Placeholder Content Image

Learn to think like a plant: four questions to think about if you want to keep your houseplants healthy

<p><em>You don’t drown by falling into the water; you drown by staying there (Edwin Louis Cole).</em></p> <p>I’d say most potted orchid deaths arise from drowned roots. Conversely, I’ve seen people desiccate cacti believing they don’t need water. True, I scarcely water mine for six months in the year, but in high summer I water them weekly. My potted orchids instead enjoy a good shower all year round. </p> <p>Houseplants all have their likes and dislikes. But once you know the rules of thumb, there are few homes in which you can’t grow a plant well.</p> <p>I’m a botanist and my work takes me all over the world in pursuit of plants. Seeing a plant in the wild helps you understand how it is adapted to a given environment and how you can recreate that environment in your home. When I bring a new plant into my home, I ask: how would you grow in nature? And where would you be happiest? </p> <p>The roots of <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/phalaenopsis/growing-guide">Phalaenopsis</a> (a popular indoor orchid) cling to tree branches in the wild. An orchid’s roots need air around them and they cannot withstand sitting in water. But showering the orchid regularly and allowing the water to drain freely mimics a tropical rainstorm, so it suits the plant perfectly.</p> <p>In a rainforest in the Philippines, I once saw an <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/912/alocasia/details">Alocasia</a> (a popular foliage plant with striking veins) growing just metres from a <a href="https://www.rhsplants.co.uk/plants/_/asplenium-nidus/classid.2000028174/">bird’s-nest-fern</a> (another houseplant with glossy green fronds). </p> <p>The Alocasia was growing on the shady forest floor and the bird’s-nest-fern was sprouting from the fork of a tree above it. The Alocasia likes filtered light, and much like orchids, the bird’s-nest-fern enjoys good drainage.</p> <p>To grow a houseplant well, you must learn to think like a plant. So, here are my top tips for keeping your houseplants healthy.</p> <h2>1. Where should your plant go?</h2> <p>There’s a bewildering variety of plants available now that <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ppp3.10257">houseplants are taking over our homes</a>. But it’s good to remember the old adage “right plant, right place”. </p> <p>It’s no good growing a cactus in a shady corner – it simply won’t work. Start with the conditions you have in your home and go from there.</p> <p>A bright, humid place such as a kitchen or bathroom windowsill is perfect for most tropical or subtropical houseplants. <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/cacti-succulents">Cacti and succulents</a>, which are adapted to live in deserts, instead need as much sunlight as possible all year round.</p> <p>Many houseplants also thrive on a spell outdoors – typically from June to August. I place my succulents outside against a warm wall during summer. </p> <p>But avoid moving a plant into full sun too quickly. Even a <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/banana/growing-guide">banana plant</a>, which flourishes under tropical sun, can scorch if you change its conditions too abruptly.</p> <h2>2. When and how should you water?</h2> <p>Plants generally prefer liberal watering in the summer months when they’re growing actively, and far less in the winter. Taking this to extremes, I keep cacti and succulents in an unheated greenhouse and do not water them at all from October to April. Desert nights are cold, so many of these plants are surprisingly cold-hardy when dry. </p> <p>By contrast, I keep a large <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/140276/monstera/details">Swiss cheese plant</a> in a shady corner, and water it fortnightly in winter and weekly in summer. Like people, it thrives on routine. </p> <p>But even then, it’s important to water all of your plants with lukewarm – and never cold – water. This enhances absorption and avoids temperature-shock. Using body temperature (37℃) water is a good rule of thumb.</p> <p>Carnivorous plants, such as the <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/5893/i-dionaea-muscipula-i/details">Venus flytrap</a>, that derive their nutrients from trapping and consuming insects instead need rain. They hate tap water.</p> <h2>3. Should you feed them?</h2> <p>Most houseplants will plod along with little or no supplementary plant food (such as a liquid fertiliser). But some, including foliage plants like <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/95720/ficus-elastica/details">rubber figs</a> and Swiss cheese plants, will prosper if you do decide to feed them. </p> <p>This is best given in the summer months when the plants are growing actively. I use tomato feed for just about all my houseplants in the summer. But the feed is very diluted for some plants, such as orchids, that can be sensitive to over-feeding. </p> <p>Tomato feed for houseplants isn’t conventional but it works for me. Garden centres instead sell concentrated liquid feed specific for potted houseplants. </p> <h2>4. When to repot?</h2> <p>Many houseplants can withstand the same pot for a surprisingly long time, especially slow and steady growers like cacti. But if you keep foliage plants in warm conditions – particularly in homes with underfloor heating – they’re likely to need repotting regularly to avoid drying out. </p> <p>When repotting, choose one or two pot sizes up. This allows for root space, but avoids an excess of stagnant compost.</p> <p>It’s also important to use the right compost. Most plants do well in multipurpose compost – but not all. </p> <p>Orchids prefer “orchid bark” that provides drainage and allows plenty of air around the roots. Carnivorous plants require specialist compost because they object to the high concentrations of nutrients formulated in multipurpose. And keep things green by avoiding peat – destroying peat bogs to make garden compost <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10113-022-01900-8">is environmentally damaging</a>.</p> <p>To allow your houseplants to flourish further, top-dress your pots with grit or shingle. This will keep <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/fungus-gnats">fungus gnats</a> (those pesky little black flies) at bay.</p> <p>People often tell me they struggle to keep their houseplants alive. But keeping a thriving indoor thicket need not be difficult. Learning which plants to choose, how best to water and feed them, and how regularly they need repotting will all help to keep your indoor plants healthy.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/learn-to-think-like-a-plant-five-questions-to-think-about-if-you-want-to-keep-your-houseplants-healthy-204291" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Home & Garden

