Houseplant survival

Steve and Val Bradley explain the best techniques for looking after plants given as Christmas gifts

- Steve and Val Bradley

INDOOR plants have become incredibly popular over the past two years and now we are entering the season when they will be given as festive gifts, too. Most of these plants will have spent their lives so far in a cozy greenhouse, being well-fed and checked regularly to make sure they have everything they need to get them into perfect condition. This ensures that when they arrive at the florist, garden centre or DIY store they look their best, and you are tempted to buy one to take home or give as a gift.

With any new plant you have not grown before there is always the same learning curve: what does it need in terms of temperature, light level and (often the real make or break) how much water and how often. Over and underwatering accounts for more houseplant deaths than any other single factor, and the matter is made worse if you correct one by doing the other.

The right amount of water

The other problem can be how the plant is displayed. Most growing pots have drainage holes in their sides or base, but where this pot is inserted into a pretty display pot with no drainage, your only indication of how wet or dry the compost is by the plant wilting or by you checking the compost. If you take the time to lift the plant out of the display pot, you can find out: a) how heavy it is (the heavier it is, the wetter it is) and b) if there is water standing in the base of the outer pot.