One thing’s for sure: houseplants give your interior a boost, and they also lift your mood. No wonder you want to keep them healthy and vibrant for as long as possible. But how do you do that? We stepped into the greenhouse, spoke with experienced growers, and gathered their golden care tips, separating facts from myths. With this knowledge, you’ll be caring for your green friends with confidence in no time! !
The basics of houseplant care
Looking after houseplants isn’t complicated, as long as you give them the right amount of water, place them in a suitable spot, feed them properly, and repot them at the right moment. But how do you know what’s right? We’re here to help. Discover the essential rules of houseplant care (link to webpage).
Care tips from growers
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’re well on your way to strong, healthy houseplants. But just like people, plants have their own preferences and quirks. What works for one plant may cause problems for another. Here you’ll find golden tips from growers, along with facts and myths about six popular houseplants.
1
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a resilient houseplant that can take a lot, making it perfect if you sometimes forget to water. On top of that, it has medicinal properties. Aloe loves a bright spot, needs little water, and in spring and summer it benefits from cactus fertiliser. You can discover much more about Aloe Vera in this plant guide (link to webpage).
During our visit to Ovata nursery in Bleiswijk, grower Marco shared extra tips for caring for Aloe Vera, as well as some interesting facts and myths. Take a look inside the greenhouse and scroll down for the video.
Fact: Aloe Vera has healing properties. The plant soothes dry or sensitive skin.
2
Banana Plant
The Banana Plant is sometimes considered tricky, but that’s not entirely fair. If you repot this tropical plant regularly and remove offshoots when it grows too large, its care is actually quite straightforward. Place the exotic beauty in a bright spot and keep the potting soil lightly moist. Want to know everything about the Banana Plant? Check out this plant guide (link to webpage).
We visited the greenhouse of Stolk Potplants in the Westland region and spoke with grower Cor about the Banana Plant. See for yourself, just scroll down for the video!
Fact: You should repot a Banana Plant once or twice a year. With the right care, it can reach up to 10 metres tall.
3
Calathea
Calatheas come in many different colours, shapes, and sizes. They do, however, have very specific care needs. Calatheas are sensitive to light and water balance, and they love high humidity. You can read all about it in this plant guide (link to webpage).
We visited Calathea nursery Gebroeders Valstar in Maasland and spoke with grower Stef. He shared his tips, along with some facts and myths. Watch the video at the bottom of the article to discover more.
Fact: Calatheas close their leaves at night. You can actually hear them rustling as the leaves fold. During the day, the leaves open again.
4
Monstera
Monstera, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is one of the most popular houseplants around. And it’s easy to see why: its large, striking leaves make a stylish statement. Monstera thrives in high humidity and bright conditions but doesn’t tolerate direct sunlight. Good to know: it’s also easy to propagate! You can read more about Monstera in this plant guide (link to webpage).
We spoke again with Cor from Stolk Potplants in Westland. He shared some fascinating facts and myths about the Monstera. Curious? Watch the video at the bottom of this article.
Myth: Yellow Monstera leaves mean the plant isn’t getting enough water.
5
Orchid
There are so many types of Orchid that you’ll never get bored of them. Orchids do need specific care. They prefer lime-free rainwater or lukewarm water, and they thrive best at temperatures between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. Read everything about Orchids in this plant guide (link to webpage).
But what if your Orchid has finished flowering? And which type of pot is best? Take a look inside the GreenBalanz greenhouse (link to webpage), scroll down in the article, and discover expert tips plus facts and myths from grower Lennard.
Fact: Orchids are grown in transparent pots because their aerial roots need light.
6
Succulents
Succulents are easy to care for and come in an endless variety. From the colourful Kalanchoe to the elegant stems of Sansevieria, there’s no shortage of shapes, styles, and sizes. Succulents prefer a warm, bright spot. They need very little water since they store moisture in their leaves. You can read all about succulents in this plant guide (link to webpage).
At Ovata nursery, more than 10 million succulents are grown every year. Take a peek inside the greenhouse (link to webpage) and scroll down for the video. Grower Stef shares his insights into succulents.
Myth: Succulents will thrive anywhere, even in full shade.
Propagating houseplants: how do you do it?
Got the care of your houseplants under control? Great. Then it’s time for the next step: propagation! Because let’s face it: one favourite plant is never enough. The best way to propagate depends on the species and your own preferences. In this article (link to webpage) you’ll find step-by-step guides and the essentials for propagation success.
More inspiration
Can’t get enough of houseplant care and styling tips? We’ve got you covered. Go green in every room and discover the best plants for your bathroom and bedroom (link to webpage). And for when you’re away: explore clever tricks to keep your plants healthy, with or without a plant-sitter.
Sabina
Redacteur
Sabina combineert haar passie voor bloemen en planten met een talent voor schrijven. Ze vertelt verhalen over hoe groen je huis verrijkt - van weelderige kamerplanten tot expressieve boeketten. Haar tips zijn praktisch en sfeervol, met een creatieve twist. Ze gelooft dat groen niet alleen je huis, maar ook je humeur opfleurt - en daar schrijft ze met liefde over.
