CONTENTS

5 PICKING THE BEST LOCATION

IDEAL TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
15
17 HOW TO WATER HOUSEPLANTS
19 THE PERFECT HOUSEPLANT COMPOST
23
WHY PLANTS NEED FEEDING
29 COMMON PEST & DISEASE PROBLEMS
37 ESSENTIAL HOUSEPLANT CARE

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO

HOUSEPLANTS
KEEP
GROWING
 WELCOME
“Houseplants bring life to our homes.
Not only do they add beauty and
greenery, but they also provide a wide
range of health and well-being benefits.

Taking care of them can feel

overwhelming when you start out, but
if you provide the right environment
and basic care, anyone can become a
good houseplant parent.”

“In this guide I’ll share

Dan Walford
Gardening Expert some of my top tips to
care for a wide range of
Dan is a trained horticulturist with
more than 20 years’ experience common, and easy to
growing plants – both outside and grow, houseplants. We’ll
indoors. He has grown 1000’s of pot
begin by finding the best
plants commercially and worked as
a Tropical Horticulturist at The Eden spot to make your plant
Project. His passion for houseplants feel right at home, and
started when he travelled the tropics
then I’ll advise on some
and saw many of the plants we love
to have in our homes, growing in their
basic care to ensure they
natural habitat. continue to thrive.”
3 4
PICKING THE RIGHT LOCATION

Right plant, right place

When it comes to growing plants indoors, light is the most important factor
when deciding what plants to grow and where they should be placed.
The majority of houseplants prefer bright, indirect light, but some
can tolerate low light, or direct light conditions.

LOW / MEDIUM VERY LOW

LIGHT LIGHT
(see p11) (see p13)

DIRECT BRIGHT BRIGHT,

SUNLIGHT INDIRECT LIGHT
(see p7) (see p9)

On pages 7-14 of this guide we’ll advise the best light locations for some of
the most commonly grown houseplants. Pick the right spot for your plant
and you’ll be giving them the best possible chance to succeed.

5 6
DIRECT BRIGHT SUNLIGHT

A south or west-facing windowsill will be in sun most of the day Snake plant
Sansevieria
– for many houseplants this will scorch their leaves and cause wilting trifasciata
(especially during the summer months). Here are some sun lovers Aloe
that’ll thrive in direct sunlight. Aloe vera

Cacti and
Succulents

ZZ plant
Zamioculcas
zamiifolia Money plant
Crassula ovata

Bird of
paradise
Strelitzia
Flaming Katy reginae
Crassula
ovata

Hen &
Venus chicks
fly trap Echeveria
Dionaea
muscipula

7 8
BRIGHT, INDIRECT LIGHT
Orchids
Phalaenopsis

The vast majority of houseplants will grow their best in bright, indirect
light that’s out of full sun. This mimics their natural habitat, growing on
the rainforest floor, where dappled light reaches them through the
canopy above. Amaryllis
Hippeastrum

Rubber plant
Ficus elastica

Elephants ear
Alocasia x
amazonica

Radiator plant
Peperomia
metallia

Yucca
Yucca
elephantipes Christmas cactus / Maidenhair
Easter cactus fern
Schlumbergera Adiantum
buckleyi / gaetneri raddianum

Fiddle-leaf fig
Ficus lyrata

Missionary
plant
Pilea
peperomioides

9 10
LOW / MEDIUM LIGHT
Boston fern
Nephrolepis
exaltata
If your plants are placed deeper in the room, or the window
is obscured by netting or other plants, then the amount of
Peacock plant /
light will be significantly reduced. In this situation even a Prayer plant
south-facing window will avoid strong direct sunlight. Calathea /
Maranta

Parlour palm
Umbrella tree Chamaedorea
Schefflera elegans
arboricola
Spider plant
Chlorophytum
comosum

Heart-leaf
philodendron
Philodendron
scandens

Kentia palms
Howea
fosteriana

Swiss cheese plant

Monstera deliciosa

Dumb cane /
Leopard lily
Dieffenbachia
Chinese
evergreen Weeping Fig Pothos
Aglaonema Ficus Epipremnum
benjamina

11 12
VERY LOW LIGHT English ivy
(non-variegated)
Peace lily
Spathiphyllum
Hedera helix wallisii

A room with a north-facing window, or a plant positioned far from natural

sunlight, would be classed as receiving low light (especially during the
winter months). Some plants will tolerate these conditions, but growth
will be slower so water and feed accordingly.

