Latest news with #houseplants
CNET
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- CNET
Want an All-Natural Way to Repel Bugs? Put One of These Houseplants in Your Kitchen Today
Nobody wants to head to the kitchen and start to prep for dinner only to find a line of ants marching across the counter, or gnats buzzing around the sink. Kitchen pests become more noticeable during summer, and can become a serious problem if they're not dealt with properly. However, instead of reaching for the bug spray, there might be an all-natural solution. Certain houseplants don't just look good -- they can also help repel common bugs. With the right plants in the right spots, you can protect your home while making it feel fresher and more inviting. If you're looking for a low-maintenance solution to summer pests, these houseplants are a smart place to start. You may not have considered using houseplants to rid your home of bugs, but some common herbs and other plants can act as natural repellents. As a bonus, these plants add visual charm to your home and some can be used to add flavor to your cooking or cocktails. Below you'll find six houseplants known to deter insects naturally. Read more: This Houseplant Cleans Air 30 Times Better Than a Typical Plant For more, see the best plants for cooling the air in your home, find out which plants are easiest to keep alive and peruse our list of the best places to buy plants online. Best plants to repel bugs Herbs Herbs can do double duty as flavor enhancers and bug repellents. Kay Fochtmann/EyeEm Potent herbs like basil, mint, sage and rosemary are great for topping spaghetti or making mojitos, but their scent stops insects like house and fruit flies from coming near. Consider lining a sunny kitchen window with a few of your favorite food and drink garnishes. Not only will the bugs stay away, but you'll enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs year-round and without the hefty price tags found in most supermarkets. Pro tip: Lemongrass contains citronella oil, which is often used in candles and sprays to repel mosquitos. Marigold Marigolds give off a potent scent that not all critters enjoy. Jessica Dolcourt/CNET The yellow and orange flower is so much more than a pretty accent to an oversized pot or home garden -- it's a gnat- and midge-fighting beast that emits a distinct and powerful odor that sends critters scurrying. Perhaps best of all, marigolds are an easy plant to cultivate within your home since they require little maintenance and grow quickly. Lavender Lavender is soothing for us humans, but not so much for certain insects. nevarpp/Getty Images Lavender boasts calming properties that help us drift to sleep at night, but it has the opposite effect on insects like moths and beetles. Snip a few purple stems and incorporate them into an elegant flower bouquet to ward off any unwelcome visitors. You can buy live lavander plants on and other sites. Catnip Alina Bradford/CNET Your feline friend may experience an immediate sense of euphoria when exposed to catnip, but roaches and mosquitoes have the opposite reaction. According to scientists, the plant contains an active component that triggers the chemical receptor in insects that causes pain and itchiness. Like humans, when insects feel the slightest bit of discomfort, they tend to retreat and not return to the source of suffering. Amazon sells a four-pack of catnip plants for $23. Chrysanthemums Try some Chrysanthemum to slow down common kitchen insects. Corbis This popular flower is an insect's worst enemy. In fact, a chrysanthemum's hit list is extensive and includes roaches, ants, silverfish, lice, bed bugs and mites. Keep these away from your pets, though, as they can be toxic when ingested. Carnivorous plants The Venus flytrap is the most famous bug eliminator in the plant kingdom. Joel's Carnivorous Plants Lean into the obvious choice and opt for the endlessly entertaining carnivorous plant. Typically, these hungry wonders, like the Venus flytrap, lure in unsuspecting prey with a scent that mirrors delicious fruits and flowers. Once its hairlike lobes, otherwise known as trichomes, are activated, its leaves snap shut and reopen 10 days after the insect has been completely digested. Of course, you'll need a whole lot of carnivorous plants to tackle swarms, but they make great additions to target the occasional fly or two. No matter your preference, these plants, flowers and herbs make wonderful (and natural!) additions to a kitchen pest management plan. They also happen to be delicious and/or beautiful. If you're still not convinced, consider other all-natural alternatives like coffee grounds, essential oils, banana peels, white vinegar and onions. Each has also been proven to stave off an infestation if left out on kitchen counters.
