Fill your home with fab foliage
Houseplants are making a comeback so why not try one of these plants to grow for something really eye-catching
Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)
Warmth and humidity are the key to success with this genus; keep temperatures constant at 18-22C (64-71F), make sure you have high humidity, so mist daily or grow in a bathroom, and give them bright light during the winter. During summer, grow them in part shade. Their large, mottled foliage on a shrubby, branching habit makes them ever popular, with a mature plant reaching to 1.5m (5ft). They make spectacular specimens when well grown. Ideally, position in a warm bathroom or kitchen, and keep away from cold draughts, which can cause the edges of the leaves to go brown.
Keeping the humidity high is important
– this can be achieved by placing the plants above a damp gravel bed and grouping
several plants together, which also keeps a higher humidity level around the leaves.
If you have the right conditions, they’ll reward you with beautiful, variegated foliage – make a statement and grow several forms together.
Dracaena (dragon tree)
This is a plant with a variety of leaf colours tending to have streaks along the leaves. In most varieties the stem can become tall; over 1.2m (4ft), with the base of the cane becoming bare, creating a palm-like shape. A minimum temperature of 15C (59F) will keep these plants happy, with the foliage needing a high humidity to stop edges and tips drying up and turning brown. Grow in part shade in a humid atmosphere or mist the leaves daily. Feed fortnightly during spring and summer with a general-purpose houseplant feed. Top tips ● Give houseplants a spring clean, wiping down leaves to remove dust. Use a cloth dampened with water or milk. ● Check underneath the plant’s pot to see if many roots are coming through the drainage holes. Repot if there are. ● Tall plants can become top heavy; when you repot place a layer of pebbles at the base of your new, larger pot – these will not only act as ballast but also add drainage. ● If you’re concerned about overwatering plants use a small indoor watering can that has a narrow spout. This will give you more control over the volume of water you pour. It’s best to underwater a plant, especially young ones, then come back in a couple of days to give a li le more – li le and often.