Plant Care

Plant Care

Growing Big Leaf Houseplants

Healthy foliage is a key indicator of a thriving houseplant. Lush, vibrant leaves not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your indoor garden but also reflect the overall health of the plant. Achieving and maintaining healthy foliage involves understanding and addressing several factors, from light and water to nutrition and pest control.

Plant Care

How Do You Propagate a Houseplant?

Learn effective techniques for propagating your favourite plants, including stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, division, root cuttings, and grafting.

Plant Care

Houseplant Care Routine

Creating a plant care routine is essential for keeping your houseplants healthy and thriving. For those new to indoor gardening, establishing a consistent care schedule can seem daunting. However, with a few simple steps, you can develop a routine that ensures your plants receive the right amount of water, light, and nutrients they need. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up a plant care routine and highlight how incorporating specific care products can enhance your plants' health and vitality.

Someone sprays their plants leaves with a leaf cleaner, the Aqua Leaf Cleanser, in their home.

Plant Care

How To Clean Houseplant Leaves

Dust, pests, and environmental pollutants can accumulate on the leaves, hindering photosynthesis and inviting unwanted infestations. Regular cleaning is the key to maintaining vibrant, healthy plants.

Interviews

Avant Gardener Profile: Annelies Deleu

Meet Annelies Deleu, a 33-year-old creative professional living in the Belgian countryside near Ghent. She runs a branding studio and offers creative coaching for entrepreneurs. Her journey began in digital design, leading to a master's in strategic communications and eventually her own agency. With a deep-rooted love for nature, she transformed her garden into a vibrant space that feeds both her home and creativity. Inspired by modern horticulturists, she values patience and observation, integrating these lessons into her life and work. Her favourite motto, "Curiosity can transform a discussion into a conversation," guides her approach to meaningful exchanges.

Interviews

Avant Gardener Profile: Rollo Skinner

Meet Rollo Skinner, a visionary in floral and botanical design based in London, whose creations grace the likes of Gucci, Acqua Di Parma, and Brioni. With a profound connection to nature and a journey sparked by a quest for expressive freedom, Rollo's highly technical yet whimsical designs reflect his exploration of mental health through the lens of nature. Inspired by the ancient forests of his childhood, Rollo's work emphasises sustainability and celebrates the living beauty of plants, offering joyful manifestations of complex inner thoughts.

Plant Care

Best Nutrients for Houseplants

To keep houseplants thriving, providing the right nutrients is essential. Plants require a combination of macronutrients and micronutrients to support their health and growth. Understanding these needs can help you choose the best fertiliser for your indoor garden. In this blog, we shall delve into essential macro and micronutrients offering scientific explanations of their importance, also advising on fertiliser choice and how to spot nutritional deficiencies.

Plant Care

Companion Planting Houseplants

Companion planting, a practice long utilised in traditional agriculture, involves growing different plants together to create mutually beneficial relationships. This method, while commonly associated with outdoor gardening, can also be adapted for houseplants, offering numerous benefits for those cultivating indoor greenery. In this blog, we'll explore the various advantages of companion planting and how it can enhance your indoor plant collection.

Interviews

Avant Gardener Profile: Ludwig Bull

Meet Ludwig Bull, a lawyer and CEO, finding solace in nature amidst his tech-oriented work life. Originally from Saxony, Germany, he values Eccleston Square's lush garden and community spirit — intrigued by the square's unique dynamics, despite its private nature.

Design Tips

Arranging Indoor Plants

Creating the perfect indoor plant display involves more than just placing plants around your home. It’s about curating a visually appealing and harmonious arrangement that enhances your living space while ensuring the health and longevity of your plants. In this blog, we shall explore all the factors to consider when perfecting a plant display, from choosing the right plants, to maintenance and accessibility.

Interviews

Avant Gardener Profile: Nicholas Rogers

Join us as we sat down with Tottenham based craft expert and plant lover Nicholas Rogers back in 2022. An avid ceramicist, Nicholas works with local crafters from around the UK to create bespoke pieces for the contemporary home, the influence of which can be seen throughout her apartment. The symbiotic nature of Nicholas’ two passions is perfectly embodied in the vegetable themed ceramics that line her kitchen shelves.

Plant Care

Plants For The Bathroom

Transform your bathroom with plants that thrive in humidity and low light. Discover ideal plants, care tips, and the benefits of a green bathroom oasis!