Arab News
22-07-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Protecting houseplants from Saudi Arabia's summer heat
RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia's intense summer heat, having a houseplant adds a cozy element to homes and can improve owners' health, but caring for them can prove a challenge. Plants purify the air, reduce stress and create a natural sense of calmness in the middle of the daily hustle and bustle of major cities. However, as the country is reaching the peak of summer with daytime temperatures soaring above 40 degrees celsius, caring for indoor plants can come with difficulties. Without suitable care, the summer heat can easily damage thriving indoor gardens. Arwa Al-Otaibi, a plant owner and botany enthusiast, spoke to Arab News about the impact plants can make on homes, and the proper way to care for them. 'One of the most beautiful and relaxing things is when we visit places filled with plants and nature,' she said. • According to botany enthusiast Arwa Al-Otaibi, plants reconnect people with nature and the Earth, bringing comfort. • It is critically important to pay attention to where a plant should be placed. 'We feel a wonderful sense of comfort, relaxation and calm, so imagine when we see the place we live in filled with plants, and when we own plants in our homes.' According to Al-Otaibi, plants reconnect people with nature and the Earth, bringing comfort. This is felt by farmers, as she describes it, when they touch the leaves and soil, which she says 'significantly reduces cortisol levels.' Houseplants are more than just an aesthetic piece in the house; they can enhance both mental and physical well-being. This is supported by scientific studies, including a 2015 paper in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology which found that subjects felt more 'comfortable, soothed and natural,' and their blood pressure was lowered after transplanting an indoor plant. Plants can also improve air quality by filtering toxins and increasing humidity in the air, which is essential in Riyadh's dry weather. Caring for plants teaches 'patience and the slow waiting for results, such as the blossom of flowers and the growing of new leaves,' Al-Otaibi explained. 'This in itself inspires patience and calmness. Taking continuous care of a plant, even if in the small details, yields long-term results. It is critically important to pay attention to where a plant should be placed. Some plants should be put near windows to keep them exposed to sunlight, while others thrive under indirect light. Arwa Al-Otaibi, Botany enthusiast 'This is an example that reminds us of the long-term benefits of investing in ourselves, our health, and our relationships,' she added. It is critically important to pay attention to where a plant should be placed. Some plants should be put near windows to keep them exposed to sunlight, while others thrive under indirect light. Another point is that summer heat leads to faster evaporation, yet overwatering a plant can also be damaging. It is recommended to use well-draining pots and water early in the morning or after sunset to lower the stress on the plant. Also, maintaining a cooler temperature inside the house is essential for the growth of plants. 'Another important aspect of plant care in hot weather is ensuring the overall atmosphere in the room,' Al-Otaibi said. 'The appropriate temperature for plants varies depending on the type of plant, but in general, during hot weather, the home temperature should not exceed 25 degrees Celsius. 'When leaving the house, there should be some sort of ventilation, like leaving windows slightly open, to refresh the air when the air-conditioning is off.' Maintaining a balanced ecosystem for the plant is important. Misting leaves with water to protect them from becoming dry, or grouping them together to create a microclimate, could also be beneficial. In general, taking care of houseplants in Riyadh's intense summer heat can be a challenge, yet it is one can be overcome with proper attention. Healthy houseplants can elevate the overall atmosphere with greenery creating a beautiful indoor jungle, bringing life into a quiet living room.
The Guardian
20-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
14 ways to keep your houseplants alive while you're on holiday (and how to revive them when you get back)
Summer holidays are a joy for us, but not always such a thrill for our houseplants. Few things are worse than returning home to discover a horticultural graveyard. Plants can survive unsupervised during the winter, but heatwaves, a lack of ventilation, and no one around to water mean summer holidays are a recipe for disaster. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. But fear not. A bit of planning and the right kit can make all the difference between a happy homecoming and a shrivelled mess. Whether you go full-tech or just trust in a good soak and a friend, there's a holiday plant-care method for every budget and plant. Regardless of how long you're going away for, here are some of the best tips and tricks to keep your houseplants alive, hydrated and happy in your absence. