Plants and humans have a perfect symbiosis but some houseplants go one step further and can actually improve air quality by removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like benzene, ammonia and formaldehyde. If possible use collected rainwater as tap water contains chlorine but if tap water is the only option leave a container of tap water to sit for 24 hours and then harmful chemicals like chlorine should dissipate and be safe to use on your plant. If you notice roots circling the rim of the pot, it could mean the substrate is too dense for roots to grow through or that it has deteriorated; whatever the reason change your growing medium. Repot

You need a large quantity of plants to really make a difference but the benefits of plants cannot be denied and so what a great excuse to fill our homes with as many plants as we can and breath easy. What chemicals can be found in our homes? Your Contributions are not used to harass or threaten (in the legal sense of those terms) any other person and to promote violence against a specific person or class of people. Place your orchid in a warm bright space in indirect sunlight and give it time to rejuvenate. In the wild they are used to filtered light so make sure they are not scorched by direct sunlight in a hot spot. They thrive in a constant temperature of around 18°C / 64°F.

All houseplants need a good supply of nitrogen, phosphates and potash, along with so-called trace elements to ensure they reach their full potential. Inspired by professional formulations, our Fortifying Houseplant Tonic contains 13 essential nutrients that are perfectly balanced. Among them are magnesium, iron and kelp extract to stimulate cell growth. When to feed Dracaena are particularly useful at filteringformaldehyde, xylene, andtrichloroethylenefrom our homes. These tall, thin, slow-growing plants have spiky red-edged leaves which like lots of indirect light and can cope with underwatering so good for busy gardeners. Image: Debi Holland Areca Palm, Dypsis lutescens

Requiring very little intervention other than occasionally removing dead leaves and flowers, water and feed sparingly with a diluted houseplant specific feed like Plantsmith’s Fortifying Houseplant Feed & Tonic once a month through its growing season. Tender Cyclamen persicumis an ideal potted houseplant for the busy Christmas season when time is short. Begonia rex Winter is when Christmas Cactus are in full throttle so give them a weekly feed. During December they are on overdrive prolifically producing flowers so need a good boost to replenish all that spent energy. Silver squill will produce beautiful sprays of blooms in late winter, early spring but if you are struggling to get your plants to flower then this winter make sure your plant has a good rest in a cool location – and that doesn’t mean placing it near some funky wallpaper but make sure the temperature is cool! Reduce watering and stop feeding. Silver squill need a period of dormancy over winter to recharge – don’t we all! Propagation

You may also like...

Nitrogen helps produce proteins which make our cherished leafy green foliage. If a plant is nitrogen deficient you will see leaves turning pale yellow or green; alternatively too much nitrogen will send your houseplant into overdrive producing an abundance of leaves. The balance needs to be right.