Plant Care

How to Treat Houseplant Pests

Learn effective strategies to treat houseplant pests like fungus gnats, including natural remedies, chemical treatments, and ongoing care tips to maintain a healthy indoor garden.

Interviews

Avant Gardener Profile: Mathieu Baboulène

Meet Mathieu Baboulène, a Parisian in Communication and Marketing, whose urban sanctuary thrives with diverse plants, notably an enchanting araucaria — inspired by Casanova Boutique, whose creativity blooms in plant care. Rooted in patience, this ritual fosters tranquillity, contributing significantly to his well-being.

Interviews

Avant Gardener Profile: Arnold d'Alger

Meet Arnold d’Alger, freelance graphic designer and illustrator with a beautiful plant collection, and founder of bazar d'Alger, an atelier with a focus on upcycling old porcelain and ceramics. Join us as we ask Arnold a little about his journey with plants, creativity, and how bazar d'Alger came to be.

Plant Care

Low Maintenance Indoor Plants

Starting an indoor garden can be a rewarding experience, but choosing the right plants is crucial for ensuring success, especially for beginners. Selecting plants that are easy to care for helps build confidence and creates a thriving indoor garden. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best indoor plants for beginners, focusing on those that are resilient, low-maintenance, and forgiving.

Plant Care

What Is Photosynthesis?

Light is one of the most crucial factors for plant growth and survival. For houseplant owners, understanding the importance of light and its effects on plant health can help in providing the right conditions for a thriving indoor garden. While sunlight is often considered just an external factor, it plays a central role in many physiological processes that are essential for plant life. In this blog, we will explore the science behind why plants need light, how they harness it for energy, and the implications of insufficient or excessive light exposure.

Interviews

Avant Gardener Profile: Fred Lahache

Meet Fred Lahache, photographer and keen plant enthusiast, with the belief that plants punctuate a space. Literally. Join us as he invites us into his home in the 10th Arrondissement, and discusses how plants punctuate his personal space. Exploring their growth, the spaces in which they expand, and how that suggests an affinity or interest in a particular place in his apartment over another.

Plant Care

Do ZZ Plants Purify Air?

The ZZ plant is celebrated for its robustness and striking appearance, with its glossy, dark green leaves adding a touch of elegance to any indoor space. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the ZZ plant is also valued for its potential air-purifying properties. This blog delves into the scientific mechanisms by which the ZZ plant contributes to improved indoor air quality.

Interviews

Avant Gardener Profile: Margaux & Tristan

Meet Margaux and Tristan, a pair of freelance creatives residing in the northern reaches of Paris. Often working from their home, incorporating plants into their space was key for maintaining a healthy work environment. Join us as we spend some time talking to them about their space and how their relationship with plants translates into it.

Our Story

In Celebration: The Glasshouse

Meet The Glasshouse, a social enterprise making a profound impact by providing opportunities for women prisoners at the end of their sentences. Their mission aligns closely with our values, and we are honoured to support them as they make their debut at the Chelsea Flower Show this year.

Plant Care

Different Types of Fertiliser

Entering the world of plant fertilisers can be a daunting endeavour, especially when you currently have plants under the weather that you believe need a quick fix. Many questions arise the more you search, granular or liquid? Synthetic or organic? What is NPK? But worry no longer, as in this blog, we will answer each question and ensure you find the right plant food for your garden.

Plant Care

Growing Nutrient Packed Vegetables

Growing your own vegetables can be incredibly rewarding, but the ultimate goal is to cultivate crops that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. To achieve more nutritious vegetables, several factors must be considered, from soil health to harvest timing. In this blog, we will provide the answer to ensure your home-grown produce is as nutritious as possible.

Interviews

Avant Gardener Profile: Toni Dahan

Meet Toni Dahan, the Parisian jewellery designer with a love for large plant specimens and the serenity they can bring. Join us as we talk with him about plants, their place in the home, and how one can find serenity for themselves through the rituals of care involved in keeping plants healthy.

Interviews

Avant Gardener Profile: Fran Lockyer

Meet Fran Lockyer, Textile Designer specialising in textile screens and colouring. Based in London and dabbling across industries such as Fashion, Fine Art, and Interiors, Lockyer gives us an insight into her creative process while exploring her innate connection with greenery, and the climate as a whole.

Plant Care

What Type of Soil Should I Use For Houseplants?

Choosing the right soil for your houseplants is crucial for their overall health and vitality. The soil serves as the foundation for your plants, affecting everything from nutrient availability to water drainage. By understanding the specific needs of your houseplants, you can select a soil type that promotes optimal growth and longevity.

