Collections
Reading collections
A collection is a ready-made route through the reference for a specific situation. Instead of reading everything in turn, you get a handful of pages in a sensible order: the most important first, then what you will need a little later. Each link is marked with a level, so you can see where to begin.
A cat will notice a new plant before you have even found a place for it. That is why it pays to check a species for safety before the pot comes home.
Only finished pages of the reference go into the collections. We do not link to shops or add pages just to pad things out: every link answers a question that genuinely comes up in the situation described.
A dark room and a north-facing window
For homes where the sun only looks in briefly, and for anyone who wants greenery in a hallway or deep inside a room.
- The kinds of light on a windowsillStart here
Glossary entries on bright indirect light, direct sun and what makes a north-facing window different.
- Signs of too little lightStart here
Answers about stretched stems, small leaves and how to move a pot without causing harm.
- Less light means less waterOnce you are settled
The watering and light topic, which explains why a plant in the shade drinks less.
Plants in a home with a cat
For cat and dog owners who do not want to give up on greenery but do want their pets to stay safe.
- Dangerous plants and what to do firstStart here
Answers about lilies, dieffenbachia and why you should call a vet straight away if you suspect poisoning.
- The essentials in briefStart here
Common questions on the home page, including how to check species against the ASPCA materials.
- Plant healthOnce you are settled
The section on pests and quarantine, which also matters for pets that like to sniff around the pots.
Care before a holiday
For anyone going away and worried about coming back to plants that have dried out or, just as bad, been overwatered.
- Watering without overwateringStart here
Answers on how to judge whether the soil is dry, handy for explaining to a neighbour when to water.
- Words worth knowingStart here
A glossary with short definitions: drainage, watering when the soil is dry, root rot.
- Coming soon: holiday careOnce you are settled
The feed of new pages, where a separate article on getting plants ready for your time away will appear.
Read next
Sources
- Manzhosma reference pages
- Houseplant care handbooks
Information is current as of the date this page was prepared. Houseplants differ widely in what they need from light, water and potting mix, so check the requirements of your own species before you change how you care for it.