Some divas worth the effort
EXTRA TLC: FOUR SPECTACULAR HOUSEPLANTS YOU WON’T MIND GOING THE EXTRA MILE FOR
Coveted for their beautifully coloured foliage or unusual leaves.
Whether we are talking houseplants or garden plants, the emphasis is usually on how easy it is to grow and care for them.
But what about plants that need a little more TLC? Whether it is providing more humidity, specific light requirements or striking a fine balance between too little or too much water.
What makes the extra effort worthwhile is that such plants are usually spectacular with beautifully coloured foliage or unusually patterned or shaped leaves.
They are the stars of the houseplant world and are very rewarding to grow.
Here are four Divas to keep you on your toes, but what a show they’ll give you.
BEGONIA POLKA DOT
One of those quirky, cute plants that reminds me of my youth when all I wanted was a polka dot dress.
Bright white dots speckle its elongated olive-green leaves, with a reddish brown underneath.
In summer, it produces sprays of white flowers.
This begonia grows into a sizeable feature plant and needs a lot of pinching of the growth tips to keep it bushy and maintain its vivid colours.
It grows best when it receives bright, indirect light and can even be placed on the patio, as long as it doesn’t receive afternoon sun.
Water once a week but be careful of over-watering.
If the soil is still moist when you check it, wait another day or two and check again.
Feed with a liquid fertilizer once a month in summer.
CALATHEA JESSIE
Among the showiest of foliage plants, the soft pink, green and cream variegated leaves of Calathea Jessie make this a perfect décor plant for the home.
Calathea originate from the forests of South America, so do best in a warm, humid room with medium to bright light but not direct sun.
Calathea are sensitive to the chemicals in tap water. If the leaf tips or edges go brown, try watering with filtered, bottle or rainwater.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy and feed with a liquid fertilizer once a month to encourage new leaves.
Maintain humidity by regularly misting the leaves or place the pot on a saucer filled with pebbles and topped up with water.
PEPEROMIA WATERMELON
Has striped dark and light green rounded leaves that look as cool and crunchy as a miniwatermelon.
It needs just the right amount of medium light. Too much light will fade the bright colours in the leaves, while too little may cause the stems to stretch and become leggy.
An east-facing window with good morning light is ideal.
This compact, rounded plant doesn’t get much bigger than 20cm high and wide, which makes it easy to show off.
Plants are slow growing and drought tolerant, so won’t outgrow their space.
Rather under-water than over-water and feed once a month in summer with a liquid fertilizer.
ALOCASIA AMAZONICA
Its elongated shield-like leaves, etched in silver with dominant silver midrib and veins, give it a majestic, almost mythical appearance.
It needs a naturally humid environment, which is best achieved by combining it with other tropical plants like birds nest fern, bromeliads and Zantedeschia.
Alocasia Amazonica Bambino is a petite version of big daddy, only growing up to 30cm high.
Like other forest plants alocasia need a warm, humid room with bright, indirect light and regular misting.
If the plant develops spider mites it means the room is not humid enough.
Spray with a dilution of Neem oil and move into a more humid space.