Indoor plants bring green goodness
Here are some indoor plants that are in vogue right now and how to care for them.
Interior green spaces have been elevated from a desirable picture in a magazine to a necessity in people’s décor.
From entry planters and stately potted trees to living wall pieces, creating green space throughout our environment has become a top priority.
We have been busy this season with our POTTED program at the nursery, going to people’s dwellings and making their porches, homes, and offices come alive with greenery goodness. It takes a level of comfort and familiarity to confidently embrace indoor plants.
But fear not, that is why we - the professionals - are here to help. Whether we completely design a space for you, or simply guide you in the right direction during the buying process there are many options to choose from and it’s our job to share the tips we have learned along the way.
For those just getting started with indoor plants here are my favorite varieties that are in vogue right now and how to care for them.
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FICUS LYRATA – Fiddle Leaf Fig
By far this is currently the most desirable houseplant on the market. People are drawn to their oversized shiny green leaves and commanding stature.
Perfect to anchor a room and make a strong impression. You can find these anywhere from 3’ to 8’ tall in our store with single or multiple trunks.
How to care: Place in a room with bright, indirect light. Avoid areas where it will receive a lot of direct airflow, like an air conditioner vent or fireplace, which will cause the leaves to dry out faster.
These do not recover quickly from stress so make sure you maintain a consistent watering schedule. When the first inch of the soil dries out thoroughly water the container.
This may require moving it outside to water and properly drain if you do not have a saucer on your pottery to catch the runoff. Use an indoor houseplant fertilizer once a month spring and fall when the plant is actively growing.
Design tips: Choose a container that will compliment your interior décor well. This tree will quickly become a statement piece in your home and you want the container to have equal value.
There are many options to achieve the look you desire. From interesting galvanized pieces to oversized baskets, to traditional glazed pottery, there is something to suit you.
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SANSEVIERIA SP. – Snake Plant
If you are looking for easy care, look no further. These succulent-like plants can tolerate bright to dim light, little to no water, and frequently be “forgotten.” Their vertical stature is perfect for entry ways, tight corners, or mantels where you are looking for height but cannot sacrifice space.
How to care: Snake plants handle a multitude of conditions without showing stress. Let the soil dry out between watering, then thoroughly water around the root zone. You can easily propagate by simply dividing the plant at the roots and re-pot.
Design tips: Create a unique medley of Sansevieria in your home to show off the variety of characteristics.
There are dozens of varieties to choose from, my current favorites are Moonshine, Black Gold, and Black Coral. Moonshine has a relatively wide leaf with a slight wave to it and dominant light gray/silver tone.
This variety stays under 24” high making it a great choice for mass planting in an oversized pot. Black Gold will give you the traditional Snake Plant look with its tall, vertical, slender leaves.
Maturing to 24” to 36” high these are an eye-catching statement piece because their bright yellow edging contrasts dramatically to the deep green, almost black center of their leaves.
Black Coral has a unique silver marking that runs horizontally up the deep green leaves. Maturing to 36” to 48” in height create a space where the stature can be appreciated.
Take advantage of their natural vertical growing habit by planting them in a narrow columnar container. This is a great way to add greenery to corners that other houseplants would encroach on.
PLATYCERIUM BIFURCATUM – Staghorn Fern
Green is going vertical in 2017. From living green walls to Tillandsias - now single specimen plants like Staghorns have been making their appearance. These unique epiphytes are native to tropical locals and are found in nature growing upon trees in massive clumps.
How to care: Staghorn Ferns have three distinct parts. The “antlers” – the green leaves emerging from the root ball, the “shield fronds” – rounded leaves that harden over time to protect the roots, and the roots.
You can alternate watering methods weekly by heavily misting the antlers and shield fronts one week, then fully submerging the entire plant the next.
If your mounted Staghorn fern has reached a level of maturity that a bucket or large bowl will no longer do you can fill a sink or bathtub with water and submerge the plant itself (avoiding the wood that the plant is mounted to).
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After letting it drip dry, hang it back up. During our winter months, you can extend the watering to two or three-week intervals. Common indicators with watering issues: if antlers are brown at the base, you are over watering it.
Avoid watering for two or three weeks until signs of stress are gone. If the antlers tips are brown you are under watering the plant. Try increasing your misting regimen.
Design tips: You want to accentuate the visual concept that this is growing vertically. Although you can start with a smaller potted specimen, buy a more established plant that is already mounted to enjoy.
Make a composition, using this as your art piece, and hang on the wall over a side table or over your bed. Play with accessories nearby to compliment the piece.
SENECIO ROWLEYANUS – String of Pearls
What a delightful find are these? Also called a Rosary String these delicate hanging stems are dotted all the way down with fully rounded pea-like leaves.
This hanging succulent adds a touch of whimsy and elegance to a potted arrangement. They get small fuzzy flowers that have the slight scent of cinnamon.
How to care: This succulent is native to coastal regions of South Africa and prefers more moderate growing conditions. It is best to keep them indoors in bright indirect light to avoid the frost and prevent sunburn.
Let them dry out completely between watering, only to replenish when that top ½”-1” of the soil is dry. Water thoroughly every couple of weeks or so, less frequently in cooler months.
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Like most houseplants, their active growing season is spring and fall. Add a little houseplant fertilizer once a month during its growing season.
You will notice these send long rambling stems to the ground. To keep the plant from looking sparse regularly trim back the stems to promote fuller growth at the base.
Design tips: You can use these in a potted arrangement as a spiller to compliment other indoor plants.
If you want to draw attention to their unique habit select and interesting wall or hanging planter and fill the entire thing with the String of Pearls.
The 18” stems will cascade over creating a unique visual within your home or office.
Devon is the designer and manages The Gardens in Tulare. She can be reached at devon@thegardensshop.com.
Upcoming Events and Workshops
Hosting & Hand Lettering: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15 -- Throwing a spring gathering? Come learn how to set up two spring tablescapes while practicing hand lettering along the way! RSVP $35 per person
Annual Spring Jubilee: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22 -- Enjoy a festive day in The Gardens with live music, gardening seminars, and demos, kids craft, local food, specials, and giveaways.
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Mommy & Me Succulent Fairy Garden: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 20: Join us as we create one of a kind fairy gardens including miniature garden accessories and beautiful succulents. One RSVP covers one fairy garden. RSVP $60
Lovely Blooms Floral Design Workshop: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 27: Learn our expert tips on creating a unique floral arrangement, including how to incorporate succulent cuttings. Gift the workshop as a Mother's Day Gift! RSVP $65
The Gardens, 950 N. J St., Tulare. 559-688-2084 or www.thegardensshop.com