Don’t ‘kill them with kindness’ garden expert warns over common mistake everyone make with houseplants

YOUR houseplants might be looking a little worse for wear after months of grey skies.

Luckily, gardening expert David Domoney has shared some of the common mistakes you're probably making - and they're all super easy to fix.

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He teamed up with Home improvement specialists at Everest to shared the simplest ways to care for your houseplants, and answer the questions we're all wondering.

"One of the most simple ways you can look after your houseplants is to make sure you know what conditions they prefer," he explained.

One thing to consider is how much sunlight each plant you own needs - chances are they'll all be slightly different.

David also suggested giving your "houseplants a boost by washing their leaves every month" so dust doesn't build up on their leaves.

"This can help clear the leaves' pores to unblock them, allowing the plant to gain light for photosynthesis," he continued.

Now is also the perfect time to repot indoor plants, although this can depend on how fast the specific variety grows.

You can get away with only repotting some types of houseplants once every few years, so make sure to check first.

But the main mistake plant lovers make according to the pro is going overboard with watering them.

"Houseplants are often killed with kindness," he said.

With this in mind, it's importnat to not get carried away with watering your houseplants - they probably need less than you think.

Ensure they never sit in water. Pot covers can store large quantities of water, leaving your plant sitting in it for long periods, leading to rot.

"Finally, it is great to give plants a rest during late autumn and winter.

"Do this by cutting down on feeding, and reducing watering," David added.

Other ways to keep help your houseplants thrive

The key thing is to find out whether your plants like sitting in the sun.

Some plants, for example succulents, thrive in such conditions, whereas Monstera, also known as Swiss Cheese plant, prefer minimal sunlight.

If you find your plant looking wilted, it's best to move it to a room in your home that is slightly cooler and away from the windows.

It is also important to note that once the leaves have sunburnt, they will not be able to be revived.

The best thing to do is to cut off the damaged areas and ensure your plant has enough water - you can do this by sticking your finger roughly one inch into the soil.

If it feels dry to touch, it's time for your plant to visit the hydration station.