A-Z of (New?) House Plant Care
With
Howard Drury DHE(Hons)
House Plant Care Generally
Watering and Feeding,
Pests, Diseases
and Other Problems
Leaf damage on houseplants
Leaves turn brown and then drop -underwatering
Brown tips or margins to the leaves - overwatering normal or overwatering, lack of feed, root problems
Leaves turn uniformly yellow, or irregularly yellow - nutrition
Leaves remain green but fall - cold, especially winter
Spots on leaves - fungal, bacterial, aerosol damage
Loss of variegation - poor light levels
Reversion - poor growing conditions, lack of light
Oedema- erratic or irregular watering, excessive watering
Nutrient deficiencies – affects leaf tips and margins normally
Leaf deformation – insect damage, temperature variation
Secretions – incorrect growing conditions, temperature variations
Howard’s 12 Air Purifying Plants
Adiantum or Maidenhair fern
Aglaonema or Chinese evergreen
Aloe vera
Chamaedorea or Areca palm
Chlorophytum or Spider plant
Hedera or Ivy
Monstera or Swiss Cheese plant
Nephrolepis or Boston Fern
Pathos or Devils ivy
Sanseveria or Snake plant
Spathyphyllum or Peace lily
Syngonium or Arrowhead
Alocasias
Alocasia are known as African Mask Plants or Elephants Ears, and are perennials with large heart shaped leaves with pointed tips
They prefer bright indirect sunlight, if the leaves droop, they may need more light
Alocasias prefer evenly moist soil but do not like to sit in water. To avoid root rot allow the surface of the compost to dry out before watering again
Amaryllis
Rehydrate roots in warm water, trim off any that are dead
Pot, leaving half bulb exposed using John Innes plus grit
Give big temperature increase
Nip off dead flower heads only, not stem
Feed after flowering until October
Gradually decrease watering until dry in pot
Store below 10c (50F) for minimum of 8 weeks
Repot every 2-4 years before starting into growth
Anthurium
Best positioned in bright light but out of midday sun
Prefers to be warm but keep away from direct heat such as radiators
Water only when the soil is dry to touch, do not keep continually moist
Mist regularly to increase humidity
Feed with Streptocarpus fertiliser
Azalea indica Sims
RHS class it as a tender evergreen
Ideal for cooler humid positions in partial shade (north facing)
Plunge root ball and pot in water until bubbles stop. Use Rhododendron feed
Water again as tide mark disappears
Can stand outdoors in shady position in summer
Repot using ericaceous compost
Buy in bud, moist root ball, no fallen leaves
Bonsai
Best positioned in a draught free light situation, away from direct midday sun and heat sources (radiators)
NEVER allow compost to dry out completely
Water well in summer, less in winter using rainwater, if possible, immerse pot in water for 10-15 minutes then allow to drain
Feed from late spring until early autumn with Bonsai fertiliser
Prune regularly to maintain shape
Repot as necessary in March April using Bonsai compost
Begonias
Corm or Foliage or short-term bunch of flowers
Can be grown from seed (semperflorens)
Foliage types grown from leaf cuttings
Start tubers into growth in a seed tray
Then pot individually, (can cut tubers up)
Good rich compost, lightweight for foliage types
Grow in shade away from direct sun
Only tuberous forms store once foliage has died down
Keep frost free over winter
Cacti
Summer or winter dormant species
Some must be kept bone dry in winter
Others dry in summer months especially when hot
The three Ds, Drench, Drain Dry
50% John Innes 50% coarse grit
If in any doubt do not water
Do not water after potting up or potting on
Calathea (Goeppertia?)
Bright to shady positions, but avoid direct midday sun
Needs a minimum of 20c in summer and 15c in winter
Enjoys high humidity, stand pots on saucers containing Hydroleca
Perfect for the bathroom or kitchen
Enjoys being repotted annually in spring
Likes a little fertiliser, frequently in spring and summer
Many are native to Brazil and Central America
Citrus
Watering in summer regularly ideally rainwater, water daily if needed
In winter allow surface of compost to dry between waterings do NOT over water
Increase humidity how and why?
Use summer and winter feeds as seasons determine
Re-potting occasionally in spring Peat free citrus or John Innes plus 20% grit
Prune in spring to keep open habit, shorten spurs in summer
Hand pollinate, thin fruitlets
Over winter frost free, outdoors in summer is ideal
Clivias
Filtered or indirect light, avoid direct sunlight as foliage scorches
Warm in summer and cooler (Min 5c) in winter to initiate flowers for spring
South African woodland plant growing in low light levels
Keep moist in spring summer, drier in winter
Feed weekly in spring with general liquid house plant feed
Cymbidiums
Cool growing forest floor subjects 45f
Can be grown in conventional terracotta or plastic pot
Shady lovers especially in height of summer
Repot after flowering then warm up, feed and place outdoors
Bring in after cooler autumn conditions
Best in a cool room away from direct sunlight and dry heat
Use orchid liquid fertiliser from late spring until autumn
Use Hydroleca to increase humidity
Cyclamen
Indoor or out? Not well suited to hot rooms
Cool conditions good light
Best watered from the bottom to avoid rots in the crown
Careful removal of complete old, flowered stems
Traditionally allowed a dormant rest in early summer with older cultivars
Feed with a flowering house plant fertiliser
Dracaenas
Position in bright to moderate direct sunlight
Water when soil is dry at 50mm (2”) below soil surface
Provide adequate drainage
Feed with general house plant fertiliser fortnightly in spring and summer, monthly in winter
Use soft damp cloth to remove dust from leaves, do not use leaf shines
Ficus
Bright indirect sunlight to prevent leaf scorch
Consistently warm conditions 18-29c
Allow to dry slightly between waterings
Dust leaves with damp cloth
Boost humidity by misting and/or Hydroleca
Prune in late winter or early spring
Repotted every 2-3 years
Newer cultivars more resilient to leaf fall
Fuchsia
Perennial or short-lived subject
All down to over-wintering
September high potash feed, prune slightly
Gradually reduce frequency and amount of water, do not let totally dry out
Keep frost free, misting occasionally
Start into growth in spring, do not let flower too early
Gardenia jasminoides
Light: Provide bright, indirect light. In winter, move to a south-facing window for maximum, non-scorching sunlight.