Parlour palm
Chamaedorea
Cast iron elegans
Heart-leaf plant
philodendron
Aspidistra
Philodendron eliator
scandens

ZZ plant
Zamioculcas Bird’s nest fern
Snake plant zamiifolia Dragon tree Asplenium nidus
Sansevieria Dracaena
trifasciata fragrans/marginata

13 14
IDEAL TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY

After considering light levels when picking the best spot for your
houseplants, the next most important factors are temperature
and humidity. Spaces where the light is good, the temperature
is roughly between 18°C – 24°C and there’s good air circulation,
will prove the best location for your houseplants.

Temperature
Humidity
Originating in mostly tropical and sub-tropical climates, houseplants will not
grow well if inside temperatures are extremely low or extremely high. Most houseplants, especially those grown for their foliage, need more humidity
Most plants will prefer room temperatures that are warm during the day and than that found in our modern, centrally-heated homes. If your houseplants
slightly cooler at night. As a general rule, if you feel comfortable in your home, begin to show browning at the leaf tips and edges, then this
then your plants will too. is a sign that the air around them is too dry.

Houseplants don’t like large swings in temperature so try to avoid the To help your houseplants thrive, there are different
following locations: ways you can maintain humidity:

• Near or above radiators - unfortunately these are often located • Group houseplants together – this will trap moist air
under windows around the leaves

• Under air-conditioning or fans – these tend to blow out dry air, • Mist frequently - best done in the morning so the
which isn’t good for plants leaves are dry over night

• In draughts - such as near an external door where they’ll be directly • Placing your pots on watered gravel trays –
in the airflow evaporating moisture will keep the air humid

“Don’t be tempted to move your houseplants into

the bathroom in the belief that humidity from the
shower will suffice. The bathroom is often the
coldest and worst lit room in the house.”

15 16
HOW TO WATER HOUSEPLANTS The water
Use room temperature or “tepid” water to avoid a cold shock to the roots
(no one likes a cold shower!). Most plants are fine with tap water, but some
Although watering can seem like an easy job to carry out, incorrect watering
are sensitive to the chemicals in our drinking water so filtered water,
is the biggest cause of houseplant failures. Find out how to provide the correct
or rain water, is preferred.
amount of water and apply it in the right way.

How often?
The method
As a general rule you should only water when the top 5cm of the compost feels
The majority of plants are fine to be watered
dry. A great way to know when it’s time to water is the ‘finger test’. Simply push
from above or below.
your finger into the compost until you reach your second knuckle. If the compost
For top watering, simply wet the surface of feels dry, then your plant needs watering. If the compost is still moist, don’t water
the compost until excess water drains freely but be sure to check again in a few days.
from the holes in the bottom of the pot.

For bottom watering, stand the pot on a “A thirsty plant and a drowned plant will both
plant saucer or in a bowl or sink. Water from
show signs of wilting - so it’s important to
below until the compost is fully saturated,
then allow it to drain before returning to its check the compost before taking action”.
usual position. This usually takes around
20 minutes.

Hairy-leaved plants can retain water on the

leaf surface, which can cause rotting,
so these are best watered from below.

“Houseplants hate waterlogged compost,

so make sure your pot has adequate
drainage holes and never leave them
sitting in water.”

17 18
THE PERFECT HOUSEPLANT COMPOST

When you start with a great compost to grow in, you’ll bring out the best
in your houseplants.

The perfect compost can sustain healthy plant growth by allowing water and
nutrients to reach the roots while still providing adequate airflow. Yes, roots
need air to breathe! This is why waterlogged plants struggle to grow – the
water drives out the air. Miracle-Gro® Peat Free Plant & Grow is a lightweight
mix that has great moisture absorption and retention characteristics.