Placeholder Content Image

Plant enthusiast’s simple solution to get rid of pests

<p dir="ltr">A plant enthusiast has come up with an easy way of getting rid of gnats and fruit flies around houseplants for good.</p> <p dir="ltr">Graphic designer Brad Canning created his own bug “trap” using three products, dishwashing liquid, apple cider vinegar and honey.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 29-year-old man, who owns more than 60 indoor plants, mixed the three ingredients in a small bowl and placed it near his houseplants. </p> <p dir="ltr">The method works because fungus gnats and fruit flies are attracted to the sweet smell and taste of apple cider vinegar and honey, once they try to drink it, the sticky dish soap would trap them. </p> <p dir="ltr">“How annoying are these tiny little bugs? They’re flying around because you’ve got a couple of houseplants. Lets get rid of them. It’s pretty straight forward,” Brad said in his <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/%20bradcanning">TikTok video</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">He made his DIY solution by combining a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a dollop of honey and a splash of dishwashing liquid. Braid said white vinegar will work in lieu of apple cider vinegar. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Give it a little bit of mix," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The gnats will be completely attracted to it. They’ll fly in there and will die,” Brad said, adding: “So this will only help to get rid of adult gnats.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The video went viral with many saying they can’t wait to give the method a go at home while those who tried it said it did in fact work. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I did this and it 100 per cent worked for gnats - took a day or two so be patient,” one said. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: TikTok</em></p>