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best: ask a neighbour, family member or friend to look after your plants while you're away. Leave easy instructions and group plants that require similar care. It's a lot to expect someone to visit several times a week, but even one mid-holiday visit can make a huge difference. Or, as I'm doing with my neighbour, swap plant-sitting duties with a fellow plant lover: you water theirs, they water yours. Move your plants away from windows where they might be scorched by direct sunlight. Place them together on a table in a room that gets indirect light. This helps create a more humid microenvironment, which helps reduce water loss through evaporation and can prevent the plants from drying out. Try placing shallow trays filled with water and pebbles nearby to provide extra humidity and buy you a few extra days of grace. For extra moisture, soak your plants' soil in the bath or sink first and let it drain before grouping them. H&M watering globe £9.99 at H&M These elegant glass orbs are plant decor and a hydration device. They're filled with water and inserted into the soil to provide a slow, steady water supply. This will help maintain moisture levels while you're away. They're ideal for smaller potted plants or trailing varieties such as pothos and philodendron. Ensure they're securely in place and filled before you go. Terracotta watering spikes £7.99 at Crocus£25.99 for 10 at Amazon A more lo-fi version of the globe above, and a great way to recycle a used bottle. These terracotta cones slowly release water from an upturned wine or plastic bottle as the soil dries out. A great option for bigger houseplants that don't like to dry out completely. Willow plant parent sensor £63.99 at Willow For something more tech-savvy, this plant sensor connects to a hub using wifi (most use Bluetooth). It tracks soil moisture, temperature and light, and syncs with an app to give real-time care advice based on the specific plant you're monitoring. It allows you to keep a virtual eye on your plants, and if the levels get too low, you can always bribe a friend to pop over. Westland water-saving gel £6.49 at the Range£12.99 at B&Q Soak these in water to let them expand, then mix into your compost before you go. They'll release the water slowly as the soil dries. Especially useful for thirsty tropicals or ferns that throw a fit the moment they dry out. The downside? You'll be adding polymers to your soil, so it may not be ideal if you're aiming for a fully organic setup. Capillary matting sheet £3 for five sheets at B&Q£10.99 for a 5 x 5 x 50cm sheet at Amazon Lay this felt-like fabric across your kitchen countertop or table and dip one end into a container of water (such as your kitchen sink). Place your plants in their nursery pots on top. The mat draws up water as needed, letting multiple pots drink at their own pace. It's cheap, easy and a life-saver for grouped watering. Sturme self-watering indoor plant pots £15 for three at Amazon Self-watering glass planter £9.09 at Crocus£10.39 at Waitrose Orchid and bonsai self-watering pot £49.95 at John Lewis Balcony self-watering planter £60 at FlannelsFrom £60 at Fraser Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion A chic upgrade that does the hard work for you. These pots have a built-in reservoir and wick system, keeping roots hydrated without the risk of soggy soil. They look so good that I would be tempted to use them even when I'm not away. Plant straws £22 at London Terrariums If you want something stylish and reusable, plant straws are a modern take on the classic wick watering system. Handmade in Sweden, these use a cotton wick and aluminium straw to draw water from a nearby container into your plant's soil. Great for hard-to-reach plants, hanging pots or if you just want to avoid the DIY faff. They deliver consistent moisture for up to two weeks and look great doing it. Garden Gear Mighty Dripper £15.99 at Robert Dyas£15.99 at Amazon These reusable drip bags slowly release water over three to seven days and can be looped on to larger pots or hanging baskets. They are especially useful for thirsty outdoor pots or balcony jungle setups. No batteries, no fuss – just fill and go. Grow Gadgets moisture meter £29.99 at GroWell£29.99 at eBay Don't trust your watering instincts? I've got a gadget that could help. Stick this probe into the soil and it'll tell you exactly how wet or dry things are. Handy for pre-holiday checks or for leaving with a nervous plant-sitter. It's not glamorous, but loosely covering smaller plants with a clear plastic bag creates a mini greenhouse effect that locks in humidity. Just make sure the bag isn't touching the leaves and has a couple of small air holes. Never use this on succulents or cacti – they'll rot. Pianta grow light £57 at Grow Gang If you don't trust the unpredictability of natural light or your home doesn't get much of it, try a UV grow light. Relocate your plants to a cooler, shadier room and set a grow light on a timer for about eight to 10 hours a day. This one comes with a clip-on holder, making it easy to position above your plant shelf. Peace of mind that your plants are getting just enough light, without getting scorched to a crisp. Ready Steady Defend houseplant bug killer spray, 200ml £16.95 at Ready Steady Defend£18.91 at eBay Ready Steady Defend houseplant bug killer spray, 1l £14.55 at Amazon Warm weather = peak pest season. Before you leave, give your plants a light mist with a natural insecticide. When you get back, inspect for sticky leaves or fine webs – signs of mealybugs, aphids or spider mites. Neem oil or insecticidal soap will sort them quickly. Back from your trip? Check your plants for signs that they might have got too much sun. Look for scorched leaves, which may appear yellow or brown and feel dry or crispy. Snip off the damaged parts, move them to a shadier location, and mist them regularly to help them recover. Trim back any brown or mushy parts, check the roots (they should be white and firm), and give the soil a thorough soak. Then place it somewhere bright but not too sunny. Plants are tougher than they appear and can bounce back with some care and attention. Gynelle Leon is a houseplant expert, award-winning photographer, and a qualified therapist. She founded the cult plant shop Prick Ldn and now writes the Guardian's Houseplant Clinic column. A proud Virgo based in London, she's also an avid allotment owner and lover of self-development books
