Latest news with #Beards&Daisies
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
UK households told to place plants in two places to create maximum shade
Brits are now being told to put their plants in these specific two areas of their homes to create and maximise a shading area to combat the hot summer temperatures Millions of Brits are set be basking in more heatwave conditions with temperatures reaching the 35C mark in certain parts of the UK this week. As plants and flowers are exposed to high temperatures, gardeners are now told to keep them in two places for shade. As homes can overheat due to hot air accumulated throughout the day in an enclosed space, it's important to take early precautions. Not only would it be affecting our overall well-being, but also any living things that we might own, such as plants or flowers. With the Met Office warning Brits to stay away or try to avoid the sun during the hours of 11am and 3pm, recommends putting two plants in specific areas of your home to create maximum shade. This will benefit plants, as well as humans, to survive the extreme heat. Despite plants and flowers thriving best exposed to the sun to complete their photosynthesis, an excessive amount can cause damage and affect them long-term, and their growth. Long hours can cause plants to reduce flowering and wilt. Therefore, your plants and flowers must receive enough nutrients without it becoming too overwhelming. Houseplants can brighten up any room, so it's crucial to look after them. They explained: "Growing plants outside can provide shade, which may be particularly helpful in front of south-facing windows, while plants inside may help cool the air." Similarly, Connor Towning from Beards & Daisies has urged people to move the plants' direction to avoid direct sunlight when the light is at its strongest, which is usually in the early afternoon. He said: "Treat plants like people - you wouldn't sit in full sun midday, so shift them into direct light or shade zones to prevent scorching." To ensure the well-being and overall look of your garden, it's a must for plants to have space for fresh air. By doing so, it will give them the extra boost needed to bloom beautifully. Nonetheless, gardeners must still water their houseplants regularly, and now more than ever during the heatwave. This also includes feeding them with liquid fertiliser, as well as wiping the leaves from any dust that they might collect throughout the day. By completing these two simple tasks, gardeners can ensure that their homes are well-equipped for the hot summer months and upcoming heatwaves. When it comes to gardening, it isn't everything about expertise, but also having some time and patience, and plants require a lot of it.
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UK households with a fan issued warning over house plants
It can be hard to find ways to stay cool in the summer heat - but if you have your fan on full blast, an expert warns to take extra care to protect your plants Many Brits have had fans whirring on full speed over the past few weeks in a bid to keep themselves cool – but it could be hurting your house plants. House plants are a popular choice as they brighten up your home and can add a touch of colour and class to otherwise plain rooms. Plus, it also comes with other benefits, as many plants will help freshen your air. Unfortunately, there are some devices, like fans, which can be negatively impacting them. The reason for this is because as fans circulate, they cause the air to dry out. This reduces moisture levels in the air, which can cause plants to become dehydrated. This spells particularly bad news for plants that thrive in humidity and which need plenty of water to stay healthy. These include peace lilies, snake plants and orchids. Fortunately, there are several easy solutions you can take to help keep your plants healthy in the heat. Even better, they won't break the bank. Clustering and how it can release moisture into the air Connor Towning, lead horticultural expert at Beards & Daisies, recommends: 'Group humidity-loving plants together, use pebble trays, or lightly mist them in the morning. It protects against crisp leaf edges.' Clustering your humidity-loving plants together is beneficial as it allows them to create a little micro-climate. This is because when plants transpire, they release moisture in the air, creating a more humid environment. As a plus, this also allows you to have fun creating a pleasing arrangement with your plants. Grouping them together also makes them easier to take care of. Likewise, pebble trays are shallow trays filled with pebbles and stones, which then have moisture added to the tray. As water evaporates from the tray, it creates a humid environment around the plants. Another benefit of this method is that the pebbles also elevate the plant's roots, keeping them from getting soaked in the water – as this can potentially lead to root rot. A third easy tip is to lightly mist your plants every morning. Simply pour water into a spray bottle and spritz around your plants to increase the air's moisture content. Aside from increasing humidity, you should also take care to keep plants from sources of dry heat. This includes radiators and vents, which can dehydrate plants. Equally, make sure to monitor the moisture level of the soil in your plant pots. Connor advises: 'If the compost feels dry an inch down, give it a good soak until water drains from the pot base."
