How Not To Kill Your Houseplants: An Expert Guide For Green-Fingered Enthusiasts

Central heating causes problems for many houseplants because the atmosphere can be too hot and dry, says Slater. Avoid this by standing plants on a saucer filled with pebbles and water, which will provide a nice, humid environment for them. The Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis) or African Violet (Saint Paulia) live well in a warm atmosphere out of direct sunlight – and do best watered sparingly.

Be warned that most plants don’t like sitting right next to radiators, Guy Barter, from the Royal Horticultural Society, says. “Leaving houseplants above a radiator and excessive shade will lead to lack of flowers and die-back,” he says. “It’s also a good idea not to leave them behind the curtains on a chilly night.”

If you want to position a plant in the bathroom, go for a fern, says Slater, as they love the damp atmosphere and low light levels caused by frosted glass.

[Read More: Why millennials love house plants]

3. Keep Plants Nourished, But Don’t Overwater Them.

“The number one cause of houseplant death is overwatering,“ Slater warns. 

Research your plant first to find out how much water it needs and how often, but as a rule of thumb, a plant with a lot of lush foliage will take a lot more water than, say, a cacti – especially while it’s growing.

“An easy way to measure if your plant needs watering is to stick your finger in the compost up to the second knuckle – if it feels dry, water, if it feels damp don’t water,” Slater says.