Library of plants
If you’re new to the plant world, all the information you have to keep your plants happy can be a little overwhelming at first. Aside from remembering to water them on time, there are plenty of practical tips that apply to all plants.
1. Mode of watering
The main rule: always check the soil before watering the plant. All plants have slightly different watering requirements depending on their origin (tropical, Mediterranean, etc.) and seasonal changes. In general, plants growing in well-drained soil and in a suitable pot should be watered when the top (2 cm) of soil feels dry. If your soil looks dark in color, feels wet, and sticks to your finger, your plant has enough water to do its job for now. The frequency of watering and the amount of water required differs from case to case, resulting from several conditions: the amount of light (2), the temperature of the room (3), the type of pot (4) and the humidity of the air (5).
2. Types of light
There are three primary types of light that affect plant growth: direct light, indirect light, and partial shade.
1. Direct light: This light is found in areas closest to the window, where plants receive full sunlight. South and west-facing windows provide the most direct light, delivering intense and unfiltered rays.
2. Indirect light: Most indoor plants thrive in indirect light, which is softer and less intense than direct light. East-facing windows offer the best indirect light. You can also create indirect light by using a sheer curtain to diffuse the sunlight before it reaches the plants.
3. Partial shade: This light is less intense than both direct and indirect light. It is typically found in the far corners of a room or in rooms with northern windows. While partial shade is dimmer, it’s important to remember that all plants need some level of light to grow.
*Any Brightness: This term refers to plants that are adaptable and can thrive under any of the light conditions described above.
3. Temperature
To keep your plants healthy, it’s essential to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. Sudden fluctuations can stress plants. Aim to keep the temperature between 18°C and 29°C (65°F and 85°F). Avoid placing plants near radiators, air conditioning units, or ventilation ducts, as these can create disruptive hot or cold drafts.
4. Types of pots
Several types of pots are effective for different needs:
Clay Pots: Highly recommended for most plants, clay pots are porous and absorb excess water, allowing for better aeration and drainage. Their organic nature also helps prevent overwatering.
Plastic Pots: A practical alternative for medium to large plants, plastic pots retain moisture longer than clay pots, reducing the frequency of watering. They are lightweight and versatile.
Concrete Pots: Ideal for large plants or outdoor spaces, concrete pots retain moisture well, which is beneficial for plants with rapid water absorption. However, due to their water-retentive nature, it’s important to monitor soil moisture levels closely to avoid overwatering and root rot.
Choose the pot that best fits your plant’s needs to ensure optimal growth and health.
5. The Natural Environment
To help your plants thrive indoors, it’s essential to mimic their natural habitat. Tropical plants typically flourish in warm temperatures, high humidity, and indirect light. During the dry winter months, grouping these plants can help create a more humid microclimate. Using a humidifier can also be beneficial for maintaining the right level of moisture.
Conversely, arid-loving plants like cacti and succulents thrive in dry air and bright, direct light. They are less sensitive to humidity and prefer a drier environment. Adjusting their surroundings to these conditions will ensure they remain healthy and vibrant.
6. Individual approach
While the general care tips provided are a good starting point, it’s important to adjust them based on your home’s specific conditions.
In warmer homes with low humidity, you may need to water your plants more frequently—just be sure to check the soil regularly. Conversely, in cooler environments with higher humidity, soil retains moisture longer, so you should water your plants only when the top layer of soil is completely dry.
If you’ve previously encountered issues with root rot, it’s advisable to water less frequently than usual. Plants generally recover more quickly from under-watering than from root rot. For serious cases, bringing the plant to the Orangery for rehabilitation is recommended.
7. Adaptation
Once your plant arrives at its new home or from the Orangery, it will need a few weeks to acclimate to its new environment. During this initial period, give your plant a bit of extra care. It will signal when it needs watering, if the temperature is too high or too low, and whether it’s receiving adequate sunlight.
Origin/Provenance: Southeast Australia.
Water/ Watering method: 1-2 times a week, during the growing season (April-September). In the cold season (October – March), once every 10-12 days.
Light: direct light (direct sun at least 4 hours a day.) (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: rapid loss of leaves – insufficient water.
Tips: Acacia grows best in well-drained, humus-rich soils with added compost and sand in clay soils.
Origin/Provenance: Tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and New Guinea.
Water/ Watering Method: water the plant well and allow the soil to dry before watering again. You can maintain this routine from April to September, reducing the frequency of watering during the winter.
Light: indirect light. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: if you notice curled and dry leaf tips, it may indicate low humidity levels. To remedy this, consider increasing the room’s humidity where the Aglaonema is located.
Tips: this plant thrives in a warm, humid, and brightly lit environment. Avoid placing it in cold drafts or exposing it to temperatures below 18°C.
Origin/Provenance: Malaysian rainforests.
