New in the journal: How Often Should You Water Your Houseplants?

Design Tips

Design Tips

Grouping Plants by Height for a Fuller Corner

Grouping Plants by Height for a Fuller Corner

Tall at the back, trailing at the front -- the florist's trick for making three plants look like a jungle. Most of it comes down to paying attention: a plant tells you what it needs well before it is in trouble.

Feed in the growing season

From spring to late summer, when a plant is putting out new leaves, a weak liquid feed once a month is plenty. In winter most plants rest, and feeding them then does more harm than good.

Clean the leaves

Dust blocks light. Wipe large leaves with a damp cloth every month or so; rinse small-leaved plants under a lukewarm shower. They will look better and grow better.

Have a plant that is puzzling you? Write and tell us about it -- the best questions become the next guide in the care library.