The expert's guide to caring for your houseplants

There’s no reason to skip out on the greenery this season, even if you can’t make it oudoors—just bring your garden indoors instead.

Who doesn’t love a houseplant? Their popularity has skyrocketed in the past few years, as more and more of us have decided to bring the outside in. Not just for decoration, the right houseplants can also purify the air and offer health benefits too. It’s no wonder that we’re all on a mission to create our own little indoor jungles…

If you’re more of a green-fingered novice than goddess, get yourself the correct kit to start off. It goes without saying that a watering can is a must, but experts also advise purchasing a plant mister for in-between days. Read up on proper plant parenthood, and stock up on some beautiful planters and pots to show off your greenery too. We love a mix of terrariums, traditional pots, mid-century planters and even hanging displays to add Instagrammable interest to the home.

It might seem that plant care is daunting if you don’t know where to start, but according to Claire Bishop, houseplant buyer for Dobbies, it’s best to go simple, and take a little extra care to ensure that your plants stay happy and healthy during the autumn months.

“Give plants a shower as you water them, to keep the leaves looking green and glossy, and stick to a routine, with a weekly bath or shower depending on their needs. Just keep an eye on light levels in the darker winter months – some plants may need a bit more. All houseplants require a little clean, so simply wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, take off any foliage that’s yellowing, and trim damaged leaves of larger plants with sharp scissors.”

Succulents and terrariums are a great option for beginners, before you work your way up to higher-maintenance plants like Monstera, Peace Lilies or palms. Marion Sandwith, creative director at Edinburgh’s Narcissus Flowers & Plants, recommends starting with something easy to care for, like a cactus or an Aloe Vera plant: “Our 'Jagger’ cactus is super easy to care for; it just needs the sunniest spot you can provide and a tiny splash of water - make sure to keep the soil very dry. Cacti are also resistant to hot and cold temperatures. Or, try a chic Aloe Vera plant - Aloes can tolerate a wide range of conditions and a certain amount of neglect, what could be better when you’re starting out?”

But the lowest-maintenance option of all? Just go faux! Imitation plants are of a higher quality than ever before (not to mention being socially acceptable, no snobbery here), and are the perfect way to bring a sense of the wild indoors without actually having to do anything to care for them. It’s the ideal balance for busy women.

With the warmer months on the horizon and most of us spending almost all of our time indoors, Claire says that bringing plants into the home, real or faux, can give us all a much-needed boost. “I like to keep the home feeling alive and vibrant with plants. Bright and bold, gently trailing or architecturally sculpted – whatever your taste there is a houseplant to suit you.”