Houseplants for beginners

There’s no doubt that houseplants are back in fashion. But where should beginners start? I went along to Folia Planting, Cheltenham’s newest plant shop to find out.

It’s easy to see why houseplants are being hailed as good for wellbeing. Stepping into Folia Planting is immediately calming. There’s just something about all that green foliage.

The lack of flowers does confuse some customers though, says owner Louise Gill. It’s just not what they expect from a plant shop. Unlike the many florists in Cheltenham who have a few houseplants alongside their cut flowers, this shop is devoted entirely to plants for indoors.

It’s a wonderful mix of the familiar – the spider plants, Swiss cheese plants and mother-in-law’s tongue that I remember from childhood – alongside more unusual, including a rather striking lime green variety of devil’s ivy.

Louise’s move into houseplants came about by chance. A former student at Cotswold Gardening School, she had been drawing up planting plans and sourcing plants for people in the area for some time. But when she came to buy indoor plants for her newly decorated kitchen, she found it difficult to find any.

“I realised I could buy them at trade so I got a few trays and put it on Instagram.”

Such was the success of the venture, she began selling online, delivering around Cheltenham, and had a series of pop-up shops and market stalls.

Her permanent shop opened in the Courtyard in Montpellier at the beginning of October and is designed to offer something for every location.

The stock ranges from large houseplants that would suit an office right down to small cacti that would fit on the smallest windowsill.

There are ideas on how to display them with different styles of pots, hanging baskets and numerous succulents on an old set of wooden steps.

Where to start with houseplants

Give a houseplant what it needs in terms of light and water and you’ll always be successful. However, some are easier than others. Here are Louise’s top five recommendations, if you’re starting out.

Sanseveria – also known as mother-in-law’s tongue and snake’s tongue. The most commonly seen is S. trifasciata, which can be green or variegated green and yellow. Folia Planting also stocks the more unusual S. cyclindrica with leaves that resemble green spears.

“Water them every three to four weeks but if you do forget, they will look exactly the same,” said Louise. “They are really adaptable and can take most light conditions.”

Epipremnum aureum – also known as Scindapsus aureus, devil’s ivy and Ceylon creeper. This has beautiful heart-shaped leaves with yellow markings.

“I love these because they can trail and climb. They are perfect for a slightly shady spot and need watering every two to three weeks.”

Philodendron scandens – also known as the sweetheart vine. There are different varieties including ‘Brazil’ with golden-yellow variegated leaves.

“It’s very forgiving and is good for low light.”

Monstera deliciosa – also known as the Swiss cheese plant. This is suitable for bigger spaces and likes medium light levels.

“It’s a bit thirstier than the others,” said Louise, “but it will let you know when you need to water as it starts looking very sad.”

Haworthia – also known as the Zebra cactus. This striking succulent is ideal for those with limited space as it grows slowly.

“It needs watering every three to four weeks and enjoys a brighter spot. It just looks beautiful.”

Top tips for houseplant care

And her advice for keeping your houseplants in top condition?

• Less is more: overwatering is a quick way to kill houseplants.

• Do not leave plants standing in water at the bottom of the pot.

• Find out what you’re buying. If you don’t know what it’s going to need, you can’t care for it.