10 minute read
Lush for life Enhance your interiors – and your wellbeing – with plants
Lush for life
Raise your decorating game and jump on a growing trend with decor-enhancing indoor plants
We’re all a little obsessed with indoor plants right now. They look great in any setting and help us to feel closer to nature – and in feeling grounded, our moods, productivity, focus and creativity levels increase. More is more when it comes to plants, but it’s not just about quantity – where you put them can change the whole look and feel of your room. Make sure they get the right amount of light, and follow our tips on where and how to place them to enhance your space.
Weeping fig tree in Northcote Pottery ‘Precinct Lite’ X-large moon pot in White Terrazzo, $85.10, I/N: 2831971 (plant sold separately). Home Bazar ‘Bali’ rattan 1 seater lounge, $79.98, I/N: 0183688. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.
Styling with greenery
Consider the size In a medium-to-large space, go big. “A larger, more established plant, like a tree or palm, fills the room with its presence,” says indoor gardener Alan Chan (@plant.jungle). A fiddle leaf fig, rubber tree or giant bird of paradise fits the brief perfectly. “These work well as an accent feature in open-plan living, where they can add height and drama,” says Narelle Peart from Scotts Osmocote. But avoid using them in small spaces. “They can be overpowering and make a room feel cramped,” she says.
For best effect, pair with an equally impressive pot to complement the size of the plant; otherwise, it may look top heavy. You can also experiment with fruit trees, such as olives and citrus, but just for a short while – they perform better outside where they can enjoy full sun. If you do want to try them indoors for a spell, place them on pot wheels so you can easily move them outside when they need their light hit.
Make them a focal point Bring life to a coffee or dining table with a planted centrepiece. Protect your table by placing a small potted plant in a decorative ‘cache’ pot, which doesn’t have a drainage hole and essentially acts as a saucer. A row of pretty, tiny pots arranged along the centre of the table can look amazing. For a more impactful display, or as a centrepiece for a circular table, try planting a shallow ceramic or concrete bowl with a selection of succulents, such as a mix of largerosette echeverias, crassulas and trailing sedums. A terrarium works well too, and it can be planted in theme with a variety of succulents or indoor plants – don’t mix the plant types though, as their watering requirements are different.
Try changing the height of your indoor greenery to make an impact. The plants can all sit on the floor, but you can
A large rubber plant is a low-maintenance choice that makes a bold statement
A black bean plant makes a striking centrepiece
Sansevieria and Zanzibar gem are hardy additions to an indoor plant collection
achieve a far more interesting display by using plant stands, says Alan. They don’t need to be purpose-built – stools, chairs or upturned pots are all creative ways to give plants height. It may take a little playing around to see which plants and pots work best. Trailing varieties like hoya and devil’s ivy work well, but upright plants can stand out too.
Arrange in numbers A single statement plant can be a feature, but several grouped together can create real impact. Follow the stylist’s classic rule and arrange in odd numbers – three, five, or more. “It is more pleasing to the eye and, when done right, can have a casual, effortless vibe,” says Alan.
Trailing rhipsalis and devil’s ivy on a high shelf create a living wall
Above: (At rear) Japonica plant. (Front, from left) Bird’s nest fern plant. Candytuft plant. Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’ plant.
Alan Chan indoor gardener
How to keep your plants happy
Most indoor plants will thrive in a brightly lit spot, but out of direct sunlight. Make sure to keep them away from the afternoon sun as this can scorch their leaves. Water when the top 2.5-5cm of soil is near dry. “Insert your index finger into the potting mix until you reach the second knuckle – if the mix is dry, give it a good water,” says Narelle. They may be indoors, but plants can still succumb to pests and diseases.
Regularly check for signs of trouble and treat at first sight. To boost plant growth, feed regularly with a liquid fertiliser throughout the growing season (this is usually the warmer months). Repot every couple of years, or sooner if the plant is outgrowing its pot – you’ll see roots poking through the base. This will refresh the mix and give it more room to grow. Also try experimenting with different heights, textures and colours. “Create depth by arranging taller plants at the back and smaller ones in the foreground,” suggests Narelle. You can also use other decorative elements to help tie it all together.
The only way is up If you have limited floor space, take your indoor jungle to a higher plane. Creeping or trailing vines look fantastic displayed high on floating shelves or suspended from the ceiling. Do ensure that shelves or hooks can bear their weight, as potted plants can become quite heavy, especially after watering. For a low-fuss option, hang air plants. “Make or buy macramé plant hangers, sit different varieties of air plants (tillandsias) in them and display at different heights,” suggests Alan.
