Question
Hello Diana,

I was wondering if you could tell me what is best for a houseplant? I bought a few the other day at out local flower market and to be honest I have no idea what type of plants they are! The shopkeeper told me they were for indoors and that's as much I know!

What would be your top tips for keeping them alive!? I usually find houseplants die very quickly as I don't have a lot of light in my apt.

Thank you!

Answer
Hello Victoria,

I am amazed that the seller of the plants did not give you proper growing instructions or at least a name!  I wouldn't go back to him again!

Well there are a vast amount of flowering house plants and there is no knowing what kind you have bought unless, of course, you can send me some photos.  Generally speaking flowering plants need plenty of light which is obviously going to be a problem in your apartment. But maybe you have a windowsill where you can place them for maximum light?  Make sure that they are not touching the glass as if you do get any sunlight this will burn the leaves.  

As regards watering keep the soil slightly moist, don't let them dry out completely but, if you do forget to water them and they look jaded the best way to bring them back to life is to immerse in a bucket of tepid water until the air bubbles stop rising to the top of the water.  Remove from the bucket and leave to drain before replacing on tray or saucer.  Keep the plants fed during the growing season i.e. now until the flowers have all bloomed, removing dead blooms regularly to encourage new growth.

The best type of plants for a situation which does not have much light are those with plain green leaves but, all plants need light and you may find that your apartment, whatever you do, is just not the right place for growing plants.

Have you thought of moving home?  A bit drastic I know but it is good for humans to have light, never mind the plants!!!!

Nevertheless I hope that you have some success as colourful flowering plants will cheer up your home.  Diana