INDOOR plants are such a wonderful way to freshen up your home’s interior and add colour to your home. Keeping them alive though can be a challenge for even the best of us so here are three picks that look great and add greenery to your space along with some gardening hints:
Monstera adansonii or “Swiss cheese plant”
One of the most on-trend plants at the moment, the Monstera adansonii is known for its lush green leaves with distinctive holes. Monstera plants prefer a warm climate away from direct sunlight and they benefit from regular cleaning with a soft, damp cloth. Allowing the top 4cm of soil to dry out between watering is best as over watering may lead to root rot, signified by yellowing or wilting leaves. Monsteras should enjoy conditions that are fairly moist so avoid artificial heating and cooling, and they require monthly feeding in spring and summer when planted in containers. Utilising a stake or trellis for support is recommended as in their natural habitat they are a climbing plant.
Zanzibar Gem
Even the best of us have struggled to keep a plant alive, that’s why this ‘almost indestructible’ and drought resistant plant is a top pick. Native to Africa, it has deep, green glossy leaves and is able to survive a long period without water. To care for your Zanzibar Gem, don’t over-water it or sit it in water. It thrives on neglect (perfect!) and prefers you don’t water it too often, once a month is enough. It’s best placed in a bright to light shaded area, however it will tolerate a shady spot, but will just take longer to grow. Keep it out of direct sunlight as the plant can burn. You can add a slow-release fertiliser in spring and re-pot if you notice the root starting to bulge.
Maidenhair Fern
If you’re prepared to give a Maidenhair Fern the TLC it requires, it can make a beautiful addition to your home. They have feathery, light green leaves with soft shiny stems and they make a great hanging plant. Maidenhair Ferns can be a little finicky, they require not too much light, but not too little, growing well in a warm spot with a bit of humidity. Placing a saucer filled with pebbles beneath the potted plant is best, fill the saucer with water to just below the top of the pebbles and as the water evaporates, it creates a humid microclimate around the plant.
