You’ll know how much light to give them, how much heat and humidity they need, how often to water them, and even where to put them. London Terrariums is currently running weekly step-by-step sessions on Instagram Live on how to create your own miniature garden, from choosing between different types of moss to potting and pruning techniques.

The second type of person is someone who is normally good with plants but something random has gone wrong. These plants like the heat and can withstand periods of not being watered, says Slater – which is also ideal if you forget to water your plants. If you notice that your plant is looking soggy, dropping leaves, yellowing or brown leaves despite regular watering, it may have root rot. Instagram plantfluencers aren’t the only ones who can keep monstera and snake plants lush and green. There are relatively few houseplant diseases, he says, but occasionally mildew, grey mould and root rot will occur, which means you might need to chop off the affected areas, replant, or replace the plant entirely.Small, Instagram-worthy and low maintenance, succulents are apparently the perfect houseplant for the dispossessed millennial. I really like the illustrations of specific diseases and issues on every page of the plant reference section. I found thrips on one of my houseplants, really need to get rid otherwise it will spread to the other plants and they might die. This seems like it wouldn’t make a difference, but it has absolutely helped with the leaves of some of our plants. Survival tips for the horticulturally challenged How Not to Kill Your Houseplant is your guide to every stage of plant parenting for beginners, from identifying exactly what's in the pot, to helping it flourish and grow.

You aren't off the hook completely though, because diseases and pests don't destroy overnight (unless you have a slug or snail problem) so a negligence claim against you might still be quite justified! Stop being a feeder and start being a carer by reading the back of the fertiliser bottle or box and understand how much you need to be giving your plant. The Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis) or African Violet (Saint Paulia) live well in a warm atmosphere out of direct sunlight – and do best watered sparingly. There are plant enthusiasts, too, who bring in “good bugs” for their plants, like plant YouTuber Summer Rayne Owens.

Plants are on trend, and it’s little wonder considering they brighten up our homes, add a sense of style and even purify our air.

So if you’re a houseplant enthusiast with a history of accidental planticide, we’ve got your back: we asked the experts for tips on how to keep them alive and well.Packed with helpful tips, pictures, and information panels, How Not to Kill Your Houseplant will equip you with the skills necessary to raise a healthy plant. However, if you’re struggling with a specific issue or need some expert guidance be sure to send us a message or speak to one of our houseplant experts who are always on hand to offer top tips and knowledgeable advice. While it still doesn't contain a listing for all the plants I have in my small collection, it has more than some other starter books.