Home & Garden

Placeholder Content Image

Houseplants 101

<p>There’s something about a little pot of flowers or green plant that instantly livens up  a home. If you’ve wanted to decorate your interior, or exterior, with some plants but have been concerned about your non-existent green thumb, then you’ll be pleased to know that bringing up lush and happy houseplants is actually quite simple. While not all greenery are created equal and some do require more effort, here we run through the care of four plants that are hard to kill if you apply the little bit of TLC we recommend.</p> <p><strong>1. Ferns</strong><br /><strong>Care tip:</strong> As forest floor plants, wild ferns thrive on a steady supply of gently decaying organic matter. In the home, this means giving them a steady supply of weak fertilizer during the growing season. A weak liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellet fertilizer is perfect.<br /><strong>Light:</strong> These little darlings are delicate – ferns do best with indirect sunlight to shade; strong sunlight should definitely be avoided.<br /><strong>Water:</strong> keep soil moist, but not waterlogged. Misting is a great way to keep them hydrated and happy.  </p> <p><strong>2. Calatheas</strong><br /><strong>Care tip:</strong> Easy to care for, the calathea plant will have everyone thinking that you have a gifted green thumb. Groom your calathea plant regularly to keep it looking beautiful. Wipe any dust off the leaves with a clean, damp cloth. Mist the leaves to ensure that all sides of the plants receive humidity and moisture. Remove any yellow leaves to keep your plant strong and growing.<br /><strong>Light:</strong> moderate shade to bright indirect light; like ferns, they’re not the biggest fans of strong, unfiltered sunlight.<br /><strong>Water:</strong> keep soil moist at all times, and make sure your container allows for good draining.</p> <p><strong>3. Rubber trees</strong><br /><strong>Care tip:</strong> In order to promote new leaves on a current rubber tree houseplant, cut a slit in the node where a leaf fell off. This will allow a new leaf to grow quicker.<br /><strong>Light:</strong> bright, indirect sunlight is best – like next to a window that has sheer curtains, for example.<br /><strong>Water:</strong> allow the soil surface to dry slightly in-between waterings. if you notice droopy leaves, it’s time to water.</p> <p><strong>4. Succulents</strong><br /><strong>Care tip:</strong> Succulents are booming in popularity for two simple reasons: they are beautiful and nearly indestructible. Succulents should be potted in a fast-draining mixture that's designed for cacti and succulents.<br /><strong>Light:</strong> these cuties can seriously take the heat. give them the sunniest spot in your home. my windowsills are lined with them!<br /><strong>Water:</strong> water very sparingly. soil should be dry to the touch at all times, but if you notice that their petals are withering and puckered, it’s time to water.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

Placeholder Content Image

5 houseplants that are near impossible to kill

<p>Some of us may not have the greenest of thumbs, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying all the benefits of houseplants.</p> <p>Not only are there plenty of low-maintenance houseplants to grow, houseplants add living beauty to your space and help purify the air, giving you a boost in both body and spirit.</p> <p>(Though do keep in mind that some houseplants are toxic to pets or children, so check children’s health websites before incorporating houseplants into your home.)</p> <p>hese five hard-to-kill houseplants that will flourish under the care of even the most forgetful gardeners. </p> <p><strong>1. Philodendron</strong></p> <p>Add a subtle touch of burgundy or golden yellow to your living space with the wide, waxy leaves of philodendron. Try the varieties McColley’s Finale or Prince of Orange for colourful philodendron that are low-fuss. This houseplant can grow quickly, though, so keep it well groomed by trimming it back, staking upright types or winding the foliage around itself.</p> <p><strong>Why we love it:</strong> There are two types of philodendron: vining and non-climbing, so it’s a cinch to pick the type that best suits your space. It also accents other plants wonderfully.</p> <p><strong>2. Geranium</strong></p> <p>A reliable and eager bloomer, even in winter, geraniums come in every shade of the rainbow, and then some. If you want to add more than just color to your living space, explore the world of scented-leaf geraniums, which come in fragrances like pine, peppermint, and nutmeg.</p> <p><strong>Why we love it:</strong> Geraniums are best left to their own devices. Water thoroughly, but only as needed, then sit back and enjoy the show</p> <p><strong>3. Hens and chicks</strong></p> <p>Whether it’s a single blooming sempervivum or a whole container of these rosette-shaped succulents, they make for an impressive presentation. These tough little guys need bright light to survive, and just one of these plants will easily propagate many more. This succulent’s only weakness is mealybugs, which can spread to other plants in your home if you’re not careful.</p> <p><strong>Why we love it:</strong> No matter where or how you plant it, hens and chicks will always look orderly and snug in their containers.</p> <p><strong>4. Aloe</strong></p> <p>Want the look of an agave plant on a much smaller scale? Try family-friendly aloe. This funky-looking succulent flourishes in south-facing windowsills where they can get plenty of bright light, but east- and west-facing windows work just as well.</p> <p>Aloe loves company—cluster a few different varieties together in one container for a unique look.</p> <p><strong>Why we love it:</strong> The popular aloe vera doesn’t just look good—it’ll make you feel good, too. The jelly-like pulp inside its leaves is a great home remedy for minor burns and insect bites.</p> <p><strong>5. ZZ plant</strong></p> <p>With no blooms when grown indoors and a slow growth-rate, ZZ plant doesn’t have a lot of frills. But what it lacks in pop, it makes up in polish with its glossy green leaves and vertical, palm-like stems. Splurge a little and buy a mature ZZ plant at the outset and give this slender statement plant its best chance to thrive in the indirect light of an east- or west-facing window.</p> <p><strong>Why we love it:</strong> ZZ plant works with every decorating style, because it looks awesome in any kind of container from a woven basket for a bohemian look to a chic glazed container for a modern space.</p> <p><em>Written by Birds and Blooms. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/gardening-tips/10-houseplants-are-near-impossible-kill">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRN93V">here’s our best subscription offer</a>.</em></p>

