Gardening tips: Greening up indoors

They say everyone needs a little green in their home and that’s especially true over the cooler months when we’re spending more time indoors. Greening up your space not only looks good, there’s proven health benefits as well.

Filtering the air, boosting your mood, improving your productivity and increasing creativity make the humble houseplant a mighty green asset! Even if you’re not ready to embrace an urban jungle in the living room, there’s an ‘indoor plant’ for all levels of green thumb.

Here’s some tips on how to pick your perfect plant partner…

Read the label

Not all indoor plants like the same conditions. Check how much light your green friend needs and turn it around occasionally so it doesn't grow awkwardly towards the light.

Soil

Most will need a free-draining but high-quality potting mix as they are relying on you to keep them fed and watered. Others need a specialty mix such as orchids and bromeliads who prefer a bark mix, cacti and succulents – a sandy, free draining soil and African Violets who have a blend all of their own.

Water

The sure-fire way to kill your new green friend is too much or too little water. Often the effect is the same, so it can be challenging with new plant parents to know how much is enough. Back to our first point – read the label.

Generally, a weekly water is sufficient, ensuring the water runs through the pot and drains before being placed back into its decorative cover pot or position in the room. The peace lily will dramatically droop its leaves when it’s thirsty and triumphantly raise them back up after a good water. Cacti and succulents can be left much longer and the famed ZZ Plant can survive happily without water and little light for a few weeks.

Tender loving care

Like all household décor, a good dusting with a damp cloth (a spell under a cold shower is a good tip) will keep the foliage looking and feeling fresh and improve photosynthesis. A little respite in an outdoor covered area with a gentle hose will benefit most ‘indoor plants’ too.

As the wellbeing of your plant comes down to you, treat them every 6-12 months with a slow-release fertiliser suitable for their type and a liquid feed for a fast-acting boost. Re-pot every 12-24 months for optimum growth. Searles Recharge Pots and Gardens is in a handy small tub ideal for apartment living and small gardens, and Yates Indoor Plant food is an easy to apply liquid, simply mixed with water.

There are hundreds of options when it come to plant choice. Wander through the shade house of your local nursery to see what’s right for you.

TOP TIPS

• Read the label for eventual plant size, light, soil and watering requirements

• Avoid placing plants in front of heaters or airconditioning

• Check if plants are pet-safe if you have household animals