Five ways to incorporate and care for plants into your home.
Consider placement
“Find a spot that is well ventilated and has sufficient natural light. A place near a window usually works well. Plants mostly love light and the ventilation will allow the soil or planting medium not to stay too wet as this can cause the plant to rot and the soil to smell foul.” – Craig de Necker, managing director of The Friendly Plant
Feature a statement plant
“In contemporary-style decorating where ‘less is more’, plants are a great way to introduce some warmth and life into the room. One large feature planter with a statement plant can take care of a bare wall or corner. The most reliable plant choices are the Dracaena family, Raphis palms, Philodendron scandens, Sanseviera, Aspidistra, Aglaonema, Dieffenbachia and Monsteira.” – Julie Scragg, owner of Japi by Hingham
Use a drip tray
“The choice of planter is all important in supporting the look and feel that you are creating. A drip tray will spoil the clean lines of a contemporary pot which is why we avoid drilling holes in Japi pots for indoors, rather using the Japi pot to catch the water or inserting a styler liner self-watering pot inside your stylish Japi planter.” – Julie Scragg, owner of Japi by Hingham
Feed regularly
“Keep plants healthy with regular feeding. Use plant food monthly or add to your misting solution for a quick and easy ‘two-in-one’ solution! A second feeding option is an easy-to-use ‘pill/stick’-type fertiliser that can be stuck into the pot plant in the soil, to help with a slow release of nutrients. Visit your local GCA garden centre for the best option for you.” – Life is a Garden
Wipe your plants
“Dust accumulates quickly – especially on leaves that are wide and large. Use a damp cloth to wipe clean and you’ll be amazed at the instant transformation. (This is especially important when misting plants.)” – Life is a Garden
Different containers for different indoor plants – by Life is a Garden
Incorporating different container textures, sizes, and colour is an easy way to complement or contrast your existing décor. Extend a theme or create a totally new one with these ideas:
- Minimalistic: Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) in a sleek white ceramic pot.
- Big and bold: Many elephant ears (Alocasia) on the patio in tall terracotta.
- Lively: Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) planted in a red or yellow container.
- Tropical: Majesty palm (Ravenea revularis) highlighted in a large woven basket.
- Moody: Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’ is dramatic in a matt black container.
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