Water/ Watering method: water the plant when the top 3 cm of the soil has completely dried or when the stems of the plant fall sideways. You can maintain this routine from April to September, reducing the frequency of watering during the winter.
Light: indirect. It definitely does not tolerate direct burning rays (prone to burns). (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: yellow leaves at the edges – excess water and rot. Increased attention to mites, inspect the leaves regularly.
Tips: pay close attention to your Alocasia. It will signal its need for water by drooping its stems. After watering, the stems will perk up again. The plant prefers being slightly dry to being overwatered.
Origin/Provenance: It is native to Norfolk Island in the Pacific Ocean.
Water/ Watering method: it is recommended to water the Araucaria Fir moderately, avoiding both excessive watering and lack of water. Its soil should be properly watered and partially dry out between waterings.
Light: indirect or partial shade. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: Yellowing leaves, drooping, or curled tips can signal overwatering or excessive light exposure. Conversely, drying or darkening of the leaves may indicate insufficient moisture.
Tips: ensure the plant is situated in a well-drained environment and provide it with moderate humidity to keep it healthy. In winter, reduce watering to prevent water stagnation. Regularly clean the leaves to remove dust and maintain a consistent temperature around the plant.
Origin/Provenance: Mexico, South America, Central America.
Water/ Watering method: Soak the plant in room temperature water for 10-20 minutes every 7-10 days. Maintain this routine from April to September, and reduce the frequency of watering during the winter months.
Light: indirect. There remains a risk of sunburn from direct sunlight. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: If the leaves start to die, it may indicate that the plant is suffering from cold temperatures or exposure to chilly drafts.
Tips: After soaking, place the plant in a well-ventilated area for a few hours to allow it to air out before returning it to its usual spot.
Origin/Provenance: Tropical America.
Water/ Watering mode: water the plant when 75% of the soil is dry. Water until the water drains through the drainage holes. You can maintain this routine from April to September, reducing the frequency of watering during the winter.
Light: direct (partial), indirect (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: The stem is soft to the touch – excess water and rot, avoid water retention inside the leaves.
Tips: Pineapple loves a moist environment, spray the plant regularly. Although edible and non-toxic to children and animals, this variety does not have the same taste qualities as commercial pineapple.
Origin/Provenance: South America, Central America.
Water/ Watering mode: allows the soil to dry completely before the next watering. You can maintain this routine from April to September, reducing the frequency of watering during the winter.
Light: indirect light. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: Yellow leaves can appear as a result of exposure to direct sunlight, excess water and rot.
Tips: For optimal growth, aim for temperatures between 27-32°C during the summer. In winter, a range of up to 18-20°C will also be beneficial for your plant.
Origin/Provenance: West Africa, Central Africa.
Water/ Watering method: it is recommended to change the water every 1-2 weeks. Allow the chlorine in the water to evaporate for at least 24 hours.
Light: indirect, partial shade. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: yellowing leaves, which may indicate too much direct sunlight or a need to adjust your watering routine.
Tips: keep the water at room temperature. Water that is too cold or warm can shock the plant and cause it to die.
Origin/Provenance: China
Water/ Mode of watering: keep the soil consistently moist by checking it frequently, as it tends to absorb water quickly.
Light: indirect, partly direct. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: yellowing or dropping leaves, which may indicate a water shortage.
Tips: Bamboo can withstand temperatures of up to -23 degrees. In the warm and sunny period of the year, the foliage acquires a golden-yellow hue, for this reason it is also called Bambus Aurea.
Origin/Provenance: India, Indonesia, Central America, South America.
Water/ Watering mode: keep the soil moist but not boggy. Be careful not to get water on the leaves, water by placing the pot in a pallet of water. You can maintain this routine from April to September, reducing the frequency of watering during the winter.
Light: indirect, partial shade. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: Begonias are prone to pests such as aphids and mites. Check the leaves and stems on both sides regularly.
Tips: in winter it is recommended to keep the plant in vegetative rest. Therefore, the temperatures to which it can be exposed reach a maximum of 15°C.
Origin/Provenance: Asia (cultural provenance).
Water/ Watering mode: ensure the soil remains consistently moist rather than dry. Water by placing the pot’s drainage holes in a tray of water. Maintain this routine from April to September, and reduce watering frequency during the winter months.
Light: plenty of indirect light. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: rapid loss of leaves – lack of light and insufficient humidity in the air.
Tips: Regular fertilization is essential for bonsai to thrive and develop into healthy, robust plants.
Origin/Provenance: North America.
Water/ Watering mode: keep the soil constantly moist.
Light: direct light, indirect light. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: falling needles – insufficient soil moisture, lack of water. Increase the frequency of watering.
Tips: Keep the Picea away from hot air currents from radiators and air conditioners; it thrives in cooler environments. In early spring, consider transplanting the Picea into open ground, such as a yard or garden, to fully appreciate its beauty.
