I’m a gardening expert and here’s how to stop your houseplants dying in winter (and why grouping them together is key)

• Gardening Express’ founder Chris Bonnett has shared his top tips  
• Read More:  I was horrified by my discovery after lifting up my floorboards – people joke it’s like something out of Stranger Things

A gardening expert has revealed his top tips to keep your houseplants in good condition this winter.

Chris Bonnett – the founder of UK company Gardening Express – urged people to keep a close eye on their plants when their heating is on.

Speaking to the Metro, the expert pointed out how heat from radiators and fireplaces can parch houseplants.

This then makes them ‘stressed and vulnerable’, which ultimately hinders their growth.

As well as keeping them away from sources of heat in winter, Chris recommended placing plants in bathrooms after hot baths or showers so their leaves can absorb some of the moisture in the air.

Gardening Express’ founder Chris Bonnett says heating can make plants ‘stressed and vulnerable’. Stock photo

On top of this, he also urged people to keep their plans a ‘safe distance from windows to shield them from chilly draughts’. 

What’s more, the expert recommended people group their plants together as the weather grows colder.

Placing them next to each other creates a microenvironment in which plants can thrive as they have a higher humidity and increased moisture levels due to transpiration.

How to keep houseplants healthy in winter: 

• Keep them away from cold draughts and windowsills
• Group plants together to create a microenvironment
• Get a humidifier or spray them with water
• Monitor the soil and water when the top inch is dry 
• Keep them away from radiators/fireplaces
• Place them in bathrooms after showers and baths for a moisture boost 

Humidifiers are another way of ensuring your plants thrive in winter – as they increase your home’s overall humidity without drying them out.

If this isn’t an option, Chris recommends misting your plants with a spray bottle.

The expert said to closely monitor your houseplants’ soil in order to keep track of their moisture levels. Generally speaking, it needs watering if the top inch is dry.

Last year, Gardening Express shared the four houseplants that help banish mould and condensation from homes. 

Snake plants, peace lilies, English ivy and palms all help to suck moisture from the air which makes for a less desirable habitat for mould. 

‘Using plants to help keep mould at bay is a practical and natural way to control humidity and moisture in your home,’ they explained.

Adding that some plants are simply better at absorbing moisture through leaves.

‘The beauty of this natural solution is that you will notice an improvement while having beautiful plants to enjoy too.’

English ivy is a great way to remove airborne mould from humid areas and is excellent for tiny spaces and cramped bathrooms. 

The humble Peace Lily is also a great option for dehumidifying damp space, but as with the English ivy it is also extremely toxic for pets.

Peace lilies don’t need direct light to thrive and can even grow under fluro lights which means they do well in bathrooms.

Nasa research suggest snake plants also filter household toxins, which mean they keep the air clean as well as stopping mould from being able to grow. 

Palms also absorb moisture through their leaves, and as they have many they are very efficient.

Palm varieties like bamboo palms, lady palms, dwarf date palms and areca palms grow well indoors and are best for sucking up condensation.

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