PICK A PLANT

from Bunnings Magazine August 2022

MAGIC MOSAICS

Plants, from top: Dieffenbachia plant in Northcote Pottery ‘Carter’ 17cm pot in Black, $12.98, I/N: 0263163. Zanzibar gem plant in Good Pot Co. ‘Billy’ cylinder pot in Lava, $19.98, I/N: 0263377. Dieffenbachia plant in Elho ‘Vibes’ 16cm round recycled plastic pot in Butter Yellow, $19, I/N: 0265611. Dieffenbachia plant in Northcote Pottery 16cm cork pot, $20.98, I/N: 0263241. Homalomena ‘Black’ plant in Good Pot Co. ‘Antik’ 16cm cylinder pot in Forest, $19.98, I/N: 0263386. Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube’ 146cm x 41cm x 39cm 1 x 4 storage unit in White, $79, I/N: 2583386. Fiddle leaf fig plant in Scheurich ‘Sado’ 24cm x 18cm ceramic pot in Cream, $36.98, I/N: 2891442, on Home Bazar ‘Boudoir’ stool, $59, I/N: 0239928. Peace lily plant in Lotus Collection ‘Linear’ 23.5cm x 23cm ceramic pot in Navy, $24.98, I/N: 0258713, on 36cm x 36cm x 30cm open round storage basket in Natural Hyacinth, $25, I/N: 0367305. All plants sold separately.

EXPERT GREEN THUMB OR RANK AMATEUR? HERE’S HOW TO FIND YOUR LEAFY SOULMATE

There are certain indoor plants that sit permanently at the top of the charts, perennially popular with indoor gardeners for their vibrant colours, distinctive shapes or easy-grow natures. Whether you’re looking for a crowdpleasing statement plant or just something you won’t easily kill, check out this list for inspiration.

EASY WINNERS

Choose hardy varieties but follow the plant label’s advice for lighting and watering needs

1Sansevieria Snake plant is a longlived evergreen that needs minimal maintenance and is virtually indestructible. The spear-like, stiff leaves in dark greens, some with yellow strips on the edge, can be sharp, so keep out of reach of young hands! Use it as an architectural statement in your home; it is also a fantastic air purifier, absorbing toxins. 2Syngonium This bushy and versatile plant, called arrowhead vine, is easy to care for and ranges in colour from strawberry-pink to green to variegated white-andgreen. It starts off compact, but grows and spreads out quickly. Don’t be afraid to prune, as the leaves will grow back fuller, creating a lush look perfect for a bookcase or side table. 3Devil’s ivy Give minimal care to this tenacious tropical vine and watch it flourish! Best in a warm spot with filtered light, its leaves are a glossy green or variegated with glints of gold. Let the soil surface dry out before watering. Prune to control shape and size (then propagate the stems). It’s poisonous to cats and dogs (and humans, if ingested) so place up high. 4 Spathiphyllum The peace lily is a popular indoor plant, with emerald foliage crowned by oval white flowers. Varieties include variegated and large foliaged forms. A natural air-purifier, it’s beautiful and hardy, but avoid direct sunlight and keep up the water to avoid drooping. All parts of it are mildly poisonous, and it can be particularly toxic to cats.

1 Northcote Pottery 18cm ‘Virgo’ ceramic pot in Cloud, $16.98, I/N: 0263149. 2 Pot, for similar try Tuscan Path ‘Ava’ 25cm x 25cm cylinder pot in Black, $26.98, I/N: 0125601. 3 Capra Designs ‘Funnel’ 24.6cm x 22.2cm terrazzo resin pot in Gum Leaf, $75, I/N: 0262600. 4 Smart Home Products ‘France’ 30cm x 25cm storage basket in Ivory and Grey, $17, I/N: 0351810. All plants sold separately. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

5 Good Pot Co. ‘Billy’ 16cm cylinder pot in Dusk, $19.98, I/N: 0263374. 6 Eden ‘Moroccan Tile’ 14cm ceramic planter in Black, $9.98, I/N: 0057473. All plants sold separately.

5Zanzibar gem Also known as ZZ plant, Zanzibar gem is a slowgrowing, low-maintenance lovely. Its long stems are lush with shiny, waxy, oval- shaped leaves, giving the plant an exotic air, and it’s guaranteed to brighten any corner. But note, Zanzibar gem prefers indirect light. This is a perfect option if you want a hardy plant that is a little different. 6Dieffenbachia This showy, sturdy plant is a highly prized addition to homes and offices. Its large, ornate leaves in greens, whites and creams provide a lush vibe. Dieffenbachia is fast-growing, reaching heights of 60cm within about a year of planting, and commonly grows to 1.5 metres. Position in indirect light, rotate it occasionally and avoid overwatering. 

TOP TIPS FOR HAPPY PLANTS

■ Perfect the position Plants can take a while to adjust to a location, so check their growing needs on the label or online. Most indoor plants prefer a well-lit spot out of direct sunlight. ■ Pick your products Use a quality potting mix and fertiliser specifically for indoor plants – and make sure they’re the right ones for the type of plant. ■ Leave some room Choose a pot big enough for the plant – one to two sizes up from the nursery pot is about right. Check for signs the plant needs repotting, like roots growing out of drainage holes. ■ Water seasonally Be aware of your plants’ watering needs as the weather changes. They will dry out faster in summer, while overwatering is a greater danger in winter, resulting in waterlogged roots and potentially attracting fungus gnats. ■ Dust them off Giving leaves a wipe with a damp cloth makes them look nicer, and also allows more light to hit the leaves for photosynthesis – clean leaves equal a healthy plant. 

LEFT Position climbers such as devil’s ivy and trailers like Rhipsalis on a shelf to create living works of wall art. (On floor) for a similar variegated foliage plant, try Peperomia scandens ‘Variegata’ or Epipremnum ‘N Joy’

LEVEL UP

Pay a little more attention to these beauties, and they’ll reward you with lush growth

7Phalaenopsis orchid

The moth orchid is popular due to its colourful blooms, which range from shell-pink to cerise to speckled yellow, and can last for up to three months from the bud. It may appear delicate, but can be easy to grow in the right conditions: indirect but bright light, high humidity, specialist potting mix and careful watering. 8Calathea This tropical stunner, also called peacock or zebra plant, is mesmerising, with foliage in a range of eye-popping patterns and colours. Even the undersides of the leaves are works of art, and they open and close at different times of the day. It prefers indirect light and, being non-toxic, is suitable for homes with children or pets. 9Fiddle leaf fig A favourite with interior designers, the statuesque fiddle leaf fig has lustrous, wide, violin-shaped leaves in a verdant green, ideal for creating a fresh foliage backdrop indoors. Provide a large pot, bright, indirect light, even temperatures, and jungle-like humidity, and it should thrive. Beware, this one grows into a large tree and may hit the ceiling!

7 Eden ‘Boheme’ 14cm ceramic planter in White Concrete, $7.98, I/N: 2891549. 8 Pot, for similar try Scheurich ‘Corteza’ 22cm x 20cm ceramic pot in Vanilla, $28.98, I/N: 0018966. 9 Elho ‘Greenville’ 30cm self watering plant pot in Grey, $43.98, I/N: 0266787. All plants sold separately. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Keep in mind...

n Always read the plant’s label to make sure it’s safe for a home with children or pets, as some plants, or plant parts, can be toxic if ingested. n Wear gloves and a mask when handling potting mix. n Store all gardening chemicals and products out of the reach of children and pets.