Houseplants purify the air, reduce the level of certain harmful gases, reduce the amount of dust, create a relaxed atmosphere, reduce stress levels and bring a touch of colour and scent which enrich the aesthetics of any room.

 

However, in order to maintain them in perfect condition, it is important to pay attention to basic criteria such as air humidity, light, watering, cleaning, feeding and pest and disease control.

 

Plants need humid air but it tends to be very dry in houses (mainly in winter due to the heating), so we need to assess which kind of plants can go in a room if the dryness is excessive. In this case, it is advisable to opt for a cactus, a family with a wide variety of species. So as to improve the plants� environment it is essential to put them far away from heat sources, put them outside when the temperature and species permit it, and spray their leaves regularly, so long as this process doesn�t damage the plant, since some species do not react well to spraying. It is sensible to ask the florist about the care required by the chosen plant.

 

Light is fundamental for any plant. Without it the leaves will fall off, the flowers will not grow and it will end up dying. It is important to know the amount of light required by the chosen plant so as to put it in a well-lit area or somewhere with more shade, and in the former case to assess whether it will be exposed to sunlight (which can also be harmful), always taking into account the intensity of the sun depending on the time of day, location and season.

 

As with all plants, a houseplant�s need for water will depend on the individual conditions of each variety, the time of year and whereabouts in the cycle it is (when growing or in flower the need is greater).

 

Excessive watering is lethal for a plant and it has been shown that more plants die for this reason than due to a lack of water. The best thing to do is look at the appearance of the leaves; if they turn yellow, lose their shine or fall off, the plant is asking for water and it must be given lukewarm water.

 

If the leaves are discoloured or look pale the plant is lacking in nutrients and the correct amount and proportion must be provided. The fertilizers available on the market come with clear instructions concerning their correct use, but if in doubt it is always advisable to consult the experts in the shop or nursery, as nutrient requirements vary according to the species.

 

Lastly, attention must be paid to cleaning, disease and pests. The first is addressed by spraying correctly with lukewarm water and the rest with preventive treatments and products which combat them, depending on the type of parasite or destructive agent.

 

Choosing the most appropriate flowerpot for each species is also an important consideration, since the container, if suitable, will add value to its contents. Currently, design and a commitment to new materials set the standard in this area, as such there is no reason to resort to traditional models, despite the fact that these continue to be very popular.

 

Earthenware and terracotta are classic materials which remain in fashion; there is now more choice with new models which are more rounded or narrower at the top and containers which have been aged, which are at the height of fashion. Both materials work well with plants without flowers and with species which produce white flowers. 

 

Zinc and lead have created a considerable niche for themselves in the flowerpot world. The former, be it polished or painted, is made into square or rectangular pots, tall, shallow, wide and narrow for every kind of plant. Brightly coloured flowers go well with zinc (Crocus, Azalea, Amaryllis, Cyclamen...) as do green plants. Lead, in the form of a narrow, tall pot can provide the ideal support for all kinds of orchid; in a glass-shaped design it is perfect for growing single coloured plants such as nettles, spider plants and trailing ivy.

 

Black terrazzo is an original material, increasing in popularity, which requires colour, plants with bright flowers which grow outwards, such as the wax plant.

 

Flowerpots made of wood and glass are also modern options which come in square, rectangular and elongated designs to highlight the plant�s horizontal nature. In both cases, predominantly green plants look good. Wood works well for flowerpots which go on the ground, with tall plants, whilst glass works better with small flowerpots which are to be put on tables, shelves or other surfaces.