Plant care guide

Watering is the most important — and often the trickiest — task. Too much water suffocates the roots; too little for too long dries out the tissue. The key is learning to read the signals your plant sends you.

• Check the soil: if it is dry 2 to 3 cm deep, it’s time to water; if moist, wait a little longer.
• Water deeply to reach the roots rather than just the surface.
• Empty the saucer after a few minutes to avoid standing water.
• Use soft water, at room temperature.
• Adjust the frequency to the season, pot size, and light exposure.

Light drives growth, color, and flowering. Each plant has its own preferences, and the right exposure prevents scorched or yellowing foliage.

• Shade: ferns, aspidistra, calatheas — perfect for rooms with soft or dim light.
• Partial shade : monstera, pothos, philodendron — enjoy indirect light or an east/west-facing windowsill.
• Bright light : cacti and succulents, citrus — love full sun or a south-facing veranda.

Turn your plants a quarter turn each week to encourage even growth.

Tropical plants — calatheas, alocasias, ferns — thrive in a humid atmosphere. In our dry, heated homes, a few simple habits make all the difference.

• Mist the foliage in the morning, away from direct sun, for tropical species.
• Group your plants: together they create a more humid microclimate.
• Avoid cold drafts and locations near a radiator.
• Temperature: most indoor plants thrive between 15 and 25 °C.

Repotting gives plants a new lease of life by renewing nutrients and helping the roots breathe. Our complete repotting guide details every step.

• When to repot: every 12 to 24 months, preferably in spring when growth resumes.
• Choose the right pot: 2 to 3 cm wider, with drainage holes at the bottom. Find all our tips for choosing the right pot.
• Substrate: an all-purpose mix for most plants, or a specific mix for cacti, orchids, and citrus.
• Drainage: add a layer of clay pebbles to prevent excess moisture.
• Watering after repotting: water moderately for the first few days so you don't compact the fresh substrate.

Potted plants quickly use up the nutrients in their substrate. Regular feeding supports their growth and flowering — discover our complete guide to plant nutrition.

• Liquid fertilizer: every 2 to 3 weeks, from March to September.
• Rest period: in autumn and winter, feed less often or stop altogether to avoid a build-up of mineral salts.
• Type of fertilizer: all-purpose for foliage plants, specific for flowering plants or succulents.

These small, regular habits boost growth and keep your plants strong and healthy.

• Remove damaged, yellow, or dry leaves to encourage new growth.
• Pinch some stems to encourage branching and a denser shape.
• Clean leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and optimize photosynthesis.
• Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves to detect possible pests.
• Air out the space around your plants to avoid stagnant humidity.

Regular checks let you act before problems spread. Our complete diagnostic guide helps you identify each symptom.

• Mealybugs (white cottony patches): wipe with a cotton pad soaked in 70% alcohol.
• Spider mites (dull leaves, fine webs): increase humidity, rinse the foliage.
• Aphids (clusters on young shoots): isolate the plant and treat it with diluted black soap.
• Fungi (brown spots, mold): reduce watering, improve ventilation.

Some mistakes seem harmless but can quickly weaken a plant. Find the full list in our article 10 common mistakes to avoid.

• Watering out of habit without checking the substrate first.
• Leaving standing water in the saucer.
• Using cold or very hard water straight from the tap.
• Suddenly moving a plant that is used to steady light.
• Neglecting to clean the leaves, which blocks photosynthesis.
• Fertilizing during the winter rest period.

Each plant has its own rhythm: weekly watering suits most foliage plants, tropical plants like more constant moisture, and succulents prefer to dry out between waterings. The finger test remains the most reliable method.

Repot in spring, when roots are poking out of the pot or growth slows noticeably. A slightly larger pot and fresh substrate quickly give the plant a new boost of energy.

No. Tropical plants love a humid atmosphere, while cacti, succulents, and herbs don't need it. Mist in the morning, away from direct sun.

Group them in a bright but shaded spot, water them well before you leave, and use simple systems such as water wicks or upturned bottles. For longer absences, ask a friend or relative to look after them.

Taking cuttings is the easiest technique: take a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or directly in moist substrate. Our complete guide to taking cuttings details each method.