Plant care guide
House plants, honestly explained
Eight plants we almost always have in the shop – with everything you really need to know. Tap a plant to open its care notes.
Light: 1 = copes with little, 3 = wants lots of sun
Water: 1 = water rarely, 3 = keep slightly moist
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Monstera (Swiss cheese plant) Monstera deliciosa
- Where
- Bright but no harsh midday sun. 18–25 °C.
- Watering
- Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry. Less in winter.
Our tips
- Don't cut off the aerial roots – just guide them into the soil.
- Wipe the big leaves with a damp cloth now and then so they get more light.
- New leaves without holes? Usually too dark.
Toxic or irritating to pets – keep out of reach.
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Snake plant (Sansevieria) Dracaena trifasciata
- Where
- Almost anywhere: from a shady hallway to a south window.
- Watering
- Very sparingly. Every 2–3 weeks in summer, every 4–6 weeks in winter.
Our tips
- Waterlogging is its only real enemy – better too dry than too wet.
- Never pour water into the centre of the rosette.
- Does well in cactus soil.
Toxic or irritating to pets – keep out of reach.
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Pothos (Devil's ivy) Epipremnum aureum
- Where
- Partial shade to bright. Great as a trailing plant on a shelf.
- Watering
- Water when the top of the soil has dried. Droopy leaves = thirsty.
Our tips
- Simply trim long vines – the cuttings root in a glass of water.
- The brighter the spot, the stronger the yellow pattern.
- Forgives almost every care mistake.
Toxic or irritating to pets – keep out of reach.
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Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) Phalaenopsis
- Where
- Bright, no direct sun – an east or west window is ideal.
- Watering
- About once a week, dip for 10 minutes, then let it drain well.
Our tips
- Never leave water standing in the outer pot.
- After flowering, cut the stem above the second node – it often reflowers there.
- Silvery roots = thirsty, green roots = all good.
Considered safe for cats and dogs.
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Fiddle-leaf fig Ficus lyrata
- Where
- Very bright, morning sun is welcome. Please don't keep moving it.
- Watering
- Evenly, whenever the top layer of soil is dry. No cold water.
Our tips
- It answers moving and draughts by dropping leaves.
- Give it a quarter turn once a month so it grows straight.
- The milky sap can irritate skin.
Toxic or irritating to pets – keep out of reach.
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ZZ plant (Zamioculcas) Zamioculcas zamiifolia
- Where
- Copes with little light – ideal for the office.
- Watering
- Rarely. It stores water in its tubers – every 3–4 weeks is enough.
Our tips
- Yellow leaves almost always mean too much water.
- Grows slowly, but lives forever.
- Wear gloves when repotting, the sap irritates.
Toxic or irritating to pets – keep out of reach.
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Prayer plant (Calathea) Goeppertia (Calathea)
- Where
- Partial shade to bright, no direct sun. Loves a bathroom with a window.
- Watering
- Keep the soil evenly slightly moist; use soft or stale water.
Our tips
- Brown leaf tips = air too dry. Mist more often or put a bowl of water nearby.
- Folds its leaves up in the evening – that's normal.
- No radiator air blowing from below.
Considered safe for cats and dogs.
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Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima
- Where
- Bright and warm (18–22 °C), no draughts. Below 10 °C it gets critical.
- Watering
- Moderately. Never let the root ball dry out, but no waterlogging either.
Our tips
- Have it wrapped well when buying – even a short cold walk home harms it.
- Dropping leaves = usually cold or too wet.
- The milky sap is mildly toxic.
Toxic or irritating to pets – keep out of reach.
Plant clinic
Is your plant struggling? Bring it in on Saturdays between 9 am and noon (or send a photo on WhatsApp). We'll take a look for free.
Send a photoRepotting service
Bring your plant and the pot you like, and we'll repot it with the right soil – while you have a coffee.
from €5 plus soil
The pet notes are general. For specific questions please ask your vet.