Daily Mirror
26-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Plant expert shares the house plants that will survive while you're on holiday
If you're wondering how your house plants will fare while you're off on holiday, this plant expert has revealed the top five plants that can thrive without constant care - and the ones that can't Now that summer is here, holidays, weekend breaks, and extended getaways are filling up our calendars. But for plant owners, setting off can come with a pang of guilt. Will your array of indoor plants survive while you're away, basking in the sun? The great news: you don't have to choose between your passion for travel and your love of greenery. Whether you're jetting off to the seaside for a week or exploring a new city, there are plenty of hardy houseplants that flourish with minimal care. Plant enthusiast, Beards & Daisies, unveils the ultimate summer guide to plants that won't mind being left behind. 1. Snake Plant Shop here for £13.58 down from £16.99 This architectural plant is practically indestructible. Snake plants store water in their thick, upright leaves, making them drought-resistant. They can go up to two or three weeks without water while also tolerating low light, making them ideal for apartments or offices. 2. Satin Pothos Shop here for £12.97 Another sustainable plant that can thrive in an indoor environment is the Pothos. With vine-like leaves that cascade down from hanging baskets or shelves, the Satin Pothos requires watering only when the soil is dry to the touch, and it can make itself comfortable in low-light settings, making it ideal for placing in corners of your workspace or home. Plus, its fast growing even without constant care, so you yield a lovely, flourishing plant with minimal effort. 3. ZZ Plant Shop here for £16.99 The ZZ Plant is touted as a favourite for frequent travellers, as it boasts waxy, oval-shaped leaves that store moisture, and it thrives in low-light environments. Even if forgotten for a month, the ZZ will still look healthy and full while requiring little care and watering. 4. Spider Plant Shop here from £13.99 Needing watering only every two weeks, the Spider Plant is a resilient grower that's known for its long, arching leaves and baby 'spiderettes" that spread and multiply without much maintenance. It can handle short periods of drought and bounce back quickly after neglect, making it a great household plant to have when you plan weekends away or family trips abroad. 5. Peace Lily Shop here for £9.99 While appreciating regular watering, the Peace Lily is another forgiving plant that can still thrive when forgotten now and then. It droops dramatically when thirsty, making it easy to track when it needs care, and it quickly and noticeably perks back up after a drink, ensuring it doesn't die if left alone for periods of time. Some of the hardest plants to keep alive include Orchids, Fiddle Leaf Figs, and Gardenias. All of these are highly sensitive to overwatering and need regular and specific care. They are also very susceptible to environmental change or a change in routine, making them temperamental and not capable of flourishing when left alone for days on end.
Wales Online
20-06-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Expert issues urgent warning over houseplants in heatwave
Expert issues urgent warning over houseplants in heatwave There are six simple things you can do to protect your houseplants at this time For lots of us, our house plants are our pride and joy - but there are a few key things to do if you want them to thrive during the warmer months (Image: Getty ) For lots of us, our house plants are our pride and joy, but we can often end up killing them with kindness by overwatering, or forgetting to look out for them during certain periods. And with parts of the UK facing temperatures soaring up to 30°C, paired with intense storms and sticky humidity, it's not just people who are feeling the heat - houseplants are under serious stress too. A yellow heat-health alert is in place across several regions including London, the South East, and East of England, as forecasters warn of rising temperatures and an unusually hot summer ahead. Beards & Daisies , one of the UK's leading houseplant companies, has offered essential advice for keeping your indoor jungle alive and thriving. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here The company's lead horticultural expert, Connor Towning, shared his best practical strategies to help your houseplants cope with extreme heat and unpredictable conditions. Six simple things you need to do to keep houseplants happy 1. Provide shade & avoid sun scorch: Move plants off direct afternoon sun, especially near south/west-facing windows. Use light blinds or sheer curtains. Connor said: 'Treat plants like people - you wouldn't sit in full sun midday, so shift them into indirect light or shade zones to prevent scorching.' Article continues below 2. Monitor soil moisture: Check the top 5 cm of soil daily. Water deeply when dry, better than frequent shallow sprinkles. 'If the compost feels dry an inch down, give it a good soak until water drains from the pot base' Connor recommends. 3. Increase humidity: Heat plus dry air from fans or AC stresses many houseplants. Connor suggests: 'Group humidity-loving plants together, use pebble trays, or lightly mist them in the morning. It protects against crisp leaf edges.' 4. Move plants away from radiators and vents: Avoid dry heat sources, keep a comfortable distance from radiators, hot air registers, or warm walls. 5. Adjust feeding schedule: Warm weather boosts growth, but feeding in the hottest part of the day can burn roots. Connor says: 'Feed in the early morning or evening with a diluted houseplant fertiliser, let plants absorb nutrients before heat kicks in.' 6. Rotate pots: Rotation helps even sun exposure. Connor adds: 'Turn round larger plants weekly, this encourages balanced growth and prevents one side from burning or wilting.' Advanced tips Consider potting in lighter mixes (e.g. peat‑free blends) and repot if soil is compacted to create better airflow and drainage. Good airflow also reduces heat stress. Another key tip is to watch out for pests, as heat-stressed plants are vulnerable to mealybugs or spider mites, meaning you should inspect them regularly and treat them early. Long term preparation Matching plants to their spots can be a huge help, as succulents can handle sun; whereas ferns and Calatheas prefer much more cooled, humid rooms like bathrooms. Having humidity aids at the ready could also be a lifesaver. Grab a mister, pebble tray, or small humidifier before temperatures spike. Article continues below Another key thing to do according to Beards & Daisies is to monitor forecasts, as this can make all the difference in terms of how to prepare and how to act quickly.
Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to keep 7 houseplants that survive without water for weeks
While it's nice to have houseplants, it can be hard to look after them all, especially if you are going on holiday or lead a busy life - so here are some pretty low-maintenance and forgiving plants If you love having houseplants but don't have the time to tend to them regularly - here are seven plants that don't mind if you forget about them. Houseplants can bring happiness to a home as well as making it look pretty, but they do require some looking after every now and then. Even going on holiday can cause havoc to your potted greens if they aren't able to be watered as much as they need. The good news is there are a few that will let you off with not watering for a few weeks and the experts at Beards & Daisies have revealed the ultimate summer guide to plants that won't mind being left behind. Snake Plant Also known as "Mother-in-Law's Tongue," this architectural plant is practically indestructible, which is perfect for those who aren't great at keeping plants alive. Snake plants store water in their thick, upright leaves, making them drought-resistant and it means they can go two to three weeks without water and tolerate low light. They are ideal for apartments or offices and an added bonus is that they help purify indoor air. ZZ Plant The ZZ Plant is a favourite among frequent travellers due to being such low maintenance. Its waxy, oval-shaped leaves store moisture, and it thrives in low-light environments, and you only have to water it once a month for it to still look healthy and full. This plan seriously tolerates neglect like a champion. Pothos Pothos is not only a pretty looking plant, it's also very forgiving too. With cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves, this plant is extremely adaptable and can survive with inconsistent watering and can thrive in bright and low light. It's fast growing and easy to maintain, but if you are going away - just give it a good soak beforehand. Spider Plant Spider plants are renowned for being resilient with it's long arching leaves and baby 'spiderettes.' It can handle short periods of drought and bounces back quickly from neglect. It needs watering every one to two weeks and can grow in bright indirect light as well as low light. Cast Iron Plant It's called cast iron for a name - as it's nearly unkillable. This plant is native to the forest floors of Japan and Taiwan, it thrives in low light and poor soil, and it's not fussy about watering. It's great for dim corners and needs a watering every two to three weeks. Succulents and Cacti One of the most obvious and popular low maintenance plants are succulents and cacti. They're nature's desert dwellers and store water in their leaves or stems and can go weeks without a drink. Just be sure they're in well-draining soil and placed near a bright window. Peace Lily Peace Lily's are very forgiving if you forget every so often to water, but they do appreciate regular hydrating. You will know when it's thirsty as it will dramatically droop - making it easy to read, and will perk up again once watered. They have beautiful white blooms and have good air-purifying qualities. While it appreciates regular watering, the Peace Lily is forgiving if you forget now and then. It droops dramatically when thirsty, making it easy to read, and perks back up after a drink. Pro plant parent tips before you travel according to the experts: Hydrate Before You Go: Water your plants thoroughly a day before departure. Use Self-Watering Systems: Options range from DIY bottle spikes to stylish ceramic globes. Group for Humidity: Cluster plants together to create a micro-humidity zone. Mulch the Soil: A layer of pebbles or moss helps retain moisture. Move Them Out of Direct Sunlight: Reduces the water evaporation rate.
