For some time now, houseplants have been growing in popularity and is a trend that really accelerated during lockdown.

Research shows that looking after houseplants can reduce stress, improve wellbeing and can even improve the air quality. But looking after them is not always as easy as you might think and the attrition rate is high, so here’s a guide to help you along the way. It includes what to buy, what they cost, where to put them, and how to keep them alive.

The most popular plants

Succulents and cacti have always been popular house plants and for good reason. They store water in their thick leaves or stems, making them incredibly tolerant of neglect. They prefer bright light and minimal water – in fact, overwatering is far more likely to kill them than drought.

– Where to put them: South-facing windowsills or anywhere with good natural light.
– How to care for them: Water deeply but infrequently, once every 2-4 weeks in summer, monthly or less in winter. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
– Cost: Small succulents range from £5-8, larger statement cacti cost £15-30.

Rubber plants are classic houseplants that adapt well to different light conditions. They have large, glossy leaves and can grow quite tall, making them excellent statement plants.

– Where to put them: Living rooms, bedrooms, or near any window. They tolerate lower light well but prefer bright, indirect light.
– How to care for them: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feels dry, usually every 1-2 weeks. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth monthly to keep them shiny and mist every few days.
– Cost: Small plants range from £12-25, larger specimens cost £30-50.

Ferns work particularly well in bathrooms and kitchens where humidity levels are higher. They prefer indirect light and consistently moist soil.

–Where to put them: Bathrooms, kitchens, or anywhere with natural humidity and gentle light.
– How to care for them: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch feels dry. Mist regularly as they love humidity.
– Cost: Boston ferns, maidenhair ferns, and bird’s nest ferns typically cost £8-20.

Spider plants are another very popular houseplants. They’re extremely tolerant of different conditions and produce baby plants on long stems that you can pot up to create new plants.

– Where to put them: Almost anywhere with bright, indirect light. They work well in hanging baskets or on shelves where the babies can trail down.
– How to care for them: Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, usually once a week. They’re very forgiving if you occasionally forget.
– Cost: Small plants cost from £6-12, and you’ll soon have free baby plants to expand your collection.

Orchids require more care and attention but reward proper care with months of elegant flowers. They like bright, indirect light, along with good air circulation.

– Where to put them: East or west-facing windowsills, or bright bathrooms.
– How to care for them: Water weekly with lukewarm water but make sure they have excellent drainage. For moth orchids, check the roots – when they’re silver they need water, when they’re green they don’t.
– Cost: Basic orchids start from around £15-25.

Yuccas are drought-tolerant plants with spiky, architectural foliage. They make excellent statement plants and prefer bright light.

– Where to put them: Near south or west-facing windows.
– How to care for them: Water deeply but only when soil is completely dry, often just once a month. They’re desert plants that hate overwatering.
– Cost: Small yuccas around £15-25.

Herbs will give both your décor and your meals a lift. Popular choices include basil, chives, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, and thyme.

–Where to put them: Kitchen windowsills or anywhere with good light – ideally south-facing.
– How to care for them: Water when topsoil feels dry and harvest regularly. Pinch out flowers to keep leaves tender. –Cost: Most herbs cost £3-6 per pot.

Pots and repotting

Any container with drainage holes will work. Decorative ceramic pots without holes make excellent outer covers – just place your plant in a plastic pot with drainage inside. Basic pots cost £3-10 each.

Most houseplants need repotting every 2-3 years when they become root-bound. Signs include roots growing through drainage holes, water running straight through without being absorbed, or the plant becoming top-heavy.

When repotting, choose a pot just one size larger than the current one. Gently remove the plant, tease out some roots if they’re circling tightly, and place in fresh compost. Water thoroughly and keep in a bright spot while it settles.

Standard multipurpose compost suits most plants and costs around £3-5 for a 20-litre bag. For cacti and succulents, specialist cactus compost or regular compost mixed with horticultural grit provides better drainage.

Feeding your plants

Houseplants need regular feeding during their growing season to maintain healthy growth. Spring through autumn is when most plants are actively growing and using nutrients.

Liquid fertilisers are the most straightforward option. Simply add to your watering can every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Popular brands like Baby Bio, Miracle-Gro, or Westland Houseplant Feed cost around £4-6 and last for months. Most contain nitrogen for healthy leaves, phosphorus for strong roots, and potassium for overall plant health.

Slow-release fertiliser pellets are more convenient if you prefer a set-and-forget approach. Sprinkle on the soil surface and they feed your plants for several months.

Specialist feeds often give better results for specific plant types. Orchid feed for orchids, cactus feed for succulents, and tomato feed for herbs are all worth considering.

Stop or reduce feeding in winter when most plants rest and growth slows down.

Simple care principles

In general, houseplants prefer thorough watering when needed rather than little and often. The finger test works well – if the top 2cm of soil feels dry, it’s time to water.

Temperature consistency helps. Most houseplants are comfortable in normal home temperatures between 15-25°C. Avoid placing them directly beside radiators or in draughty spots.

Plants grow towards light sources, so rotate them occasionally for even growth. If leaves start stretching or losing colour, they probably need brighter conditions.

Don’t move plants around constantly. They prefer to settle into one spot and adapt to the conditions there.