Home & Garden

Placeholder Content Image

The best plants to keep at home according to NASA

<p>In the 1980s, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America studied houseplants to see if they would be a viable option to purify the air in space facilities. They found several plants that best filter out common volatile organic compounds. These plants can also help us filter our indoor air down on Earth. If these houseplants are good enough to filter NASA’s space stations, then they’re surely good enough for our houses.</p> <ul> <li>English ivy (Hedera helix)</li> <li>Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)</li> <li>Golden pothos or Devil's ivy (Scindapsus aures or Epipremnum aureum)</li> <li>Peace lily (Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa')</li> <li>Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)</li> <li>Bamboo palm or reed palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)</li> <li>Snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata'Laurentii')</li> <li>Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron oxycardium, syn.Philodendron cordatum)</li> <li>Selloum philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum, syn.Philodendron selloum)</li> <li>Elephant ear philodendron (Philodendron domesticum)</li> <li>Red-edged dracaena (Dracaena marginata)</li> <li>Cornstalk dracaena (Dracaena fragans 'Massangeana')</li> <li>Janet Craig dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig')</li> <li>Warneck dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Warneckii')</li> <li>Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)</li> <li>Gerbera daisy or Barberton daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)</li> <li>Pot mum or florist's chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium)</li> <li>Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/at-home/2015/02/benefits-of-indoor-plants/" target="_blank">5 amazing benefits of indoor plants</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/03/gardening-quotes/" target="_blank">10 famous gardening quotes we love</a></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/02/beautiful-garden-pics/" target="_blank">Picture gallery: Over60 community garden inspiration</a></strong></em></p> <p> </p>

Home & Garden

Placeholder Content Image

Genius ice cube trick will save your houseplants

<p>Ever wondered why your beloved houseplants seem to wilt after a good watering? There’s a good chance you might have actually drowned them with kindness. Overwatering is one of the leading causes of houseplant death. When you over saturate your blooms, the soil becomes heavy and soggy, making it impossible for oxygen to reach the roots of the plant. The roots end up dying and begins to rot and as we all know, dead roots does not a happy plant make. To avoid over watering, you can read up on the types of plants you have in your home, carefully watch them for signs of wilting or you can try this nifty ice cube trick.</p> <p>The humble ice cube is actually the perfect way to gradually top up the moisture level of your plants. As the ice melts, it slowly waters the plant giving enough time for the roots and soil to absorb the water fully and not become soggy and over damp. It also prevents water pooling in the bottom of your pot which can cause root rot. Try one large ice cube or a couple of small ones for best results.</p> <p>Do you have any gardening tricks to share? Share with us in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/09/cheap-and-trendy-recycling-tips/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>7 cheap and trendy recycling tips</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/09/5-ways-to-bring-the-outdoors-in/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>5 ways to bring the outdoors in</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/08/the-trick-to-growing-herbs-in-a-pot/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The trick to growing herbs in a pot</span></em></strong></a></p>