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Find out why some plants are good for mind and body: bunnings.com.au/ best-indoor-plants-for-health
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Create your own indoor jungle with plants and planters
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1 Calathea plant in Tuscan Path ‘Ava’ low bowl in White, $16.98, I/N: 0125613. 2 Scheurich 21cm x 19cm indoor glazed pot in Curcuma, $24.50, I/N: 0195712. 3 Coleus plant in Scheurich 21cm x 19cm indoor glazed pot in Olive, $24.50, I/N: 0195714. 4 Northcote Pottery Precinct Lite ‘Maxim’ 32cm x 29cm drum planter in White Terrazzo, $43.60, I/N: 2930037. 5 Northcote Pottery Precinct Lite ‘Maxim’ 42cm x 36cm drum planter in White, $65.40, I/N: 2930031. 6 Eden 17cm glass bowl planter, $18.68, I/N: 0090799, in ‘Gypsy’ 115cm cotton macramé hanger, $8.50, I/N: 0089915. 7 String of pearls plant in Tuscan Path ‘Lily’ 11cm x 9.5cm ceramic hanging basket in Blue, $13.98, I/N: 0187732. 8 Tuscan Path ‘Florence’ 16.5cm x 15cm ceramic hanging basket in Green, $27.98, I/N: 0187742. 9 Echeveria plants in Scheurich 15cm x 13cm terrazzo indoor glazed pot, $16, I/N: 0195716, and 11cm x 9cm terrazzo indoor glazed pot, $9.98, I/N: 0195715. 10 Sansevieria plant in Scheurich 23cm x 21cm indoor glazed pot in Grey, $35, I/N: 0206120. 11 Whites outdoor corner heavy duty plant stand, $97, I/N: 2870690 (excludes pots). 12 Mayo Hardware concrete plant cloche, $29.98, I/N: 0207205. 13 Monstera plant in Northcote Pottery ‘Lunar’ 53cm x 31cm bullet pot in Rock White, $56.90, I/N: 2834100. 14 Eden ‘Moroccan Tile’ 14cm ceramic planter in Black, $8.52, I/N: 0057473. 15 Eden ‘Moroccan Tile’ 14cm ceramic planter in White, $8.52, I/N: 0057472. 16 Fiddle leaf fig plant in Northcote Pottery ‘Arc’ 43cm x 41cm planter in Grey, $59.98, I/N: 0239043. 17 Eden 18cm glass low bowl planter, $13.18, I/N: 0090797. 18 Rattlesnake plant in Capi ‘Rib III’ 15cm x 13cm round taper vase in Ivory, $14.82, I/N: 0086567. 19 Whites outdoor 4 wheel heavy duty pot holder, $26.09, I/N: 2870434. 20 Yates ‘Thrive’ natural indoor plant food spray, $10.99, I/N: 0225073. 21 Northcote Pottery ‘Villa’ 600mm terracotta plastic window box, $8.50, I/N: 2941143. 22 Northcote Pottery ‘Frog’ 15cm terracotta self-watering reservoir, $5, I/N: 0138227. All plants sold separately. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. ◆
EASY INSTALL
It’s in the mix
The secret to great plants isn’t a green thumb, it’s in the potting mix. If you start with the best, you’ll bring out the best in all your plants
Just as we need a strong foundation for a solid home, our plants need the best potting mix to maintain happy and healthy growth. The first step is to find the best potting mix, so look for a mix that carries the red tick logo. This indicates that it is manufactured to comply with the Australian standard and contains a fertiliser. Second, understand your plants’ needs and find the right potting mix for the job. Scotts Osmocote has the right mix for almost every plant and all Osmocote potting mixes include a quality controlled release fertiliser.
GREAT INDOORS
When we bring plants into our home, pesky bugs can come along for the ride. The most common indoor plant pests are fungus gnats. These small black, fly-like bugs tend to hover around indoor plants and breed inside the potting mix. Scotts Osmocote
Premium Potting Mix for
Indoor Plants has been formulated without compost or pine bark, making it less prone to fungus gnats.
If you prefer the wonderful world of succulents, Scotts
Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for Cacti and Succulents
is boosted with calcium and potassium for stronger plant cells and steady growth. It’s also a free-draining mix – just what cacti and succulents need!
FLOWER POWER
Many of our flowering friends require a more acidic base in order to bloom their best.
Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for Roses,
Gardenias and Azaleas has been specially formulated for plants that require growing conditions of pH 6 or less. It is also boosted with higher levels of iron and magnesium for lush, deep green leaves.
EDIBLE GARDENS
There’s nothing more satisfying than picking your own home-grown produce and Scotts Osmocote
Premium Potting Mix for Tomatoes, Vegetables
and Herbs is perfect if you are growing in pots, containers or raised garden beds. The mix contains higher levels of iron and calcium, which helps prevent diseases like blossom end rot, which can affect tomatoes, capsicums and zucchinis.
Citrus lovers should look to Scotts Osmocote
Premium Potting Mix for
Citrus and Fruit, which is packed with iron and magnesium to keep leaves green all year long. It also contains trace elements and micro-nutrients, which are vital for healthy growth.
If you’re looking for an all-rounder, Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix has been developed to suit the growing needs of most plant types and, like all Osmocote mixes, it includes Osmocote Controlled Release Fertiliser.
1 Scotts Osmocote indoor plants premium potting mix, $9.98/10L, I/N: 0164627. 2 Scotts Osmocote premium potting mix, $8.29/25L, I/N: 2962139. 3 Scotts Osmocote
rose, gardenia & azalea
premium potting mix, $11.98/25L, I/N: 2961491. 4 Scotts Osmocote
cacti & succulent premium
potting mix, $11.98/25L, I/N: 2961490. 5 Scotts Osmocote
tomato, vegetable & herb
premium potting mix, $9.29/25L, I/N: 2962103.
