guide — How to Care for your houseplants Plants

A woman in a white t-shirt and blue jeans kneels on a white wooden floor next to a large green potted Monstera plant, holding a small copper pot in a bright, modern room with a blue sofa in the background.

How to care for your Houseplants

Growing plants at home is one of life's most rewarding pursuits, and understanding the fundamentals of plant care transforms both your plants and your space.

Start with the basics, learn what your plants are telling you, and watch them flourish.

Beaucarnea

Ponytail Palm

These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer to dry out between waterings. Please note, overwatering is their biggest enemy. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry completely, and reduce watering in winter months. Place in a warm spot away from cold drafts and direct afternoon sun, and feed sparingly during the growing season for best results.

Ficus elastica

Rubber Plant

Ficus elastica thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of leaf drop. Keep temperatures between 15–24°C, away from cold draughts and heating vents, and wipe leaves monthly to maintain their glossy appearance. Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertiliser, and repot every two years or when roots emerge from drainage holes.

Ficus microparnea

Ficus Ginseng

Ficus ginseng thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers consistently moist but well-draining soil. Allow the top inch to dry between waterings. Keep temperatures between 15–24°C and maintain moderate humidity; mist leaves occasionally and avoid cold draughts. Prune regularly to maintain shape, especially for bonsai specimens, and feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser.

Dracaena

Dragon Tree

Dracaena thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers to dry out between waterings. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and avoid overwatering as these plants are prone to root rot in soggy conditions. Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertiliser to encourage healthy growth.

Yucca

These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer well-draining soil. Water sparingly during growing season and reduce watering in winter, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Keep temperatures between 15–24°C and ensure good air circulation to maintain healthy, upright growth.

Epipremnum Hawaii

Hawaiian Pothos

Thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers to dry out slightly between watering. Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot. Keep temperatures between 18–24°C and maintain moderate humidity; it tolerates average household conditions well. Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted fertiliser, and prune regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent leggy stems.

Chamaedorea

Parlour Palm

Parlour palms thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer consistently moist (but not waterlogged) soil during the growing season. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, reduce watering in winter, and maintain humidity by misting leaves or placing the pot on a pebble tray. Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted fertiliser, and repot every two to three years or when roots emerge from drainage holes.

Monstera deliciosa

Swiss Cheese Plant

These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can cause root issues. Keep temperatures between 18–27°C and maintain moderate humidity; misting leaves occasionally helps them flourish. Rotate your plant every few weeks to encourage even growth, and feed with a balanced fertiliser during spring and summer for best results.