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Potting tips

Potting tips

1. Monstera deliciosa 1. Monstera adansonii Swiss cheese plant 1. Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo-Variegata’

best indoor plants for bright fiiltered light

2. Peperomia 2. Watermelon Peperomia

1. Monstera deliciosa - Is climbing the popularity ladder lately for its deep forest green, large shiny leaves which bring jungle fever to any interior space. Monstera adansonii (or swiss cheese plant) a variation of the above mentioned, is a trailer and as the name implies its leaves are more perforated and delicate than deliciosa‘s and the plant is smaller in comparison. A great choice for hanging baskets or training around a room. Create a structure such as a totem pole for potted specimens or hanging environment for them to trail and grow upon. Monsteras do best in a bright position.

High on the sort after list is a stunning variegated white and green mottled variety, Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo-Variegata’. Also look out for the popular ‘Thai Constellation’. Similar in variegation to ‘Albo-Variegata’ but smaller in leaf.

2. Peperomia - Now these plants are very hardy and are available in a large range of shapes, colours and patterns. Easy to propagate. Great for terrariums and mixed plantings. Let the soil dry-out before re-watering. Look out for the popular ‘Watermelon Peperomia’ featuring variegated tear drop compact leaves.

3. Senecio spp. - are a large genus of succulents. Look out for the striking and uniquely shaped Senecio ‘Dolphin Necklace’, where it appears like leaping dolphins trickle down long stands; ‘String of Pearls’, as the names implies and ‘String of Bananas’, fabulous crescent shaped leaves that closely resemble tiny bananas. All are ideal for hanging basket displays. Senecio crassicaulis has a lovely shrubby form, growing 80cm high with vertical blue-grey leaves with purple edges whilst staying compact. Do not over water these succulents, let the soil dryout for a few days before rewatering. Always use Searles Cacti & Succulent Mix for indoor or outdoor succulents.

4. Moth Orchid 5. Philodendron ‘Rojo Congo’

5. Philodendron ‘Birkin’ 6. Alocasia

4. Moth Orchid - Phalaenopsis are also called the “moth orchid”, as their flowers resemble the shape of a moth or butterfly. These are one of the very easiest orchids to grow, and often bloom for over 3 months! Water often enough to keep continuous moisture just below the surface of the medium, but be cautious of over-watering. Feed with Searles Flourish Orchid Booster for better flowering.

5. Philodendron - This plant creates a tropical feel in any room space with its lush, compact, tidy growth with glossy lobed leaves. Position in bright, well lit areas. Look for ‘Pink Princess’ featuring hot pink variegation which gives them such striking foliage. Philodendron ‘Birkin’ are also varietgated but in a striking white and green form.

6. Alocasia - The tropical foliage of the Alocasia genus feature large Elephant ear size leaves, hence its common name, ‘Elephant Ears’ Their large presence is welcome to create a jungle, tropical centerpiece of a garden or room. In the right conditions, they can grow very fast and require large pots. Ensure you give them the right conditions as they are known to be sensitive plants. Make sure the mix is well draining. They love to be watered but not kept in a soggy mix.

7. Bromeliad - Bromeliads can bring an instant touch of the tropics to living rooms. Their lush, tropical foliage brings year-round colour and the colourful bracts they bear periodically can make them show-stoppers. This, combined with their easy-care nature makes them quite irresistible!

8. Pileas (Pilea Peperomioides) ‘Chinese Money Plant’ or ‘Pancake Plants’ as they are affectionately named are compact plants ideal for terrariums and smaller spots in the house. Easy to grow and available in varying leaf colours and foliage shapes. Flowering bromeliads are often used insead of bunches of flowers overseas.

9. Fiddle leaf figs - These beauties easily fill up a rooms’ interior with their large glossy leaves and compact growing habit. Fiddle leaf figs prefer warm, humid environments, position away from heaters and air-conditioners. They prefer a well lit situation.

5. Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’

10. Maidenhair Fern 11. Ficus ‘Turban 12. Weeping Fig

10. Maidenhair fern - Adored for its fine delicate foliage. Keep soil moist and position in a well lit area.

11. Ficus ‘Turban’ - This hot little number is finding popularity as an attractive and hardy house plant. Great in large containers in a medium to high light situation. Keep moist and well fed in summer; a little drier in winter.

12. Weeping Figs (Ficus benjamina ‘Exotica’ and Ficus ‘Midnight Beauty’) - ‘Exotica’ has been available for some time and are hardier than the original weeping fig. ‘Midnight Beauty’ is a newer variety with dark, almost black foliage and a dense growth habit. Great in pots positioned in a bright, filtered light spot with regular watering in warm conditions.

13. Lady palm Rhapis excelsa - Water regularly but make sure the water doesn’t pool at the bottom of the cover pot. A slow grower, which doesn’t outgrow its situation.

14. Zebra Plant Aphelandra spp. - Celebrated for its large shiny leaves and dark green foliage deeply veined in white or yellow, reminiscent of zebra stripes, hence the common name. Position in bright light, a warm spot and water moderately.

15. ‘Madam de Smet’ Schefflera arboricola - This tropical foliage plant is a popular choice for ease of care but not lacking foliage intrigue with their large oval-shaped glossy green and gold variegated leaves in compact form. Plant in a large pot. Loves bright filtered light and moderate watering.

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