Caring for houseplants

In short: Houseplants need the right location, moderate watering and occasional feeding. Most die not from too little but from too much water.

In more detail: Each species has requirements for light, temperature and humidity. A look at the label pays off.

In detail

• Light: Bright window spots for cacti and succulents, partial shade for ferns and many foliage plants.
• Watering: Water only when the top layer of soil is dry. Remove excess water from the outer pot.
• Feeding: In the growing season (spring to summer) every two to four weeks, hardly at all in winter.
• Repotting: Every one to two years into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil.
• Pests: Spot aphids, spider mites and fungus gnats early. Yellow sticky boards and showering help.
• Pets: Some plants are toxic to cats and dogs, such as dieffenbachia and lilies (giftige-lebensmittel-für-hund-und-katze).