Your essential guide to plant care

We get it – looking after new plants can be tricky. But it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to walk you through everything you should know about plant care. No green thumb needed. First things first: figure out whether your plant is leafy, flowering or fruiting. (Not sure? Don't worry, we can help.)

Group of plants in a kitchen
Group of plants in a kitchen

Looking after leafy plants

Follow these tips if your plant is packed with lots of lush green foliage. Think tropical plants, like a monstera, spider plant or peace lily.

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Pink peace lily with watering jug
Light

Foliage plants need at least 4-6 hours of sun each day. Ideally, bright indirect sunlight (the kind that filters through open blinds or net curtains).

Water

Water your plant whenever the top layer of soil feels dry. Weekly during spring and summer and fortnightly in winter should do. (Most leafy plants prefer being too dry.)

Humidity

Low humidity and radiators will dehydrate your plant. So remember to give yours an occasional mist. Or pop it somewhere steamy (like the bathroom).

Feeding

Tropical houseplants do most of their growing from March to September. To boost your plant's growth, give it some fertiliser every two weeks or so.

Three things to look out for:

Three things to look out for:

A drawing of a leaf with darkened edges.
Yellow leaves

This could be overwatering, underwatering, wrong light, or hungry plants. Try tweaking your watering routine, finding a better sunny spot, or giving it a good feed.

A drawing of a leaf with darkened spots.
Brown spots

This is usually caused by dry air, thirsty plants, or fertilizer overload. Boost the humidity around your plant, water when the soil is dry, or ease up on the plant food.

A drawing of two plants next to each other. One is upright and the other is droopy.
Wilting or drooping leaves

Your plant might be overwatered, thirsty, or caught a draught. Check the soil, pop it in a warmer spot and if things look dire, a repotting spa day might be in order.

Looking after flowering plants

If your plant has lots of colourful blooms (or buds) like a rose plant or orchid, these tips are for you.

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pink and yellow rose plants
Light

Put your plant somewhere it’ll get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight (i.e. beside a sunny, south-facing window)

Water

Keep the soil moist (but not waterlogged). A light watering 1-2 times a week is perfect. Reduce this slightly during winter.

Humidity

To up the humidity around your plant, pop it on a pebble tray. Don’t mist its blooms as this could lead to mould or fungus.

Feeding

Give your plant some fertiliser every two weeks from March to September. Pick one specifically made for flowering plants.

Three things to look out for:

Three things to look out for:

A drawing of a leaf with darkened edges.
Yellow leaves

You may be giving your plant too much water. Try to keep the soil just slightly moist instead of damp. If that doesn’t help, try moving your plant to a sunnier spot and give it some fertiliser every now and then.

A drawing of a flower in bud.
Little flower growth

This usually means your plant isn’t getting enough sun. Most flowering plants like at least six hours of bright light each day to grow healthily. Try moving it to a sunnier spot and see if that helps boost growth.

A drawing of a leaf with spots on its edges.
Bugs or diseases

Just like us, bugs love flowers. So keep an eye on them. Watch out for diseases like powdery mildew and fungus too. They’re caused by excess moisture. Water your plant’s soil (not the leaves) and up the humidity with a pebble tray.

Looking after fruiting plants

Spotted some mini fruits or veggies hanging from your plant? Keep reading.

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Tomato plant with ripe tomatoes on the vine
Light

Fruiting plants are sun-seekers. They’ll need 8+ hours of direct sunlight to produce fruit. So put yours by your brightest window.

Water

Give your plant a big drink when the top layer of soil feels dry. Roughly once a week during summer and fortnightly in winter.

Humidity

All fruiting plants have different humidity needs. Play things safe by using a pebble tray to up the moisture around your plant.

Feeding

Fertilise your plant every four to six weeks during spring and summer, using one that’s rich in phosphorus and potassium.

Three things to look out for:

Three things to look out for:

A drawing of a plant in a pot.
Little growth

Your plant might be craving some sunshine. Most fruiting plants need at least six hours of full sun daily to thrive. Eight or more hours is even better! Consider moving your plant to a sunnier spot if you can.

A drawing of a leaf with darkened edges.
Discoloured leaves

Noticed yellow, blotchy, or curling leaves? Your plant might need a nutrient boost. Try feeding it more often. If you're already on a good fertiliser schedule, check for bugs or fungus. These sneaky pests can cause similar issues.

A drawing of a pineapple plant with a drooping head.
Sad-looking fruit

This could be a nutrient issue. Use a balanced fertiliser, especially for fruiting plants. If your fruit is small or dropping early, adjust your watering. Aim for once a week during spring and summer to keep your plant happy and hydrated.

How to repot your plant

Your plant will typically outgrow its pot every 12-18 months. When you notice its roots poking through the drainage holes, that means it’s time. Repotting your plant is super easy. But it does get messy. So head outside first.

How to repot your plant

Your plant will typically outgrow its pot every 12-18 months. When you notice its roots poking through the drainage holes, that means it’s time. Repotting your plant is super easy. But it does get messy. So head outside first.

Give your plant a good watering

Water your plant a few days before repotting. This helps keep it hydrated and keeps the roots together. A well-watered plant is easier to handle and less likely to suffer from transplant shock.

Fill a new pot with fresh soil

Choose a pot 1-2 inches bigger than the current one, with drainage holes. Plants prefer cosy spaces, so don't go too big. Fill the new pot about a third of the way with fresh, nutrient-rich soil to give your plant a good start.

Loosen your plant’s roots

Gently remove the plant from its old pot. Carefully detangle the roots with your hands, removing old soil as you go. This helps stimulate new growth and allows the roots to spread in their new home.

Pop it in its new home

Create a small well in the centre of the new soil. Place your plant in this well, making sure it's at the same depth as before. Fill in around the plant with more soil, patting gently to ensure it's secure but not compacted.

Got one of our pop-up plants?

Putting it together is easy – just grab all your bits and follow along.

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Construction pot
Step one

Grab the long thin panel with two tabs poking out of each long side – this is your base. Then, attach it to your side panels (the two long, thin pieces with slots on each end) by pushing the tabs into the slots.

Step two

Now, pick up your two short panels and slide them in place on either end, using the grooves.

Step three

Keep your plants in their plastic bags and pop them in the planter. Fill in any gaps with soil and moss.

Step four

Put your planter in a sunny spot. And when it’s time to give your plants a drink, remove them from the planter first.

Looking for specific plant care tips?