Where to put house plants

Do you sometimes struggle to keep your house plants alive, no matter how much you water them? Then perhaps you’re not putting them in the right position in your home. Here are a few simple things you can do to ensure your plants flourish.

Which room?

  • Look for the best place in the house for each plant, and don't be afraid to try different locations until you find the right spot.
  • Forget about rooms that are too dark or that don't have any natural light: most indoor plants originate in tropical or subtropical regions (in particular equatorial forests), and they need filtered light. In front of a large bay window exposed to the west or east is ideal, with the light filtered by netting if necessary.
  • Ferns and moisture-loving plants are best suited to bathrooms.
  • Don't position indoor plants in draughty areas or near heat ducts or air conditioning outlets.

Types of plants

  • Plants that enjoy direct light: position on a window ledge facing north or west or under a skylight. Shade the plant from the midday sun in summer. Always check moisture levels and that the leaves are not being burned by the sun. At the slightest sign of withering, move the plants back towards the middle of the room.
  • Plants that enjoy bright light: place behind a west-facing window shaded by sheer curtains, on a window ledge facing east or near a skylight.
  • Plants that enjoy partial shade: put on a window ledge facing south or east, or 1m from a bright window, out of direct sunlight.
  • Plants that enjoy shade: place in a shaded corner of a bright room or about 2m away from a south-facing window.