The Sun
07-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
The 80p spray you need to be blasting your houseplants with – it smells so good and keeps bugs away
JUST like your outside plants, houseplants are susceptible to pests too. But don't worry, you don't need to spend a fortune to keep them at bay because there's a simple spray you can whip up for next to nothing. 2 2 This Morning pro Nancy Birtwhistle revealed the easy trick anyone can use, and you'll be wondering why you didn't try it out sooner. On the show, Nancy explained that a quick spritz of the DIY spray can keep things like green flies away for good. So, what do you need to make the spray at home? You'll be happy to know most of the ingredients you'll likely already have in your cupboard. Start by filling a bottle with around 500ml of water and add in about a teaspoon of washing up liquid. Next pop in a teaspoon on cooking oil - any you've got on hand will do the job. "That just makes it stick," Nancy explained to This Morning hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard. And finally, a few drops of clove bud oil should be added to finish to spray, which the pro said is perfect for both indoor plants, as well as those in your greenhouse. You don't need to buy a spray bottle for this either, simply reuse one - but make sure to give it a good clean first. According to the pro, the clove bud oil is the perfect ingredient to add because it's a natural insect repellent. Alan Titchmarsh's top 7 plants that 'transform ugly fences with gorgeous flowers & fragrance' & they grow for years After sharing the trick, Instagram users were keen to try it out, as one commented on the clip: "I can't wait to try this out." "I made this batch 18 months ago and it's still working," a second wrote. And a third commented: "It actually seems to work! I was sceptical but only seen one fly that went out again in two days!" MORE TICKS FOR HOUSEPLANTS During these summer months, keeping your plants safe in direct sunlight is a must, Luckily, Kelly Dyer, from Patch Plants, shared how there is a common mistake you should avoid when it comes to your indoor plants - and it may seem surprising. She shared: 'Don't be tempted to mist plants if they are sitting in a spot that gets direct sunlight. 'The water will evaporate and lead to scorching.' She also advised that you don't use aircon, if possible, and to open your windows instead. 10 Unkillable plants Home and garden experts at Nth Degree shared 10 (almost) unkillable plants that'll transform your garden space. Rosemary - It looks great, smells amazing and bees love it. Pop it in a sunny location and water it occasionally. Nasturtiums - Colourful flowers that grow well in poor soil. Even better, they self-seed so return every year. Thyme - Another edible plant that smells amazing and is tough as nails. It's hardy so just needs dry soil and lots of sun. Sedum - Adored by bees, the small, colourful succulents are drought-tolerant. Ivy - A plant that loves to grow vertically, just make sure you cut it back to stop it growing out of control. Lemon balm - Looks like mint but smells like lemon! It can be used in teas and baking. Boxwood - An evergreen plant that thrives in shade and requires little water. Miscanthus - Tall, airy and commonly known as elephant grass, it can grow up to six feet tall and hard to kill once established. Lavender - The ultimate patio plant, it grows brilliantly in pots or containers, provides beautiful colour and fragrance, and loved by bees. Hellebores - A winter-blooming flower that can withstand ice, wind and rain.
The Guardian
03-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Houseplant clinic: should I mist my plants or not?
What's the problem? Some sources recommend misting houseplants, while others strongly advise against it. Now I'm confused. Diagnosis Misting is a common practice intended to increase humidity, replicating the rainforest environments from where many of our houseplants originate. While this is beneficial, misting is not a one-spray-fits-all solution. Prescription If your houseplant thrives in high humidity (such as ferns, calatheas and peace lilies), gently misting its leaves with room-temperature water can promote healthy growth. However, for plants from dry habitats, such as cacti and succulents, misting can lead to problems such as fungal diseases and leaf rot. Instead, to safely increase humidity for only some plants, pebble trays filled with water beneath pots, grouping plants or a humidifier nearby are all excellent ways to increase ambient humidity in a localised way. Prevention Take time to research your plants' requirements. If you really want to take things seriously, invest in a hygrometer to accurately monitor humidity levels in your home. Got a plant dilemma? Email saturday@ with 'Houseplant clinic' in the subject line