For orchids, such as moth orchids (phalaenopsis), choose a specialist orchid How to repot your houseplants
compost (see p21) since they prefer a coarse bark mix. This is also ideal for
1. If possible slide your fingers around the main stem, turn the pot upside
bromeliads and other plants with aerial roots.
down and gently remove the plant, squeezing the pot to release it.
Eventually, your houseplants will become pot-bound and may show signs of For bigger plants, carefully hold the main stem(s) and gently slide it out
stunted growth or other problems, which means you’ll need to move them of its pot
to a new pot.
2. Carefully loosen the plant roots with your fingers, removing some of the
Only repot when the plant needs it, when the roots have more-or-less filled the old compost from around the base. This will also help it settle into its
pot and there is little compost remaining. new home

3. Add a layer of compost into the new pot and gently firm it down. If your
“Houseplants should only be repotted into a slightly
new pot doesn’t have a drainage hole, use a slightly smaller plastic pot
larger pot - too much excess compost can become with drainage holes and pop it inside
water logged and cause root rots.” 4. Place your plant in the new pot, making sure it’s centred,
and then add compost around the sides, gently firming
with your fingers as you fill, until it is secure

5. Give your plant a thorough watering to settle the

compost and welcome it into its new home

Topdressing
Even if your houseplants don’t need repotting, it’s a great idea to give the compost
an annual refresh. This will give your plants a new lease of life. Simply scrape away
the top few centimeters of the old compost and then replace this with fresh.

19 20
HOUSEPLANT COMPOSTS
Miracle-Gro® Peat Free Plant & Grow Miracle-Gro® Peat Free Premium
No more backache from lifting heavy bags of Cactus & Bonsai Compost
compost with Miracle-Gro® Peat Free Plant & Grow Specially formulated for the needs of cacti,
lightweight compost. Light in weight, but not in succulents, bonsai, alpines and African violets.
quality, this mighty compost will feed your plants It is perfect for use in pots, containers and
for up to six months and help retain up to 25% hanging baskets.
more moisture.

Miracle-Gro® Peat Free Premium Miracle-Gro® Peat Free Premium

Orchid Special Plants Compost Mediterranean & Citrus Compost
Catering for the special needs of orchids. Its unique Specially formulated for Mediterranean types of
formulation contains all the necessary nutrients plants, such as bougainvillea, palm trees, orange,
and large pieces of high-quality pine bark to lemon and lime trees. It is perfect for use in pots,
provide the perfect environment for your orchids containers and hanging baskets.
to thrive.

Miracle-Gro® Peat Free Premium

Houseplant Potting Mix
A unique three-part patented formulation. It caters
for the needs of houseplants and will feed them
for three months. This unique compost provides
the optimum structure for strong root growth and
controls water availability according to their needs.

21 22
WHY PLANTS NEED FEEDING
Liquid feeding
A liquid plant food is a great way to feed, as nutrients are immediately
Just like us, our houseplants need more than just available and readily absorbed.
water to survive. To grow, flower and stay healthy 1. Ensure the compost is moist as this will help plant roots absorb nutrients
they need feeding.
2. Add the liquid houseplant food to your watering can and apply in
Composts contain nutrients, but these won’t last forever, accordance with the product label
they need replenishing to provide the ongoing nutrients
3. To avoid the mixing, measuring and mess, ready to use products an be
a plant needs. This is important during the spring and
applied straight from the bottle (see p26 & 27)
summer months when our houseplants are actively growing and at their
hungriest. Most houseplants don’t require feeding during the autumn and 4. Drip feed products can be inserted directly into the compost to feed for
winter months when they’re having a rest. up to a month (see p27)

“A well fed, happy plant will grow bigger, Foliar feeding

Plant roots are responsible for taking up the majority of the nutrients plants
flower longer, have a root system
need, but did you know that the leaves can also absorb plant food? Misting the
and can cope better against pests foliage with a nutrient-rich spray enables efficient uptake straight into the leaf.
and diseases.” Miracle-Gro® Spray & Spritz is a ready-to-use foliar mist and fertiliser (see p29).

Granular feeding
For an even lower maintenance approach, and for the forgetful gardener,
slow-release granules provide a small amount of plant food every time you
water your plants. They can be scattered over the soil surface or incorporated
into the compost when you repot - again, be sure to follow the product label
instructions (see p28).

23 24
HOUSEPLANT FOOD
Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Miracle-Gro® Pour & Feed™
Concentrated Liquid Plant Food Ready To Use Plant Food
A formulation containing Humifirst, which is rich Ideal for all plants. Now with an added
in organic matter – stimulating growth, yield, root bio-stimulant, which works as a natural super food
formation and improving plant resistance to for your plants, ensuring they grow healthy and
environmental stresses. Guaranteed visibly beautiful. Easy to apply – no dilution, no hassle!
healthier plants in seven days.

Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics Miracle-Gro® Pump & Feed

All Purpose Concentrated Liquid All Purpose
Plant Food No mixing, no measuring, no mess. Just one simple
A high performance, 100% natural and organic liquid pump of Miracle-Gro® Pump & Feed All Purpose will
plant food that is glorious on plants but gentle on feed your plants for one week with glorious results.
nature. Made purely from plants, this mighty feed
will give you visibly healthier plants in seven days.

Miracle-Gro® Azalea, Camellia & Miracle-Gro® Organic Pump & Feed

Rhododendron Concentrated All Purpose
Liquid Plant Food No mixing, no measuring, no mess. Just one simple
A formulation containing Humifirst, which is rich in pump of Miracle-Gro® Organic Pump & Feed
organic matter – stimulating growth, yield, root All Purpose will feed your plants for one week with
formation and improving plant resistance to glorious results. 100% natural and organic liquid
environmental stresses. It is perfect for indoor plant food.
azaleas and other acid-loving plants. Feeds for
up to two weeks.

25 26
HOUSEPLANT FOOD
Miracle-Gro® Pump & Feed Orchid Miracle-Gro® Push & Feed
No mixing, no measuring, no mess. Just one simple All Purpose
pump of Miracle-Gro® Pump & Feed Orchid will No mixing, no measuring, no mess. Just one
feed your orchid plants for one week with glorious Miracle-Gro® Push & Feed All Purpose fertiliser
results. cone will give you glorious results that last for up
to six months!

Miracle-Gro® Drip & Feed All Purpose Miracle-Gro® Spray & Spritz
No mixing, no measuring, no mess. Just one No mixing, no measuring, no mess. Just a few weekly
Miracle-Gro® Drip & Feed All Purpose inserted mists of Miracle-Gro® Spray & Spritz Hydration Mist
into the compost will feed each plant for up to For Orchids around the roots and leaves of your
one month! orchids will lock in moisture for longer lasting flowers
and healthier, happier plants.

Miracle-Gro® Drip & Feed Orchid

No mixing, no measuring, no mess. Just one
Miracle-Gro® Drip & Feed Orchid will feed each
orchid plant for up to one month!

27 28
COMMON PEST & DISEASE PROBLEMS

Houseplants that are well cared for, given the correct position, watered and
fed regularly as needed, tend to be stronger and healthier than those that
aren’t looked after properly. This means they’re less likely to succumb to
pest attacks and other problems in the first place.

“Check for any problems before you buy any

new plants and bring them into the home,
you don’t want to import pest problems!”
Insect pests
Pest control
The following pests can be quite common and attack a wide range of plants.
Check your plants regularly and be on the lookout for any dreaded pest attacks.
Most suck the sap from the plant, leading to weaker plants and often show up
Pay particular attention to the undersides of leaves, growing points, flowers and
as irregular growth or discoloured leaves.
flower buds, which is where pests tend to gather.

Dealing with one or two pests, and squashing them with your fingers or in
some kitchen paper, is much easier and quicker than trying to control a
major outbreak.

If using an insecticide, spray them outside and wait until the leaves have dried
before bringing the plant back inside. Fungus Gnats Aphids Whitefly

Mealybug Scale Insects Red Spider Mite

29 30
COMMON PEST & DISEASE PROBLEMS

Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats, also known as compost gnats, are annoying
small flies that fly around your houseplants. They are
worse when composts are kept too wet, so try to let the compost dry out
between waterings.

You can add a barrier layer, such as sharp sand or fine grit, to the compost
surface to prevent the adult gnats laying their eggs. The larvae, who feed on
Mealybug
the compost and roots, rarely damage established plants.
Mealybugs look like little clumps of cotton wool.
They get their name from the “mealy”, white waxy material that covers them.
Aphids
Occasionally, aphids may appear on houseplants, usually when a plant that’s The mealy covering makes control with an insecticide difficult.

been outside or a new addition to your collection has brought them in on Start by gently removing them with a damp sponge or kitchen paper.
Then spray with an insecticide.
its leaves.