Temperature: Maintain consistent, warm temperatures 15-24c (60-75f) away from cold draughts and radiators
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, using tepid, soft water or rainwater
Humidity: High humidity is essential. Place pots on a tray filled with pebbles and water, or use a humidifier to keep it above 50%
Compost use acidic (ericaceous) potting compost.
Feed every 2–4 weeks during the growing season (March–October) with an acid-loving plant fertilizer
Maintenance: Prune in spring to shape. Watch for pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs, which are common indoors.
Kalanchoe
Diverse genera of foliage and flowering plants, mainly perennial but some annuals
Mainly succulents few are house plants
Kalanchoes are summer dormant winter growers
Pelargonium Tips
Geranium or Pelargonium?
P. zonale easier to grow and flower all season
P. regale better cultivars now flower longer
Miniature, Dwarfs large plants
Leaf shapes and colours
Propagation by seed or cuttings
Need to be cool and drier in winter for dormant rest
Peperomias
Position in medium to good light but away from direct sunlight
Water sparingly and allow the compost to dry between waterings
Fertiliser every two weeks in spring and summer with a balanced house plant fertiliser
Phalaenopsis or moth orchid
Position Kitchen or bathroom (humidity)
Temperature average centrally heated room
Light requires a well-lit position
Watering let it run through every 10-21 days
Feeding proper orchid fertiliser
Special care use clear pots for forest tree types
Sanseveria
Tolerates light shade or sun – not fussy
Average temperature minimum of 10C in winter
Water sparingly spring to autumn and in winter only water every 3-6 weeks
Always allow compost to dry before re-watering
Avoid wetting the centre of plants
Likes to be pot bound, only repot when roots have filled the pot, using cactus compost
Feed with Cacti/Succulent fertiliser
Schefflera
Position in medium to good light but away from midday sun
Keep compost moist in spring and summer, water less in winter. Allow the compost to half dry out
Feed during spring and summer with house plant fertiliser
Caution foliage may cause a skin irritation
Schlumbergera truncata
Place in good light to semi-shade
During flowering and active growth keep moist using rainwater
Mist frequently or stand on trays of Hydroleca
Feed every two weeks in summer and early autumn with high potash fertiliser
Can place outside in early summer in sheltered position
Repot annually using a free draining compost
Keep dryish and cool in resting period 10-12c after flowering and until October when buds form
Avoid excess hours of light as they form buds on shorter days
Once buds have formed do not turn plant or else buds may drop off
Sinningia (Gloxinia)
Place in full light but avoiding direct midday sun
Warm position, 15-21C in summer
Keep compost moist, allowing surface to dry before watering
Water by standing in tepid water, tipping out excessive water after 5 minutes
Provide humidity by standing pot on moist Hydroleca
Feed whilst in flower with tomato or streptocarpus fertiliser
Spathiphyllum
Position in light to moderate shade
Keep compost moist at all times
Needs good drainage
Mist frequently to increase humidity
Feed monthly during spring and summer with general house plant fertiliser
Streptocarpus
Two forms. Leaf and stem
Bright light without direct sunshine
Allow plants to dry between watering
Use half pots to mimic wild situation
Water sparingly especially in winter
High potash feed Dibleys Streptocarpus feed
Minimum winter temperature of 10c (50F)
Streptocarpus (African Violet)
Streptocarpus, was called Saintpaulia
Position some sun but heavy shading
Temperature 55-70f (14-19c)
Light good not too bright
Watering just moist in winter wetter in summer
Feeding every 14 –21 days with general fertiliser
Special care 6-week cycle
Succulents
Important to recognise which are summer growers and those that are winter growers
Summer growers can be left completely dry from late September until mid March
Use the three Ds, Drench, Drain, Dry
Composts typically 50% John Innes 1 and 50% grit
Use a cactus or succulent fertiliser only when growing
Urn Plants (Bromeliads)
Aechmea, Neoregelia, Guzmania, Billbergia,
Tillandsia, Ochagavia, Vriesea, Quesnelia
Put in a place with bright, indirect light
Keep plant above 10c especially in winter
Plant in moist, well-drained potting mix
Keep the soil consistently moist and water the centre cup until flowers seen
After flowering keep plant until new rosettes form and are big enough to pot
Feed monthly during the growing season
House Plants Generally
Aspect
Light
House Plant Care
Light and Position
Temperatures
Pests
Diseases and Similar Problems
Repotting
The Knowledgeable Gardener or not
21st Century Living
Sources of Plants
Traditional Garden Centres
Online shopping or TV Channels
House Plant Shops
Market Stalls, Shop fronts, Petrol Stations
House Plant Care
Further Reading
Coming shortly
(C) Howard Drury 2026
A Howard Drury Presentation 2026
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