It can't be that hard to keep a plant alive (that's what you tell yourself in the shop when you buy your 1st houseplant). But why did nobody tell me it would be this complicated to keep a plant alive? (and that's what you tell yourself a month later).
Don't panic: we're here to help. Here are 5 things nobody tells you about houseplants that will help you look after them better.
1. Some plants don't really like the sun
Many plants can thrive in a dark flat. They generally originate from tropical forests where they grow beneath trees or other plants. Ferns such as Adiantum raddianum or Asparagus densiflorus, Calathea or Sansevieria for example are perfect if you have little light at home.
2. A plant that loses its leaves can still be perfectly healthy
Some plants like Oxalis can go dormant for a while, losing all their leaves and appearing dead. But don't give up too quickly! Place your plant away from direct sunlight and wait patiently — it will soon produce new shoots.
3. Cacti like the cold
It's generally believed that cacti like heat because they come from the desert, where there's plenty of sunshine and very high temperatures. But that overlooks the fact that temperatures drop drastically once the sun goes down, and at night it can get quite cold. To keep your cactus happy, place it somewhere sunny but cool.
4. Plants are allergic to dust
Dust that settles on plant leaves can prevent photosynthesis and cause a lot of harm to your plants. The solution is to mist your plants regularly and wipe their leaves with a sponge or damp cloth, ideally at least once a month. You can also rinse them in the shower with a gentle flow of water.
5. Even plants need a babysitter
Plants don't water themselves. Make sure they have enough water before you go on holiday or for the weekend. You can use oyas that will water your plants autonomously when you're away.
