News, special buys and things to do at home and in the garden

74 Plant pick

Inside story

Take your indoor jungle to the next level with easy-to-grow statement potted plants

Chinese money plant Glossy pancake-like leaves hang from a central tree-like stem. The foliage tends to turn and face the sun, which may cause the stem to bend as it grows, so rotate the plant regularly and support it with a stake. Place in bright, indirect light, plant in a free-draining potting mix and water when the top 2.5cm of soil is dry.

Nerve plant These petite plants are low growers, preferring to hug the ground in the wild, so are perfect for shallow pots, hanging baskets or terrariums. Position in a spot with bright indirect light, and water when the top 2.5cm of soil is dry. They’ll wilt dramatically if neglected, but can be revived with a good deep watering.

Parlour palm This elegant palm’s lacy darker green fronds bring in a taste of the tropics. Its attractive clumping stems create a lush, full appearance, so despite being a slow grower (eventually reaching two metres indoors), it can still make quite an impact. Grows in bright indirect light but will also survive in lower light conditions, and needs little attention.

Peacock plant Available in various patterns, shapes and colours, these small-to-medium sized plants make ideal indoor greenery. Foliage can be large, rounded, oblong or lance-like, and is decorated with stripes or block colours. Position in a brightly lit spot, out of direct sunlight, and water when the top 2.5cm of soil is dry. ◆

FOR MORE PLANTS, VISIT

bunnings.com.au/plants

Chinese money plant

(Pilea peperomioides) This plant will produce offsets or ‘babies’ in spring, which can be cut and divided into new plants.

Parlour palm

(Chamaedorea elegans) Keep an eye out for mealy bug or scale (treat with a suitable insecticide) and water when the top 5cm of soil is dry.

Nerve plant

(Fittonia spp.) The white veins in the small oval green leaves offer a great colour contrast; other varieties have pink or red veins.

Peacock plant

(Calathea spp.) Native to tropical climates, it prefers humid conditions, so group a few together and mist regularly to increase humidity.

Your generous support helped raise $180,000 for GIVIT. #InItTogether