Home & Garden

Placeholder Content Image

How to choose the perfect houseplant

<p>When choosing an indoor plant, it’s worth doing some research to find out what position it will thrive in best, the growing conditions it needs, and whether it will fit in with the intended environment. This will ensure that your plant remains healthy and that you avoid making costly mistakes. However, if you don’t start off with a healthy plant, then you will be fighting an up-hill battle from the get-go.</p> <p>Take the time to check that you have chosen a healthy specimen that will thrive once you get home. The following checklist should help you to make a good choice:</p> <p>1. Look for strong, healthy leaves with a good, vibrant colour. Avoid any plant with damaged or blotchy leaves.</p> <p>2. The plant’s stems should be firm and, if the plant is flowering, choose one that has lots of unopened buds for a longer flowering period.</p> <p>3. Check that there is no space between the potting mix and the inside of the pot, because this means the plant is extremely dry and will grow poorly.</p> <p>4. Make sure there are no insects or larvae on the plant; you don’t want to introduce pest infestations into your home, as these may affect other house plants.</p> <p>5. Avoid diseased plants with a furry mould at the base or any unsightly blotches.</p> <p>6. Check for any curled or withered leaves, which indicate that the plant won’t grow well in future.</p> <p>7. Check that there are no soggy, wilted patches, since this suggests that the plant has root rot or is pot-bound.</p> <p>8. Check that the roots are not growing out of the bottom of the pot. This means that the plant is pot-bound and so has been under stress.</p> <p>9. Buy a younger plant if possible because, although it will be smaller, it will adapt to its new environment better.</p> <p>10. When taking your plant home, make sure it is wrapped properly, to ensure that there is no damage to the leaves during transit.</p> <p>11. Don’t place the plant in direct sunlight for the first few weeks, so that it can acclimatise before you move it to its final position. However, if you are buying a flowering plant, such as a cyclamen, azalea, or chrysanthemum, place it in its final sunny position immediately.</p> <p>Do you have any other tips for choosing a healthy plant to share with the community? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em><img width="152" height="184" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/28246/house-plants-cvr_152x184.jpg" alt="House Plants CVR" style="float: right;"/>This is an edited extract from </em>House Plants<em> by Isabelle Palmerpublished by CICO Books RRP $39.99 and is available in stores nationally.</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/09/simple-ways-to-freshen-up-your-home/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">6 easy tricks to freshen up your home</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/09/common-recycling-mistakes/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>3 recycling mistakes we’re all guilty of</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/09/cheap-and-trendy-recycling-tips/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">7 cheap and trendy recycling tips</span></strong></em></a></p>

Home & Garden

Placeholder Content Image

6 ways to revive a nearly dead houseplant

<p>More black than green thumb? Fear not! All may not be lost. There are a number of ways to revive an almost dead house plant. And the best bit? They’re super easy (no expert gardening skills required).</p> <p><strong>1. Repot your plant</strong></p> <p>Running out of room and becoming root bound is one of the primary house plant killers. Moving a struggling succulent into a larger pot with plenty of room to grow and fresh soil and fertilizer can make a world of difference.</p> <p><strong>2. Improve its feed</strong></p> <p>Plants appreciate a good feed as much as the rest of us! Replacing your old soil with high quality potting mix and a specifically designed fertilizer can help renew and revitalize.</p> <p><strong>3. Here comes the sun</strong></p> <p>If your plant is on its last legs, a small dose of sun therapy might be in order. Abruptly moving plants into the hot sun can do more harm than good but gradually introducing indirect sunlight then small burst of direct sunlight can work wonders.</p> <p><strong>4. Ease off the water</strong></p> <p>Too much water can be too much of a good thing! The majority of plants have dormant periods whereby they don’t require as much watering. Knowing when to water and when to hold off can help your plants to thrive long term.</p> <p><strong>5. Say sayonara to pests</strong></p> <p>If the leaves of your plant are looking a bit worse for wear, bugs might be the problem. The easiest way to get rid of unwanted visitors is by gently wiping or spritzing leaves with a mild soapy water solution.</p> <p><strong>6. Try a greenhouse</strong></p> <p>Some plants enjoy a little humidity. The majority of us don’t want to turn our homes into a sweatbox so an individual greenhouse for your plants is the perfect solution. All you need is a small plastic bag secured over the plant for 4-5 days. This will create the perfect conditions to help restore life to your drooping plant.</p> <p>Are you a house plant fan? What’s your number one tip for long term growing success? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/how-to-grow-plants-from-cuttings/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to grow plants from cuttings</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/concealing-your-backyard-eyesores/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Concealing your backyard eyesores</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/how-to-grow-australian-native-orchids-in-your-backyard/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to grow Australian native orchids in your backyard</span></strong></em></a></p>