Origin/Provenance: Middle East.
Water/ Watering mode: keep the soil always moist. Wet only the substrate. Avoid getting water on the bulb.
Light: indirect light. When it starts to turn color, choose a spot full of sun for the entire flowering period. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: bulb rot – water seeping into the bulb.
Tips: Hyacinths are seasonal plants. Once their growing period is over, you can plant the hyacinth bulb in the garden. This will allow you to enjoy a new display of flowers come spring.
Origin/Provenance: South America.
Water/ Watering method: water moderately once every 2-3 weeks. You can maintain this routine from April to September, reducing the frequency of watering during the winter.
Light: direct light. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: If you notice rotting at the base of your cactus, it’s likely due to overwatering. Desert natives are sensitive to excess moisture. Reduce watering frequency and allow the affected area to dry and heal. Resume watering only after the rotting has fully resolved.
Tips: Flowering cactus species require a period of winter dormancy to bloom. Place the cacti in a cool environment (6-8°C) until April to encourage flowering.
Origin/Provenance: South America, India.
Water/ Watering mode: keep the soil slightly moist, but not boggy. Cease watering entirely when the plant sheds its leaves and enters dormancy. Begin watering again in the spring, once new leaves start to appear.
Light: indirect light, partial shade. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: brown spots on the leaves – signs of burns. Move the plant out of direct sunlight.
Tips: after the leaves have completely dried, the bulbs are removed from the pot, disinfected with solutions against insects and fungi and stored in a dark, dry and cool place (12-14 degrees Celsius)
Origin/Provenance: Tropics of America.
Water/ Watering mode: water when 2cm from the surface is completely dry. Water only with filtered/distilled water. Reduce the frequency of watering from October to April.
Light: indirect light. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: dry leaf edges, curled leaves – insufficient moisture in the air. Spray Calathea once every 7 days.
Tips: Keep calathea away from radiators and A/C. Dry and warm currents of air damage the foliage of the plant.
Origin/Provenance: Peru, Ecuador.
Water/ Watering method: in the hot season, watering 2 times a week is recommended. During the winter, water so that the substrate is more moist than dry. Always keep the water at room temperature. You can maintain this routine from April to September, reducing the frequency of watering during the winter.
Light: direct, indirect light. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: susceptibility to pests: aphids.
Tips: “Christmas Cherry” fruits are NOT EDIBLE and are toxic if ingested.
Origin/Provenance: Eastern Mediterranean, Caucasus.
Water/ Watering method: During the hot season, it’s recommended to water twice a week. In winter, water less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out more than stay moist. Always use water at room temperature.
Light: indirect light. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: yellow-gray or brown spots appear on the leaves – pests: mites and thrips.
Tips: fertilize only during the summer, and do so twice a month.
Origin/Provenance: South Asia, Pacific Islands.
Water/ Watering mode: water when 2cm from the surface are completely dry. Reduce the frequency of watering from October to April.
Light: direct light (moderate), indirect light. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: brown, dry heads – insufficient water. Yellow spots – excess water and rot.
Tips: make sure Cordyline has a pot and well-drained soil.
Origin/Provenance: Southeast Asia.
Water/Watering Method: Water in the morning or evening during the warm months, every 2-3 days, using room temperature water. Maintain this routine from April to September, and reduce the frequency of watering in winter. Water after checking the soil.
Light: Indirect light (see General Tips).
Signs of concerns: Leaf loss – insufficient watering. Adjust your watering routine.
Tips: Roots need to breathe, so use clay pots instead of plastic ones.
Origin/Provenance: South Africa.
Water/ Watering method: water the plant when the soil is completely dry. It does not like wet and compact soil.
Light: indirect/direct light. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: yellowing and falling leaves – excess water and rot. Leaves soft to the touch – insufficient water. The plant will recover after a watering session.
Tips: if you give the plant at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight per day, the leaves will take on a reddish appearance.
Origin/Provenance: Southeast Brazil.
Water/ Mode of watering: During the warm period, water every two weeks. In the cold period (flowering), moderate watering once a week is recommended.
Light: indirect light. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: yellowing and falling leaves – excess water and rot. Leaves soft to the touch – insufficient water. The plant will recover after a watering session.
Tips: Christmas tree blooms only if it has not been moved for several months from its original place.
Origin/Provenance: Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia.
Water/ Watering mode: keep the soil slightly moist, but not boggy. You can maintain this routine from April to September, reducing the frequency of watering during the winter.
Light: indirect light. (see General Tips)
Signs of concern: loss of color – insufficient light. Loss of leaves – insufficient water. Stem soft to the touch – excess water and rot.
Tips: wipe the leaves with a cloth with water. Thus, you will remove the dust from the leaves that blocks the absorption of light and gives it extra moisture.
