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Houseplant help

Tanty2Tanty2 Posts: 231
in Problem solving
Hi all - Wasn't sure where to post this, and am certain it's been discussed A LOT but here goes anyway...I seem to be able to grow absolutely anything in my garden but have had horrible luck with houseplants.  I've decided to give it another go (older, wiser, better prepared...) but expect to have to pot some on later this year and am struggling to get a clear idea of which houseplant potting compost is best.  Let's leave the peat debate aside for the moment, I'd just love to know which brands you really rate, please.  Thanks!  :)

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I just use whatever multipurpose compost I have handy. If it's something that likes very free drainage I'll add some grit or sharp sand.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Same here Jenny apart from orchids
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    If they all die on you, you need to think about the type of plant you are choosing and the conditions e.g. There are very few plants that would tolerate being put near a radiator
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I was the same.
    I've grown garden plants and veg for 50+ years but I can't keep a houseplant alive more than a couple of months.
    I decided to try again a year or so ago, and the 5 plants I bought then are still thriving.
    The only significant difference is that I now use rain water rather than tap water and feed every couple of weeks in the growing season.
    I use the compost I have to hand, which for the last few years has been Bord na Mona in the purple or orange bag

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Tanty2Tanty2 Posts: 231
    Thanks Pete.8, glad to hear your plants are thriving!  B3, I appreciate the thought but I am just looking for compost recommendations right now.  Nanny & Jenny, thanks for taking a moment to pitch in, I appreciate everyone's input :)
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    🤐
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    My basic compost is Silvagrow multipurpose with some JI No3 mixed in but it really depends on the plant and where you keep it/what type of pot etc. Succulents go in JI No2 with some added grit if they need it. The JI is only really useful for the soil content though IMO so you can be better off just buying a bag of loam topsoil and mixing that with multi-purpose. The rest of the JI mix is just sand and stuff that's in the multi-purpose anyway.

    As Pete says if you use rainwater and feed properly then that avoids most of the problems people face with house plants. The rest is just getting the water balance right and picking the right plants for your house. Watering from the base and giving the plants a chance to soak properly has been really helpful for me too.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
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