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Houseplant glossary
Plain-English definitions of the plant-care terms you will meet — from node and aroid to variegation and LECA.
AcclimationThe adjustment a plant goes through after moving to a new home or light level. Some leaf d…Aerial rootA root that grows from the stem above the soil, used to climb and to absorb moisture and n…AroidA plant in the arum family (Araceae). Monstera, philodendron, pothos, anthurium, alocasia …Bottom wateringStanding a pot in a tray of water so it soaks up moisture from below for 20–30 minutes. It…ChlorosisYellowing of the leaves caused by a loss of chlorophyll — often from overwatering, poor dr…DeadheadingSnipping off spent, faded flowers. It tidies the plant and, for many bloomers, encourages …DormancyA natural rest period, usually in autumn and winter, when growth slows or stops. Water and…EpiphyteA plant that grows on another plant or surface instead of in soil, taking moisture from th…EtiolationPale, stretched, weak growth caused by too little light, as the plant strains toward the n…FenestrationThe natural holes or splits in a leaf, like those of a mature Monstera deliciosa. Fenestra…Foliar feedingSpraying a very dilute fertiliser onto the leaves, where it is absorbed directly. Useful f…GuttationDroplets of sappy water a plant pushes out along its leaf edges overnight. It is harmless …Hardening offGradually acclimating a plant to stronger light or outdoor conditions over one to two week…HumidityThe amount of moisture in the air. Many tropical houseplants want 50–60%+; dry indoor air …InternodeThe length of stem between two nodes. Long, stretched internodes (“leggy” growth) usually …KeikiA baby plantlet that forms on an orchid’s flower stem or cane. Once it has a few roots of …LECALightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate — reusable clay balls used as a soil-free, semi-hydrop…NodeA node is the small bump or joint on a stem where leaves, roots and new growth emerge. Alm…NPKThe three main nutrients in fertiliser: Nitrogen (N) for leafy growth, Phosphorus (P) for …Offset (pup)A baby plant produced at the base of the parent, which can be separated and potted on its …PerliteLightweight white volcanic granules mixed into potting soil to improve drainage and aerati…PhotosynthesisThe process by which leaves use light, water and carbon dioxide to make sugars for energy.…PropagationMaking new plants from an existing one — by stem or leaf cuttings, division, offsets, seed…RhizomeA thick horizontal stem, at or just below the soil, that stores energy and sends up new sh…Root-boundWhen roots have filled the pot and begun to circle the inside, a sign it is time to repot …SpadixThe finger-like flower spike of an aroid, densely covered in tiny true flowers — the centr…SpatheThe modified, often colourful leaf that wraps around the spadix — the “flower” you actuall…Sphagnum mossA soft, very absorbent moss used to root cuttings, mount epiphytes, and raise humidity aro…TerrestrialA plant that grows in soil on land — the opposite of an aquatic plant (which grows in wate…TranspirationThe way plants release water vapour through tiny pores in their leaves. It pulls water and…VariegationPatches of a leaf that lack green pigment and appear white, cream, pink or yellow. Variega…Well-drainingA potting mix that lets water flow through quickly so roots are never left sitting in wate…