Our Story

Sowing Seeds of Creativity: The Seed Packet Artathon

In 2023, Sowvital teamed up with Farrago, a London-based artistic community, to embark on a unique creative journey that blended art and nature. The collaboration resulted in the "Seed Packet Artathon," a vibrant celebration of botanical art that encouraged artists from all walks of life to showcase their talents. Farrago, known for providing creatives with the tools to ignite their careers, co-hosted this competition that invited artists to interpret the evocative phrase, "a seed contains the promise of a thousand forests."

Our Story

Salima Zahi: Porcelain Creations for Sowvital

Discover the artistry of Salima Zahi, a Paris-based ceramist and designer renowned for her unique approach to ceramics. With training from the esteemed Estonian Academy of Arts, Zahi’s work beautifully merges design with craftsmanship, creating objects that transcend mere functionality to become miniature sculptures. Her latest creations for Sowvital, including the porcelain plant pot and the porcelain germination disc, exemplify this blend of artistry and utility.

Interviews

Avant Gardener Profile: Pablo Mesa Capella

Meet Pablo Mesa Capella, an artist whose journey spans across continents and disciplines. Born in Spain in 1982, Pablo now calls Malaga home after many enriching years living and working in Rome. His artistic path began in theatre scenography, where he cultivated a deep understanding of space and contrast. Pablo's work masterfully balances ideas, materials, and symbols, creating a unique dialogue within his art.

Plant Care

Air Purifying Plants

Indoor air quality is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy living environment, particularly given the prevalence of air-borne toxins such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde. These toxins can originate from everyday household items, including furniture, cleaning products, and even building materials. Fortunately, houseplants can play a significant role in mitigating these pollutants.

Plant Care

Indoor Plant Fungus Treatment

Fungal infections are a common issue for houseplant enthusiasts, leading to yellowing leaves, wilting, and even plant death if left unchecked. Understanding how to prevent these infections is crucial for maintaining healthy, thriving houseplants. This blog will explore the key factors that contribute to fungal infections and provide actionable steps to keep your indoor garden fungus-free.

Plant Care

Low Light Indoor Plants

Selecting the right indoor plants for low light conditions can transform dimly lit spaces into vibrant green havens. Understanding which plants thrive in such environments and how to care for them ensures a thriving indoor garden, even in challenging light conditions. In this blog, we will take you through which plants perform best in low light and how to care for them.

Interviews

Avant Gardener Profile: Gemma Deeks

Meet Gemma Deeks, a London-based fashion editor, writer, and stylist, whose home is an oasis of plants amidst her bustling career. With a lifelong passion for greenery, Gemma's collection symbolises resilience and serenity, from her first plant in Dubai to her cherished Monstera in London. Inspired by neutral interiors and influenced by Pinterest, Gemma finds solace and happiness in her urban jungle, embodying the motto that everything happens for a reason.

Our Story

Metavert: Meet Marco Violet-Vianello

An artist and software engineer based in London, Violet-Vianello’s innovative practice harnesses artificial intelligence to explore the fusion of the digital and natural worlds. His latest project, Metavert, epitomises this blend, offering a glimpse into a future where machine learning redefines botanical beauty.

Our Story

Le Bon Marché 2023

Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, often celebrated as "the most selective department store in Paris," holds the distinction of being the world’s first department store, founded in 1852. Its inception was driven by the vision to create "a new kind of store that would thrill all the senses," inspired by the vibrant artistic energy of Paris's Rive Gauche. Designed by the architect Louis-Charles Boileau and the engineer Gustave Eiffel, Le Bon Marché seamlessly merges unconventionality with elegance, offering a curated selection of original creations, limited editions, and exquisite objects from across the globe.

A plant is repotted on a garden table in the sun, surrounded by soil and potted plants.

Plant Care

Indoor Flowering Plants

Achieving vibrant and long-lasting flowers for houseplants involves a blend of proper care techniques and understanding specific plant needs. In this blog, we will explore key strategies for enhancing flowering in houseplants.

Plant Care

When to Repot Houseplants

There are no strict guidelines on how often to repot your plants, but there are clear signs that indicate it’s time for a new pot and fresh substrate. Repotting is essential to ensure your houseplants continue to thrive and grow. But how do you know when it’s time? In this blog, we’ll explore the key indicators for when to repot, the types of plants that require more frequent attention, and tips for ensuring a smooth transition for your plant.

