Gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh has shared his seven favourite houseplants
Alan Titchmarsh’s top 7 houseplants including one that’s ‘impossible to kill'(Image: wawan heri cahyana via Getty Images)
Gardening legend Alan Titchmarsh has dished out countless houseplant pearls of wisdom through the years. Now, the green-fingered guru has launched a YouTube channel where he’s unveiled his top seven go-to houseplants.
Indoor plants can transform any living space, and Britain’s beloved horticulturalist has curated a selection with broad appeal. Alan said: “I’ve always loved houseplants in the home. They look good, they lift your spirits, and they cleanse the air, what’s not to like? Here are seven of my particular favourites.”
Zebrina pendula
This cascading beauty hails from Mexico and Central America, according to the expert, and thrives when displayed in a suspended pot or draped over a shelf edge.
Alan suggests positioning the plant where it’ll catch ample light to bring out those striking striped leaves, reports the Express.
Madagascar
Alan explained: “Dracina is its Latin name, a native of Madagascar. You’ll notice this has lovely fountains of foliage at the top, with a glorious stripe and a pink edge.
“When it starts to get too tall, bite the bullet and cut it back. It will look ugly for a while, but very soon, little bobbles of sprouting shoots will appear, and they will turn into these extra heads of foliage.”
The plant appreciates humid conditions and benefits from sitting on a gravel-filled tray to maintain moisture levels.
Snake plant
The horticultural guru reckons a snake plant, otherwise dubbed sansevieria trifasciata, is virtually “impossible to kill” and perfect for those just starting out.
He continued: “Wait until the compost is really quite dry before you give it a soak, then don’t go back until it’s dry again.”
Snake plants thrive in bright light but can tolerate dimmer spots too.
Kentia palm
Alan reveals this palm was all the rage with the Victorians, who dubbed it the parlour palm.
It handles low light brilliantly, making it a winner for gloomy spaces. Water it only when it feels parched, and remember to wipe down the leaves.
Fiddleleaf fig
This houseplant is notoriously tricky to nurture, and Alan warns newcomers to steer clear.
It’s undeniably striking, boasting enormous foliage, but it detests abrupt shifts in temperature or brightness, so keeping this one stable is crucial.
Calathea
There’s a whole family of calatheas, most of which flaunt spectacularly patterned leaves.
Alan said: “It’s a tricky plant. It likes it warm, it’s happy in indirect light, so it’s a good houseplant for a centrally heated home.”
Peace lily
The humble peace lily tops Alan’s list of beloved houseplants, and the nation seems to agree.
He said: “You’ll find it [peace lily] in corners of living rooms, of kitchens, of bathrooms, with varying degrees of success in terms of getting it to flower well.
“When it is happy, you get these lovely white sails in the centre, the spadix, not to be confused with spandex, something quite different.
“It copes with relatively erratic watering, providing you don’t overdo it…it’s a really good all-rounder.”
When owners stick to all the proper care advice, peace lilies “shouldn’t let you down”.
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