Houseplants: They’re in
Ginny Clark gives you the lowdown on looking after them throughout the year
NOTHING NEW . . . BUT VERY ‘IN’. Indoor plants are on trend right now — for private homes and workplaces! Go to some shopping centres and you will be impressed by the array of plants within their malls. Not only do houseplants look great, they improve our state of mind by making us feel more relaxed and positive, and also freshen the air like nothing else. Houseplants are the best air fresheners on the market and are scientifically proven to improve the air we breathe, by absorbing carbon dioxide and replacing it with oxygen. Many of the furnishings, cleaning products, paints and building materials that are used in everyday buildings emit gases that can cause headaches, nausea and tiredness; so if you pop a few houseplants around the workplace or home, they can literally help to clean the air. The extra oxygen could give you a wee boost and help keep your brain in good working order too.
Flowering houseplants are plentiful at this time of year, and cyclamen is a treat in bright colours of red, white, pink and purple. They will last many months, even years with minimal care, as will anthuriums.
Phalaenopsis orchids, chrysanthemums, kalanchoes and peace lilies are other easy-care flowering house plants.
If you are wanting foliage plants that last the distance indoors try dracaenas. They require little care and have stunning foliage colours of greens, lime greens and creams — great for offices and rooms with good light. Ficus or weeping figs, cissus, scheflerra, rubber trees, syngoniums and ferns are also good reliable performers. Extremely popular and in stock now are zanzibar plants and the hard-to-get ficus lyrata as well as monstera or fruit salad plants. They are stunning with their big glossy leaves of dark green and will last for years. Hanging plants such as cissus, spider plants and bridal veil are also popular. The key with house plants is not to overwater them, especially in winter. Keep them away from heaters or fires and in summer out of direct sunlight. The sun on the leaves will burn, especially through glass. Tropical plants should be moved away from draughts.
Remember to feed your plants regularly with the fabulous Ican Fast Food Liquid Fertiliser, which is exclusive to Decor, or Yates Thrive for Indoor Plants and Ferns. Repot into larger pots in spring, with Yates Indoor Potting Mix, if the growth has come to a standstill.
If your houseplant really is past its best, don’t stress. Think of the value for money you have had, especially when compared with a bunch of flowers, and replace it with a new one.
Check out our ever-changing range in store, including larger foliage plants perfect for the home and workplace.
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Flowering houseplants are plentiful this time of year