Cafe greenery
Aesthetically-pleasing plants are perfect for adding greenery to a cafe interior, writes Stephanie Choo
Money plants suspended in the air and planted in reused bottles.
WITH their natural beauty and colours, plants can help lift the spirit and make the simple pleasure of drinking coffee a relaxing affair. There are many plants which are ideal for cafes; those that can tolerate air-conditioning and low light conditions are best.
Essentially, plants with bigger dark A rubber plant creates a bold accent in the room while the trailing stems of a potted plant fill blank spaces from above. green leaves that require lesser light to survive adapt better to life indoors. Variegated plants and those with colourful foliage fare better in brighter spots.
Large and tall specimens like the Pachira plant rubber plant and dumb cane
make wonderful accents in modern interiors.
With its braided trunks, slender branches and glossy green palmate leaves, the pachira plant lends a touch of whimsical charm to the setting. Encourage its lovely leaves to grow healthily by settling the plant in moist soil and near sunlight, such as near the window where there’s ample light.
The sculptural rubber plant also requires bright light to flourish but the soil should be on the dry side so allow the soil surface to dry out between watering. This stunning plant boasts big leathery leaves that are very ornamental.
Looking for a lush green plant to fill an empty-looking nook? Dumb cane fits the bill well. The plant is valued for its showy broad leaves which are variegated in white, silver or yellow. Most cultivars have interesting speckled leaves that make bold floor plants. They’ll do well in medium to bright light and can tolerate low light. If the plant grows too tall, cut back to encourage new growth.
INTERESTING ARRANGEMENTS
WITH VINES
Pockets of mini gardens on table tops and floors make a cafe feel cosy and inviting. If the cafe has lofty ceilings, prop empty vertical spaces with potted plants hung up high for a suspended garden. This will transform the atmosphere to one of intimacy.
Vines such as the money plant
A mini garden at one corner of the Rimba & Rusa cafe.
are easy-to-grow and very versatile. Settle the plant in soil or water and it will send out long shoots of stems that can be allowed to sprawl, trail or climb up a pole. The plant bears sweet heart-shaped leaves which can be all green or variegated in white, yellow or light green. However, like many other vines, the stems attach themselves to nearby support through their aerial roots. Prune off long stems to control where they grow. Dieffenbachia has large bright green leaves that look lush.
Other leafy vines with heart-shaped leaves include satin pothos heart leaf philodendron and the ornamental pepper
They make pretty vine indoor plants too. • Ensure the plants get the correct amount of light, and only water when necessary. Test soil moisture by inserting a finger into the soil. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Perform this finger test even if you have fixed schedule to water your plants.
• Newly-purchased plants don’t need feeding right away as the soil is still fresh. Start feeding after about two months or when all the nutrients in the soil have been exhausted. Feed with any liquid or slow-release balanced fertilisers at least once a month following manufacturer’s instructions.
• Dirt tends to block sunlight from reaching the leaf surface so keep plants clean by rinsing them under a spray of water or wiping the leaves with a moist cloth.