Most houseplants like bright, indirect light
Direct sun will scorch the leaves of many indoor plants as they predominantly originate in the rainforest where they grow under the canopy of larger growing trees. Therefore it is good to assess the intensity of the light and position them depending on the aspect of a window, i.e. south-facing light is the most intense while north-facing is the least.
Remember Light intensity changes with the seasons so you can move a plant closer to the window in winter than in summer.
Misting makes tropical plants happy
Most houseplants are tropical so are used to humid conditions - hot but moist - so in dry central-heated properties or where there is little ventilation, misting can be a good way to keep leaves fresh and green.
It is important to wet the air around the plant rather than spray the leaves directly.
Steady temperature
Temperature fluctuations can shock a houseplant as they are used to fewer seasonal and climatic changes. Keep a minimum temperature of 12 degrees at all times, and try to ventilate, mist or cool down a house if temperatures exceed 25 degrees.
A top tip during winter is not to turn the heating off when you go away as this can lead to a sharp decrease in temperature.
Avoid radiators & draughts
Cold and hot air can distress a houseplant which is used to a steady climate. Constant exposure to cold draughts, air conditioning vents and radiators can not only turn a plants leaves ugly but it can also distress and even send a plant into shock.
Check before you water
It is good to have a routine to check your houseplants and see if they need water but to judge the amount and frequency on the moisture level of the soil itself. As how much water a houseplant will need water will change throughout the year. In the summer plants will need watering more regularly than winter as they are growing and using up the precious resource.
We always suggest putting your fingers 5cm below the surface and seeing if it is dry or still moist.
A top tip is not to be fooled by the top surface level as soil dries out on top quickly as it is exposed to the air so it can often look dry but be moist below.