On the 3rd July, we had an interesting and fun talk from Gemma Haigh whose business is ‘The
Plant Parlour’. In 2024, The Plant Parlour was awarded the RHS Silver Gilt medal of approval
at Chelsea Flower Show and Gemma has been sharing houseplant care tips on social media
since 2021. She insists that there isn’t a mistake with houseplants that she hasn’t made
herself at some point. https://www.theplantparlour.co.uk
Gemma believes that the compost is essential to a thriving plant and she gave us a
demonstration of how she mixes up her own. Houseplants do not need a heavy compost.
25% compost to other additives is a good mix. To gain nutrients and air compost needs to be
mixed with additives such as chunky vermiculite – has minerals – and perlite which allows air
through the soil. Orchid bark is good to lighten the soil and is a neutral bark without too much
acidity, plus charcoal purifies the soil and retains water. One company she buys houseplant
compost from is ‘Soil Ninja’ which she finds a better quality compost than big brands. Many
plants imported from The Netherlands and grown by professionals are planted in coir alone
which is not good for plants in the long run and they need to be re-potted when you get them
home. It is easy to overwater and observing the plant overtime it is possible to tune in to its
needs. If there is water in the tray after half a day, tip it away. A terracotta pot absorbs water.
When re-potting, take hold of the plant at its base and squeeze the pot to loosen the soil and
the plant, you don’t want more than 10% root damage when removing a plant. It is also a good
idea when re-potting to watch out for fungus gnats, which live in the soil, and get rid of them.
When re-potting don’t go up more than 2 sizes of pot. Plants don’t like too much space. If you
have a north facing room your plant will need less water and very light compost.
Some tips from Gemma:
* If you need a fertiliser, Gemma recommended Liquid Gold Leaf. Fertilise every other
watering.
* If an orchid has green roots, it is happy if the roots have turned olive, it needs
watering. Leave it to stand in water for 30 minutes and then tip away or put back in the
pot if taken out.
* Not all houseplants need rainwater.
* A patchy mottled look may mean thrip so spray. Yellowing leaves also may mean thrip
as they suck out the chlorophyll. She mentioned Provonto Spray.
* Finger test for water.
* Mealy bugs dissolve in alcohol.
