OUTSIDE IN
As much as we love living and entertaining outdoors, we also love bringing the outdoors inside. Let plants be your living décor.
Tips for indoor plants
Don’t overwater. More plants die from overwatering than underwatering • Keep plants away from direct sunlight. Most do well with bright, indirect light. • Keep plants out of draughts and away from heaters in winter. • Don’t let pots stand in water as the roots will rot. Instead, place the pot on a bed of pebbles so the water is away from the base of the pot. • Spritz or wipe the leaves every now and then to improve humidity and remove dust from the leaves.
Green décor
This month we’re rediscovering the beauty and benefits of indoor plants. Not only do they bring a room to life, changing the mood and adding colour and texture, but they’re also good for us … cleaning the air and helping us relax. Here are a few indoor plants which help create a beautiful, tranquil space.
Trending trees
Indoor trees are the hottest trend in interiorscaping. Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is a popular indoor tree, growing up to 2m, with arching stems and glossy green leaves. Good for a light corner, on either side of a window, a well-lit passage or patio. The plants need moderate watering, and liquid fertilizer once a month in summer. Spritz the leaves to keep them dust-free. Light green leaves indicate a lack of nutrition. Leaf drop may be caused by under- or overwatering or a change in temperature.
Peace in the home
The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) not only removes certain household toxins but also filters unpleasant odours and produces clean oxygen. This compact, well-shaped plant fits into any décor style. Needing only low light to grow, it’s ideal for bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens. Water once a week and don’t overwater. It’s sensitive to cold.
Indestructible anthuriums
You don’t need green fingers to keep anthuriums alive. They last indoors for many years … all they need is bright, indirect light in a warm room. Let the soil dry out slightly between watering and don’t let the plant stand in water. There are large as well as dwarf varieties in a great colour range from dark red/black, to salmon, pink, yellow, shades of red and white as well as bicolours.
Indoor plant of the month
Cyclamen is a traditional indoor winter flower, but none are as flashy as the new Indiaka range with their two-tone colour-contrasting blooms, extra flower power and compact growth. Plants flower best if given bright indirect light in a warm room. Don’t overwater but keep the soil slightly moist. If the pot is in a saucer, empty the saucer 30 minutes after watering. Fertilize once a month with a liquid fertilizer for flowers. Remove dead flowers by pulling out the stem from the base of the plant. This will encourage it to produce more flowers. Details: plantimex.co.za
Indoor elegance with orchids
Is there anything more graceful or elegant than phalaenopsis (moth orchid)? We think not. Grow plants in glass containers to display the beautiful roots. The plants flower for up to three months and are easy to care for. They need strong, bright, indirect light, and high humidity for the best growth and flowers. Drop two ice-cubes on top of the plant once a week – this will supply enough water. Alternatively, run water through the potting mix for one minute every three to 10 days, depending on the season.
Good for beginners
Sansevieria Golden Futura always looks elegant, doesn’t wilt, and doesn’t take up much space, which is why it’s become such a popular indoor plant with interior designers. It’s happy in a well-lit room or home office and only needs watering when the potting mix feels dry.
The dark side
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas) grows just about anywhere, including in areas of low light, although it does better in brighter light. It’s also valued for its air purifying qualities. Plants can survive an amazing amount of neglect, because they need very little water, especially if grown in low light. Let the soil dry out between watering. A spritz of water on the leaves helps with humidity and removes dust. Give them a liquid feed once in spring and again in summer.