Choose new houseplants to brighten up New Year and all your surroundings
“Consider a houseplant as long-lasting bouquet of fresh flowers – if it provides months of enjoyment then dies, take the view you’ve had your money’s worth.”
Many of us experience a pang of regret after Twelfth Night. The cheery Christmas decorations have been packed away, leaving the home looking bare and lifeless. National Houseplant Appreciation Day falls on January 10 every year and, as Steve Cain finds out, it reminds us houseplants can help brighten up post-Christmas gloom.
Winter can be the bleakest time of year. Snow carpets the ground, winds howl and the joy and warmth of Christmas seem like nothing more than a distant memory. However, it is possible to banish the January blues and brighten your surroundings with indoor plants, says Joan Clay, houseplant expert at Clay’s Garden Centre in Washington. Here are her suggestions ...
Dutch Hyacinth (Hyacinth orientalis)
There are a huge range of colours to choose from and, by careful selection of cultivars, it is possible to have a continuous display from Christmas until February. The ‘prepared’ bulbs, found in garden centres, are duped into thinking that winter has come and gone by simulating the winter processes. This is why they will flower from Christmas onwards.
“Hyacinths will grow under most normal room conditions,” said Joan. “After they have finished flowering, they can be replanted outside in the soil.”
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum x ackermannii cultivars)
Most Amaryllis from garden centres are large-flowered hybrids: the leaves are dark green, strap-like, and emerge at the same time as the flower stalk from the top of an ungainly bulb. The glamorous trumpetshaped flowers flare in twos and fours from the top of the leafless stalk during winter and early spring. “Good light is essential for flowering,” advised Joan. “Four hours of direct light is ideal, and you should turn the pot frequently to maintain even growth. Water moderately but keep moist until the leaves turn yellow and dying off begins. After flowering, remove the heads, gradually reduce watering and allow the compost to dry.”
Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)
One of the easiest houseplants to grow, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue is virtually indestructible. Ideal in a modern setting, the thick fleshy erect leaves are striking to behold. Most issues arise from either over-watering or excessive cold in winter, rather than pests or disease. “This easy-going plant will tolerate semi-shade and low humidity,” said Joan. “It rarely needs repotting and requires only moderate watering.”
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
Another virtually indestructible plant that is ideal for the beginner. Slow-growing and sprawling, it will tolerate cool temperatures and a certain amount of neglect, although black patches may appear on the leathery leaves if temperatures are too cold. Keep the compost barely moist to avoid yellow discolouration of the leaves. “Although a tropical plant from Guatemala, the Swiss Cheese Plant can thrive in the most untropical of conditions,” said Joan. “They are more often discarded because they have become too large for the space rather than due to poor health.”
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’)
Probably the most popular and best-known houseplant, the accommodating Spider plant’s pretty variegated leaves look spectacular when cascading from a hanging basket. Another plant that is great for the novice, it will happily adapt to high and low temperatures, grow rapidly, and can often produce babies to be propagated and distributed to friends and family.
“Position in good but indirect light,” advised Joan. “Water regularly but allow the compost to almost dry out between waterings. Feed established plants every three months, or so, during the growing season. Re-pot regularly.”
Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata tricolor)
This strikingly attractive houseplant has long spiky leaves of rich green, edged with red and cream stripes. It is slowgrowing and relatively easy to look after but can be slightly fussy, preferring indirect light and draught-free conditions.
“This plant is suited to the rather subdued light of winter, but not to the strong light of summer,” advised Joan. “It prefers a humid environment and benefits from the leaves being regularly misted with water. Placing the pot on a tray of moisture-retentive pellets is also advisable. Several different-sized Dracaena grouped together creates an impressive display.”
Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Native to China, the beloved Aspidistra was a firm favourite of the Victorians. Ideally suited to standing in an ornamental pot on a jardinière, they will withstand all manner of conditions. Their preference for shady conditions stands them in good stead to withstand the gloom of winter.
“The Aspidistra is a slowgrowing, low-maintenance, tough-leaved plant that will tolerate dry air, extremes of heat and cold, drought, dust and general neglect,” said Joan.
“However, they will never achieve their maximum potential if exposed to such conditions. They perform best when situated out of direct sunlight, are watered well during the growing season and fed only occasionally. Don’t use leaf-shine to clean.”
It’s important not to be too hard on ourselves over houseplants that don’t survive. “Many are tropical or semi-tropical plants and, as such, are not suited to cold and dark UK winters – even indoors,” said Joan.
Her advice is to “consider a houseplant as a long-lasting bouquet of fresh flowers – if it provides several weeks or months of enjoyment then dies, take the view that you’ve had your money’s worth and don’t be reluctant to throw it on the compost heap.”
It is important to identify the perfect position for each of your houseplants. Window sills may offer light but they can also be cold and draughty, especially at night, and most houseplants don’t like that. On the other hand, many plants will suffer if placed above radiators or near other sources of heat. Often it can be little more than a case of trial and error when choosing a suitable location for each houseplant.
“You will soon discover which plants do well in your home and where,” said Joan. “Many houseplants can be propagated by taking cuttings. These will grow and mature acclimatised to your conditions and, as such, are likely to do very well.”
If your houseplants flourish, treat them as you would care for outdoor plants. Many will benefit from pruning and shaping in early spring, although you should cut dead or damaged leaves off as soon as you notice them. In summer, most houseplants will need to be fed with houseplant feed in order to promote growth and maintain an overall healthy condition.