Interviews

Avant Gardener Profile: Leslie David

Meet Leslie David, artistic director at Leslie David Studio and the artist behind the visual world of Sowvital. We spent some time with Leslie at her home in Paris talking about the influence of plants on her career and life.

Plant Care

Making Soil For Indoor Plants

Learn how to DIY houseplant potting soil tailored to your plants' needs. Enhance growth and vitality with custom mixes, nutrient management, and proper drainage.

Our Story

Sowvital is B corp Certified

We are thrilled to announce that within just eleven months of launching, we have achieved B Corp Certification. This esteemed recognition underscores our dedication to making a positive impact on the world through rigorous social and environmental standards.

Interviews

Avant Gardener Profile: Marie Rollin

Meet Marie Rollin, friend of Sowvital and true lover of plants. Join us as she shares how her relationship with plants is rooted in her childhood memories of the outside world, serving as a means to foster a sense of connectedness and appreciation for the beauty and resilience of nature.

Plant Care

Leaf Tips Turning Brown

If you find yourself searching for the answer as to why your houseplant leaf tips are turning brown, I am sure it comes with a sense of frustration, as online, there doesn't seem to be much consensus. Reputable sources contradict one another, hobbyists think they have the cure, and others simply state there is nothing you can do. However, in this blog, we will look at the science- taking things right to the source to find the answer.

Our Story

Stylist Live 2022

Stylist Live 2022 brought together a diverse range of industry leaders, influencers, and enthusiasts for a celebration of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. This annual event is renowned for its immersive experience, featuring the latest trends and interactive opportunities for attendees to engage with experts and discover new products. This year, Sowvital was thrilled to participate by showcasing our botanical expertise and supporting the event with beautifully designed gift bags for the Beauty Awards winners.

Our Story

Sowvital Paris 2022: Celebrating Art, Nature, and Creativity

Sowvital had a busy 2022, successfully launching and bringing the brand from London, to Paris, to New York. Our stop in Paris took the form of a pop up shop in the iconic Marais, a famous neighbourhood in the Third Arrondissement of Paris. Creating a beautiful, high-end gallery-shop hybrid space, we hosted a range of events and workshops, working with some of the top creatives in Paris and inviting both friends of the brand and newcomers alike.

Plant Care

Medicinal Houseplants

Houseplants are more than just aesthetic additions to our living spaces; many of them also possess remarkable healing properties. Whether it’s through air purification, medicinal benefits, or aromatherapy, these plants have been used for centuries to improve human health and well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most popular houseplants known for their healing properties, backed by scientific evidence.

Plant Care

Cat Safe Houseplants

For plant lovers with pets, it can be a challenge to create a thriving indoor garden without putting their furry friends at risk. Many common houseplants can be toxic to animals if ingested, leading to symptoms ranging from mild stomach upset to more severe health issues. Fortunately, there are several beautiful houseplants that are safe for pets. In this blog, we will explore a variety of pet-friendly houseplants that can coexist with your cats and dogs while enhancing your indoor space.

Interviews

Avant Gardener Profile: Geoffrey & Mathias

Meet Geoffrey Justeau and Mathias Déon, a pair of green-thumbed Parisians with an infinite curiosity for everything botanical. Join us as we spend some time in their 11th Arrondissement apartment, talking to them about their journey with plants and how they incorporate them into their lives.

Our Story

Sowvital Shoreditch 2022: Celebrating Nature, Technology, and Creativity

Coinciding with our Sowvital launch, we brought our brand to London’s East End, opening an inspiring pop-up shop in Shoreditch. This curated space reflected our ethos, blending nature with modern design to engage passers-by. Punctuated by Sowvital’s signature scent, the shop served as a sensory journey, combining botanical artistry and product innovation.

Our Story

Chelsea Flower Show 2022

Hosted annually by the Royal Horticultural Society in London, the Chelsea Flower Show is a gathering of all things botanical. From experienced growers and rare varieties, to gardens produced and designed by some of the best in the business, it is sure to have something for an Avant Gardener to appreciate.

Plant Care

Plant Food for Indoor Plants

Feeding your houseplants is essential for maintaining their health, promoting growth, and ensuring they remain vibrant. Understanding the right feeding schedule, the nutrients they need, and how to observe their health will help you keep your indoor plants thriving. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate the world of houseplant care.

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ESSAYS FOR THE BOTANICALLY CURIOUS