The best solution is to either squash the aphids or take the Scale insects
infected plant outside and spray the leaves with an
Scale insects look like small, brown limpets, usually attached to the
organic insecticide.
undersides of leaves or on the main stems. They usually attack plants
with woody stems; citrus, for example, are among their favourite foods.
Whitefly
Their hard outer scale makes control with an insecticide difficult.
These small, all-white flies, can attack plants in large numbers when they get
Start by gently scraping them off with a damp sponge or kitchen paper.
established. If disturbed, they fly off in a ‘cloud’ of white.
Then spray with an insecticide.
Take the affected plants outside and give the leaves a blast with a jet of water
to dislodge this pest. An insecticide spray will also help deal with them or try Red spider mite
putting some basil leaves on top of the compost to deter this pest naturally. Despite their name, these tiny mites aren’t red – more often they’re orange or
brown. Because they’re so small, they’re frequently overlooked and the first
signs you see are when the leaves discolour, and the plant is covered in the
mite’s fine cobwebbing.

Spider mites prefer hot, dry conditions and don’t like high
humidity, so mist plants daily. And you can also spray the
plant with an insecticide.

31 32
COMMON PEST & DISEASE PROBLEMS

Fungal diseases
Houseplants are rarely troubled by diseases like moulds, mildews and spots,
but sometimes these fungal problems can occur.

Poor air circulation around plants, high temperatures and excess humidity
provide ideal conditions for these diseases to spread. Generally, if you spread
your plants out a little so that they’re not too close together, improve ventilation,
reduce the room temperature (even by just a couple of degrees) and ensure
you’re not overwatering, these problems disappear.

Wiping leaves with a soft, dampened cloth to wipe off traces of moulds and
mildews is usually all that’s needed to remove traces of infection after you’ve
taken care of the above. But you could spray them with a fungicide.

Environmental disorders
Plants react quickly if the conditions in which they are growing aren’t to their
liking. They show their dislike of these “physiological disorders” by wilting,
producing brown edges to the leaves or other discolouration, and dropping
leaves and flowers. Things to look out for include:

• Lack of water may result in browning of leaf edges, wilting, loss of green
colouration and dry appearance of the plant and compost. Most will
respond quickly when watered, picking up within a day or so

• Overwatering could cause rotting of both roots and stems. The compost
may also develop a bad odour. The best option is to repot into fresh mix
– a compost that’s been too wet for an extended period will break down
rapidly, resulting in poor growth

33 34
PLANT PROTECTION
BugClear™ Ultra 2
Controls aphids, mealybug, red spider mite and
other common houseplant pests that attack the
leaves and stems. Based on rapeseed oil, it is fully
certified for use in organic gardening.

FungusClear® Ultra 2
Helps fight existing infections such as powdery
mildew, black spot and rust, as well as protecting
from new fungal disease attacks. Certified for use in
organic gardening, it can be used for up to six
treatments per year.

35 36
 Check for watering Clean/dust leaves
Do the ‘finger’ test (see p18) or lift up the Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth, or
pot and “weigh” it in your hands. If it’s sponge removes any build-up of dust and

ESSENTIAL
light is needs watering, if it’s heavy then can help remove pests.
check again in a few days.

HOUSEPLANT Check for signs of stress Trim and prune

CARE This could be due to incorrect light or

temperature conditions, pests or
Remove dead or damaged leaves, pick off
old, faded flowers (called deadheading)
and cut back any unwanted or
If you get into the hang of checking diseases, incorrect watering or lack
your plants regularly, you’ll learn of feed. weak growth.

how well they’re doing and what,

if anything, you need to do for them.
As a result, they’ll grow much better, Mist Check roots
and you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous, Those plants that prefer high humidity If the roots are growing out of the
happy, healthy houseplants that are a around the leaves should be misted with drainage hole, it’s a fairly good sign that
joy to have in your home. tepid water - ideally once a day. your plants need repotting.

on all
o rm ation s
ore in
f s, plu
For m product Rotate Talk to them!
featu
red isi :
t
f the g advice, v

.com
o nin
garde
great
a r d e n Plants growing close to a window may Can talking to your plants really help

eg
loveth
need rotating to ensure even growth them grow? Some say it’s an urban myth,
on all sides. but others swear by it. Whatever you
think, it’s a good way for us to get a little
horticultural therapy!

Use plant protection products safely.

Always read the label and product information before use.
KEEP
GROWING
Miracle-Gro® is a trademark of OMS Investments, Inc.
and is used under licence from OMS Investments, Inc.

37