Urgent warning to anyone with house plants in May as temperatures rise

House plants can be fussy - demanding a certain spot in the house, needing special soil to be planted in, and requiring just the right amount of moisture to thrive.

So as the mercury creeps up in May, there's one job you'll need to do to keep your indoor jungle lush and verdant: extra watering, according to Gardener's World. It pays to understand what kind of care your house plants need - which means knowing where in the they are native to. Tropical plants, for example, will need a different amount of moisture than those from temperate climates.

"Some house plants are native to tropical regions and are used to a higher level of humidity than our houses usually can provide," says the site about tropical plants. "What's more, plants that thrive in low light-levels and high humidity are perfect for growing in a terrarium."

READ MORE:

With plants from the tropics, getting yourself a mister or spray bottle is the best way to keep their water levels topped up, as they thrive in humid conditions. Mist their leaves and compost regularly to keep them happy.

Most indoor plants, however, are used to dry regions and don't need a huge amount of water - they may even be harmed by overwatering, especially if their roots become saturated.

Instead, place the plant in your sink so the water can drain away, Gardener's World recommends. Pour water onto the soil until all of the compost is moist, then put the plant back inside its pot once no more water comes through the base.

Why does my house plant have yellow leaves?

Indoor plants will suffer if they're over-watered just as much as when they're parched, and there's an easy way to tell. If your plant is looking a little yellow and its leaves are flagging, you may have actually given it too much water.

Excess moisture can suffocate the roots, leaving the plant unable to absorb nutrients, which results in yellow leaves. If you think you've overdone the watering, check the pot has decent drainage and let the soil dry out a bit before your next watering session.

What's the finger dip test?

Experts at thestem.co.uk have advised all green-fingered enthusiasts to carry out one simple check before they fill up their watering cans next month: the finger dip test.

If you're not sure whether your plant is thirsty, pop your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If the soil sticks to your finger as you pull it out, the plant is perfectly moist and you don't need to water it.

However, if your finger comes out clean, it's time to top up your plant's H2O.

My plant looks wilted, do I need to water it?

If you've tried the finger dip test and your plant's soil is complete dry, take the pot and put it in a larger bucket full of water - air should bubble up from beneath.

Give it a big drink by leaving it in the bucket until all the compost is soaked and the plant's leaves start perking up. Then you can lift the pot out, allow all the water to drain away and put the plant back in its favourite spot.

What are your favourite house plant hacks? Let us know in the comments below.

READ MORE: