Understanding Light

Learn to read light conditions and match plants to suitable spots in your home.

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Watering Wisdom

Discover the signs your plant needs water and avoid the most common watering mistakes.

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Humidity & Climate

Create the ideal environment for tropical plants in Australian conditions.

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Light Guide

Understanding Light Requirements

Light is the fuel that powers your plant's growth. Understanding the different types of light and how they affect your plants is crucial for success. At vorlaxenxul, we categorise light into four main types to help you make informed choices.

Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight is unobstructed light that casts hard shadows. Most indoor plants cannot tolerate direct Australian sun, which can burn leaves. Succulents and cacti are exceptions that thrive in these conditions.

Bright Indirect Light

This is the sweet spot for most tropical plants. Position plants near a window but out of the direct sun path. A sheer curtain can help diffuse harsh light while maintaining brightness.

Medium Light

Medium light is found a few metres from windows or in rooms with limited natural light. Many popular houseplants like Pothos and Peace Lily adapt well to these conditions.

Low Light

Low light does not mean no light. These areas receive minimal natural light but are not dark. Snake Plants and ZZ Plants are champions in low light situations.

Pro Tip

Do the shadow test: if your hand casts a distinct shadow, that is bright light. A soft shadow indicates medium light, and no shadow means low light conditions.

Watering Guide

Watering Your Plants

Overwatering is the number one cause of houseplant problems. Learning to water correctly can improve your plant care routine and help your greenery flourish. Here is what the team at vorlaxenxul recommends.

The Finger Test

Before watering, insert your finger about 5cm into the soil. If it feels dry, it is time to water. If it is still moist, wait a few more days. Different plants have different moisture preferences.

Proper Watering Technique

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot. This helps the root system receive moisture. Empty the saucer after 30 minutes to prevent root rot.

Seasonal Adjustments

Plants need less water in winter when growth slows. In summer, you may need to water more frequently. Check the soil rather than following a strict schedule.

Water Quality Matters

Tap water is fine for most plants, but let it sit overnight to allow chlorine to dissipate. Some sensitive plants prefer rainwater or filtered water.

Pro Tip

Yellow leaves often indicate overwatering, while brown crispy edges usually mean underwatering. Learn to read your plant's signals for better results.

Humidity Guide

Creating the Right Climate

Many popular houseplants originate from tropical regions with high humidity. Australian homes, especially with air conditioning, can be quite dry. Here is how to keep your plants happy.

Signs of Low Humidity

Brown leaf tips, curling leaves, and slow growth can indicate your plants need more moisture in the air. This is especially common in winter when heating dries out indoor air.

Ways to Increase Humidity

Group plants together to create a humid microclimate. Place pots on trays filled with pebbles and water. Use a humidifier near your plant collection, or mist leaves regularly in the morning.

Humidity-Loving Plants

Ferns, Calatheas, and tropical plants love humidity above 60%. Keep these in bathrooms or kitchens where moisture levels are naturally higher.

Low-Humidity Champions

If maintaining humidity is challenging, choose drought-tolerant plants. Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, and Succulents thrive in dry Australian conditions.

Pro Tip

Invest in a simple hygrometer to monitor humidity levels. Most tropical plants prefer 40-60% humidity, while succulents are happy at 30-40%.

Common Questions

Plant Care FAQ

Quick answers to the questions we hear most often from plant parents.

Yellow leaves can indicate several issues. The most common cause is overwatering, which leads to root problems. Other causes include insufficient light, nutrient deficiency, or natural aging of lower leaves. Check your watering schedule and soil moisture first.
During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilise every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength. Reduce or stop fertilising in autumn and winter when growth slows. Never fertilise a dry plant.
Repot when roots start growing out of drainage holes, the plant becomes top-heavy, water runs straight through the pot, or growth has significantly slowed. Spring is an ideal time to repot. Choose a pot only 2-5cm larger than the current one.
Many popular houseplants can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Safe options include Spider Plants, Boston Ferns, and Calatheas. Always research plant toxicity before purchasing if you have pets, and place potentially harmful plants out of reach.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Plant?

Now that you know the basics of plant care, explore our collection to find suitable green companions for your space.