Trouble shooting

Why is it that when a houseplant gets poorly or simply keels over and dies, it's always the most expensive or cherished one? Why is it never the cheap and cheerful, the easily replaced, the one you never really liked but never got round to throwing out?
CAPTION: HEALTH CHECK: Look after your indoor plants and they will reward you with foliage and flowers.CAPTION: HEALTH CHECK: Look after your indoor plants and they will reward you with foliage and flowers.
CAPTION: HEALTH CHECK: Look after your indoor plants and they will reward you with foliage and flowers.

It’s just what it is, and, unfortunately, early spring is often the time when those cherished houseplants that have done valiant service and are now ready for a change of compost, a touch of sunshine and the chance to recharge their batteries, fall ill and sometimes die.

But there are things that can be done, proving that prevention is definitely better than a cure. So always choose the healthiest specimens you can find – and give them the conditions they need to do well. And keep an eye on them so that at the first sign of trouble you can take action.

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Some plants are bound to fail, but the majority should survive to thrive for years, especially if you take steps to avoid the most common causes of fatality.

So, never over-water – the leaves will droop, the roots will rot and the plant will die.

Conversely, don’t be too stingy with moisture – plants need water and if you allow their compost to dry out, particularly during periods of active growth, you’re asking for trouble.

Other factors to consider are hot air. There are few houseplants which like desert-like conditions; many, in fact, prefer a dampish atmosphere around their leaves, so the occasional misting with tepid water is often appreciated.

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And don’t simply position plants in windows where they are in full sunlight. For many, diffused light is ideal.

No-one likes to be stood in a draught – the same applies to plants in the home. And placing a light-loving houseplant in a dark corner is also asking for trouble. Some hardy specimens can take lack of light, but many will grow pale and wan, their foliage will droop and their flowers will fall.

Plants are like people in that they need certain conditions, plus a decent feeding and watering regime, to be able to live life to the full.

Give them what they need – and 
watch out for early signs of trouble 
– and they should repay you by thriving.

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