People are increasingly keen to connect with plants and are realizing that houseplants are an inexpensive, stylish and therapeutic way of bringing nature into their homes.  When we all lead such busy, urban lives, that’s a lovely thing.  So it’s no wonder that as the world stage grows increasingly fraught, we’ve turned to growing things.  If you’re considering becoming a first time indoor plant parent, we’ve put together our top 10 plants that you may want to consider beginning with, as they’re easy-to-grow and maintain.  They’ll soon have you feeling like a very proud plant parent.  Please remember that our staff at all stores are available to assist you with any queries you might have.

Aspidistra or cast iron plant

The Aspidistra isn’t called the cast iron plant for no reason.  It’s tolerance of shade, drought, drafts, pests and neglect makes it a perfect choice for beginners.  It’s a wonderful indoor plant with tough, leathery foliage, bringing the tropics indoors. Keep aspidistras away from direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves and take care not to overwater them.  Too much water can lead to plant death by root-rot. Let them dry out between watering. They make a perfect plant for areas like bathrooms. Aspidistras offer long-term enjoyment and beauty.

SOIL:  Good quality, well draining potting mix
WATER:  Low to moderate watering – once a week at most
FEEDING:  Fertilise every 1 to 2 months
LIGHT:  Tolerates low light | Avoid direct sunlight
MATURE SIZE:  Approximately 70cm

 

Aglaonema ‘Silver Queen’

This beauty has silvery markings on slender green leaves and the plant has a compact habit. They make a strong display alone but also work really well when grouped with other plants.  Their opulent foliage in shades of silver-green with rich green flecks are perfect for adding a lush, tropical feel in the home.

SOIL:  Rich, peaty potting soil
WATER: In summer water thoroughly once a week. Do not allow to dry out. Water sparingly in winter.
FEEDING:  Fertilise once a month during spring and summer
LIGHT:  Will tolerate low light | Avoid direct sunlight
MATURE SIZE:  Approximately 60cm

 

Scindapsis aureus or marble plant

This is a very easy plant to grow and it will quickly provide your room with a colourful leaf display.  Their large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves of green marbled with cream are a feature if this indoor plant. They are best grown in warm spot protected from droughts. These plants are climbers and as such, look great in hanging baskets, climbing a plant pole, or spilling over the edge of a table or shelf.

SOIL: Good quality potting mix
WATER:  Water approximately once a week, allowing the soil to dry out before watering again
FEEDING:  Fertilise every two weeks during spring and summer
LIGHT:  Enjoys medium to bright filtered light but no direct sunlight
MATURE SIZE:  If provided correct support, these plants can reach a height of 2m

 

Zamioculcas or ZZ plant

If you like a plant that’s easygoing and sculptural, look no further.  ZZ plants have waxy, smooth leaves that reflect sunlight and brighten a room. They’re a winner for greening virtually any space.  It’s an indigenous, hardy and easy to care for indoor plant. Contemporary looks and the ability to live in low light conditions make this plant an absolute star.

SOIL: Well draining potting soil
WATER:  Every 1 to 2 weeks.  Allow the plant to dry out between watering
FEEDING:  Once and month in spring and summer
LIGHT: Medium to low filtered light.  No direct sunlight
MATURE SIZE: Approximately 90cm

 

Plectranthus or money plant

This indigenous plant has glossy, green, round leaves and is a robust plant which does well in indirect sunlight.  They look wonderful indoors in hanging baskets.  It likes to stay moist and it also responds well to pruning.

SOIL: Composted rich well draining potting soil
WATER:  Once every week or two
FEEDING:  Fertilise monthly during spring and summer
LIGHT:  Bright indirect light
MATURE SIZE:  Approximately 30cm

 

Ficus Lyrata or fiddle leaf fig

These plants feature very large, heavily veined, violin-shaped leaves that grow upright.  They make very dramatic focal points in a room if you can situate them in a floor-standing container where the plant can reach a few metres in height.  However, if you wish to control their height, prune off the top of the main stem for a bushier growthier, lower growth habit.

SOIL:  Well draining peaty potting soil
WATER:  Once a week to 10 days
FEEDING:  Fertilise monthly in summer – less if you don’t want your plant to grow too large
LIGHT:  High indirect light but no direct sunlight
MATURE HEIGHT:  12m to 15m outdoors.  Pruning will control indoor height

 

Trichilia emetica or Natal Mahogany

Indigenous Natal Mahogany is a great choice for medium to low light.  It’s an excellent, upright exotic looking houseplant. Its dark foliage and delicate pinnate leaves lend a soft ‘forest’ feeling to a space.  They are fast growing, and pruning will help to keep these plants full and bushy.

SOIL:  Quality potting soil with added peat for water retention
WATER: At least once a week.  These plants prefer to be kept moist, so place a saucer under them to hold extra water
FEEDING:  Fertilise monthly in spring and summer
LIGHT: Medium to low filtered light.  No direct sunlight
MATURE HEIGHT:  Approximately 25m outdoors.  Pruning will control indoor height

 

Anthuriums or flamingo flowers

These plants produce beautiful, long-lasting ‘flowers’ throughout the year. The waxy heart-shaped ‘flowers’ are actually modified leaves which can be found in shades of red, pink, pale yellow, white and salmon. As the flowers die or fade, remove them from the plant immediately.

SOIL: Rich, well draining potting soil
WATER:  Once to twice a week in summer, once a week in winter
FEEDING: Fertilise monthly during spring and summer
LIGHT:  Bright, indirect light.  No direct sunlight
MATURE HEIGHT:  Approximately 50cm

 

Spathiphyllum or peace lily

Peace lilies are indisputably terrific as houseplants.  Long-lasting flower stalks hover gracefully over their foliage. They filter more indoor pollutants than most other plants, so are great for bedrooms or other frequented rooms.

SOIL:  Rich, loose potting soil with organic matter
WATER:  Once a week.  Let soil dry before next watering
FEEDING:  Every 2 weeks during the summer months
LIGHT:  Bright, filtered light.  No direct sunlight
MATURE HEIGHT:  Approximately 40cm

 

Sanseveria or mother-in-law’s tongue

The Sanseveria is one of the best plants to clean indoor air, especially for people with allergies.  They have a very tall, elegant appearance.  Their structured, upright form looks great in a minimal space for a simple, clean look, as well as lending themselves to being grouped with other plants to create contrasting colour and texture.

SOIL:  Very well draining soil
WATER:  Every 10 days to 2 weeks
FEEDING:  Fertilise every two months
LIGHT:  Bright to medium indirect light
MATURE HEIGHT:  Approximately 120cm