The dear departed

Sod’s Law is the answer, and early spring is often the time when it is at its busiest getting stuck into houseplants which have done valiant service and which are now ready for a change of compost, a touch of sunshine and the chance to recharge their batteries. Instead, they collapse and die.

Sod’s Law will always be with us (unlike those cherished houseplants) but there are ways to make sure it doesn’t get the upper hand. Prevention is always better than cure, so always choose the healthiest specimens of plants you can find – and give them the conditions they need to do well. Finally, keep an eye on them so that at the first sign of trouble, you can take positive action and beat the Law.

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 moist atmosphere around their leaves, so the occasional misting with tepid water is often appreciated.

And don’t 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 houseplant in a dark corner is 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 it will be Sod’s Law that suffers. Serve it right.