Monty Don has highlighted the 'biggest mistake' that indoor plant enthusiasts often make, which can lead to their beloved houseplants perishing prematurely. The gardening guru's advice could elevate your indoor greenery to new heights.

As spring unfolds, avid gardeners are well aware of the abundance of tasks awaiting them in their outdoor havens, but it's equally crucial to pay attention to the care of indoor plants during this season, aiming to achieve a thriving home oasis brimming with verdant foliage and vibrant flowers.

While it might seem that houseplants require less effort compared to the garden outside, Monty Don, the esteemed gardening expert and television host, advises that indoor plant care demands cautious handling. He pinpoints one "single most useful" action that can significantly enhance their wellbeing.

Read more:

In a recent blog post detailing the optimal chores for April, Monty Don emphasized the significance of this period for houseplants. He identified overwatering as a prevalent error among plant owners, which can be detrimental to their health. Nevertheless, he also shared some straightforward strategies to correct this issue, ensuring your cherished plants flourish, contributing to a serene and inviting living space, reports the Mirror.

If you're looking for a low-maintenance way to add some life to your home, houseplants are a great option. But if you're not careful, you can easily overwater them, which can lead to root rot and other problems.

Want the latest Devon breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice

"By and large the biggest mistake people make with their houseplants is to overwater them," Monty explained. "In fact that can be qualified - or refined - by saying most are overwatered at the roots but under-watered in the air."

The expert added: "Only water when the potting compost is totally dry and then it is better to soak them in a basin for 15 minutes, draining them completely before returning the pot to its position."

"However the single most useful thing is to get hold of a really good mist sprayer holding at least a litre of water and with a trigger action. Use this twice a day to give your plants a really good spray so the foliage is running with moisture."

Placement of your houseplant is also really important, and to find the perfect spot in your home for tropical plants is key to making sure they thrive, Monty explains. "A coolish spot, out of direct sunlight is likely to be more congenial for all evergreen plants from tropical regions (but not desert cacti and succulents) than a south-facing window sill above a radiator."

For tropical plants, it's crucial to consider which room best meets their requirements - they often thrive in a humid environment.

Your newly suggested mister will increase the moisture in the air. It's advisable to place these types of plants in rooms designed to handle moisture, such as the kitchen, toilet or bathroom, rather than your living room or bedroom filled with soft furnishings that could be damaged by humidity.