Home & Garden

Placeholder Content Image

Houseplants that can survive dark corners

<p>If your home isn’t full of natural light, or your sunny spots are all taken, these plants will still thrive.</p> <p><strong>Calathea</strong></p> <p>The gorgeous patterns on the leaves add a pop of colour to any room. Keep away from the sun as it can cause the patterns to fade.</p> <p><strong>Dieffenbachia</strong></p> <p>A perfect plant to sit next to a curtain, as it needs diffused light to thrive. The lime green leaves are lovely and bright and can add a splash of colour to a bedroom.</p> <p><strong>Dragon tree</strong></p> <p>These spiky green leaves with a red outline make an interesting indoor plant. But they don’t like direct sunlight so ensure they get to enjoy the shade.</p> <p><strong>Spider plants</strong></p> <p>These plants do really well in an indirectly lit area. They are easy to grow and easy to share ‘baby’ spider plants with friends.</p> <p><strong>Heart-leaf philodendron</strong></p> <p>The heart shaped leaves of the "sweetheart plant" are quite happy in a dimly lit bedroom or loungeroom.</p> <p><strong>Bromeliads</strong></p> <p>Looking for a plant for your bathroom? This tropical plant is happy to survive on florescent light alone and loves the humidity of the bathroom.</p> <p><strong>Peace lily</strong></p> <p>This low maintenance plant doesn’t even mind if you wait a while between watering, as it needs to dry out between drinks.</p> <p><strong>Chinese evergreen</strong></p> <p>A hardy plant that is ideal for the novice gardener, this is happy in low light and only requires fertilizer a couple of time per year.</p> <p><strong>Snake plant</strong></p> <p>This one is easy to maintain, and doesn’t need too much water. Although it will grow better with run, it can also happily live in darkness too.</p> <p><strong>Cast-iron plant</strong></p> <p>This one is a slow grower, but is very hardy to heat and cold. It is happy in low light too.</p> <p>Have we missed any plants that you know would love to live in a dimly lit corner? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/06/tips-for-decorating-a-small-apartment/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Tips for decorating a small apartment</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/06/tips-for-designing-a-garden-on-a-budget/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tips for designing a garden on a budget</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/05/common-decorating-mistakes-to-avoid/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 common decorating mistakes to avoid</strong></em></span></a></p>

Home & Garden

Placeholder Content Image

5 nearly indestructible indoor plants

<p>If you love the idea of keeping plants in the house, but find you can never seem to keep anything green for more than a couple of weeks, you might want to try one of these plants that you can essentially neglect without killing.</p> <p><strong>Succulents</strong></p> <p>There are so many different kinds of succulents available that you could fill your home with them and not have two that look the same. They enjoy sunlight and dry air, and typically only require weekly watering – just make sure to check the soil is dry before adding more.</p> <p><strong>Air plants</strong></p> <p>A beautiful plant you barely have to water? Check. No soil required? Check. Go out and get yourself an air plant. You can simply place them in a decorative vase, or just leave them on a shelf. You’ll just want to soak them in water for a few hours every 10 days or so.</p> <p><strong>Begonias</strong></p> <p>With a bevy of different foliage colours available, these summer favourites are sure to look great at your place. Leave their soil to dry out before watering them and enjoy the colour.</p> <p><strong>Cast-iron plant</strong></p> <p>This plant will stand up to drought conditions if it has to, so if you’re really really bad at remembering to water your plants, this hardy beauty might just be for you.</p> <p><strong>Chinese evergreen</strong></p> <p>The Chinese evergreen is able to withstand a lot of mistreatment (though we don’t recommend it – that’s just mean). Pick out your favourite variation and eave it somewhere with low to medium light. Make sure you check the soil – when it’s dry, add water.</p> <p> </p>

Home & Garden