London

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Untitled-design-2024-08-29T110744.519-1000x667.jpg" alt="Moth Orchid" class="wp-image-97250" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moth-orchid">Moth Orchid</h2>



Wouldn’t it be great if a plant told you when it needed watering? Moth Orchids (Phalaeonopsis) do exactly this with the colour of their roots, which will look green when hydrated and silver-coloured when dry. Once the roots turn silvery, immerse the pot in water for 10-15 mins. Moth Orchids add a touch of elegance to a room and can bloom multiple times a year.



Where to grow: Somewhere with bright, indirect light on an east, west or north-facing windowsill.



Room suggestion: Bathroom, Kitchen, Living Room.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Untitled-design-2024-08-29T111052.566-1000x667.jpg" alt="Heartleaf philodendron" class="wp-image-97252" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Emily&nbsp;Stein/Bloomsbury</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heartleaf-philodendron">Heartleaf philodendron</h2>



The Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) can be grown as a trailing plant in a hanging planter and is good for those who don’t have much space on windowsills. Like the Moth Orchid, it will tell you when it’s very thirsty curling it’s leaves inward. Best not let it get to this stage and water it when the soil feels almost dry.



Where to grow: Somewhere with bright, indirect light, close to an east, west or north-facing window.



Room suggestion; Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2021_04_21_EMILY-PLANTS_ZZ_0014-667x1000.jpg" alt="ZZ Plant" class="wp-image-97495" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Emily&nbsp;Stein/Bloomsbury</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zz-plant">ZZ Plant</h2>



There is a green version which is lovely, but I recommend trying to find the striking black version known as ‘Raven’ which would make a dramatic statement in a modern interior. The ZZ Plant&nbsp;(Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is semi-succulent and can tolerate periods of drought so don’t worry about it when you go on holiday, it will be just fine. It’s tolerant of low light conditions if it’s not overwatered.Water only when the soil has totally dried out.



Where to grow: Somewhere with bright, indirect light no further than approx. 6ft from a window



Room suggestion: Hall, Living Room, Kitchen.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2021_04_21_EMILY-PLANTS_Kentia-Palm_0005-667x1000.jpg" alt="Kentia Palm" class="wp-image-97494" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Emily&nbsp;Stein/Bloomsbury</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kentia-palm">Kentia Palm</h2>



A palm adds a touch of the tropical to any room and this one will survive in lower light than many of its counterparts. It grows tall, rather than wide, so doesn’t take up much floor space making it a good option for small spaces. They are slow growing so buy big if you want a tall plant. Water when the soil deep down in the pot feels almost dry.



Where to grow: Somewhere with bright, indirect light close to an east, west or north-facing window. Direct sunlight, especially for a young plant, could lead to sunburn and crispy leaves.



Room suggestion: Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Untitled-design-2024-08-29T110930.755-1000x667.jpg" alt="Cacti" class="wp-image-97251" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cacti">Cacti</h2>



Time poor or forgetful? Then a Cactus is for you. Cacti aren&#8217;t as reliant upon regular watering as non-succulent plants and are very forgiving of neglect. Most can go for months without water if they need to, but that’s not to say they should. Cacti hate soggy soil so aways check (using your finger, push it deep into the pot) and only water if it’s bone dry. Cactus flowers can be spectacular, so make sure they get the light they need to bloom.



Where to grow: Somewhere with bright, direct sunlight on a south-facing windowsill.



Room suggestion: Kitchen, Living Room, Conservatory.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psst-wondering-where-to-buy-your-new-houseplants-in-bucks-amp-oxon-here-s-muddy-s-top-recs">Psst! Wondering where to buy your new houseplants in Bucks &amp; Oxon? Here’s Muddy’s top recs:</h4>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/greenrooms_events/">Green Rooms</a> x Old Spitalfields Market, near Liverpool St station, for a huge range of indie businesses (with great advice) selling trendy and unusual house plants, don&#8217;t miss the next event on Sun 22 Sept. </li>



<li><a href="https://www.thegrow.studio/">The Grow</a>, Crouch End for plants plus styling tips.</li>



<li><a href="https://thenunheadgardener.com/">The Nunhead Gardener</a>, near Peckham for a wide rage of plants and pots.</li>



<li><a href="https://londonterrariums.com/">London Terrariums</a>, Bethnal Green for plants to fit small spaces.</li>



<li><a href="https://conservatoryarchives.co.uk/">Conservatory Archives</a>, Hackney for large and impressive floor plants.</li>



<li><a href="https://petershamnurseries.com/">Petersham Nursery</a>, Richmond for gorgeous plants and interior inspo.</li>
</ul>



Want more houseplant advice? Keep an eye out on our <a href="https://www.instagram.com/muddystilettos?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==">insta</a> where we&#8217;ll be giving away a copy of Sarah&#8217;s book &#8216;The Plant Rescuer&#8217;, published by Bloomsbury.



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5 easy-to-grow house plants (and how to keep them alive)

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