Maintaining

Repotting and cleaning houseplants

This guide’s details are being double-checked, so for now it carries only the safety notes.

Bagged compost can carry Legionella bacteria, so open bags at arm's length, avoid breathing the dust, work somewhere ventilated and wash your hands afterwards. Many common houseplants (peace lily, dumb cane, philodendron) are also toxic if pets or children chew the leaves, so keep them out of reach.

Where to get help

NHS 111, or your GP. Your vet, Animal PoisonLine, or the Veterinary Poisons Information Service.