Yates NZ - Top 10 Indoor Plant Guide

and how NOT to kill them!

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STRING OF PEARLS

CHAIN OF HEARTS

DEVIL'S IVY

FIDDLE LEAF FIG

MAIDENHAIR FERN

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MOTHER-IN-LAW'S TONGUE

PEACE LILY

MOTH ORCHID

ZANZIBAR GEM

AIR PLANTS

Bring the outdoors in

& give new life to your home with plants!

House plants are well and truly back on trend - they instantly lift the space, make the room feel fresh and welcoming, and will help brighten your mood too!

On top of this, indoor plants are great for purifying the air and creating a healthier home. The microbes in the soil together with the potted plant, work wonders in reducing harmful pollutants released from indoor furniture (it's true, look at the study conducted by NASA).

So, if you feel like one of your rooms is lacking a little something or 'je nais se quoi', try adding one of our favourite plants. From large leafy shrubs to sweetly shaped succulents, you'll find something to grow (and learn about) in our guide. Read on to see our top 10 favourites - we're sure you'll fall in love with them, too.

Cascading from a hanging basket or trailing over your coffee table, string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a wonderful plant for you to grow indoors. Plus, it’s so on trend! It’s also incredibly easy to care for – just give it a bright spot out of direct light and water when the potting mix is near dry.

HOW TO GROW 1

Choose a pot at least 200mm wide (or larger, depending on your plant size) and position in a well-lit spot. Ensure it’s out of direct sunlight, like sitting behind a sheer curtain.

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Partially fill pot with Yates Thrive Cacti and Succulent Potting Mix, specially formulated for succulents. Remove plant from container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

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Position in pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

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After the initial watering, allow the potting mix to almost completely dry out before watering again.

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Feed occasionally during the growing season (usually mid spring to early autumn) with Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food. Apply at half strength to promote strong root development and healthy growth.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Yates Thrive Cacti and Succulent Potting Mix Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix

Copyright Yates New Zealand

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TOP 10 INDOOR PLANTS 2018

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String Pearls

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• Tip prune regularly to encourage an attractive multi-stemmed look.

You can use these ‘cuttings’ to grow new plants!

• Re-pot annually in spring to give it more space to grow.

• After several years, when the plant shows signs of dying down, propagate another plant via stem cuttings. This can be done by laying a length of stem on top of Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix and watering regularly to initiate root development.

• Due to its mildly toxic nature, position this plant away from curious children and pets.

Chain hearts OF

Oh, be still my beating heart!

Chain of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is a gorgeous trailing plant that’s perfect for hanging pots or baskets. The ‘chains’ can reach 3-4m long and the green-red heart shaped leaves are just so sweet!

For a beautiful display, consider hanging in a corner along with other trailing plants, like string of pearls or donkey’s tail.

HOW TO GROW 1

Choose a pot at least 100mm wide (or larger, depending on your plant size) and position in a well-lit spot indoors.

2

Partially fill pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Thrive Cacti and Succulent Potting Mix.

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Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

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Position in pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well, keeping the water away from the leaves.

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After the initial watering, allow the potting mix to almost completely dry out before watering again.

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Feed occasionally during the growing season (usually mid spring to early autumn) with Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food. Apply at half strength to promote strong root development and healthy growth.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Yates Thrive Cacti and Succulent Potting Mix Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix PRODUC

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• Occasionally inspect the plant and remove dead stems from the base of the plant • Wipe the leaves with damp cloth to remove dust.

TOP 10 INDOOR PLANTS 2018 Copyright Yates New Zealand

• Divide and re-pot every 2 years in spring. You can also use this time to propagate another plant using stem cuttings. This can be done by laying a length of stem on top of Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix and watering regularly to initiate root development.

Devil's ivy

Hands down, devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum) is the. best. indoor. plant. ever! Why? Well, this tough trailing plant will grow virtually anywhere - from hanging baskets to troughs or even cuttings placed in a glass vase. It can handle dimly lit rooms and will forgive you for the times you forget to water – seriously, what’s not to love?

HOW TO GROW 1

Choose a pot at least 200mm wide. Position in a well-lit spot indoors or a sheltered spot, out of the hot afternoon sun in a patio situation. Fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.

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Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots. Give the stems a light prune to encourage new shoots.

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Position in pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

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Water when the potting mix is dry – insert your index finger to the first knuckle, if it feels dry, water and if it feels moist, leave watering for a few more days.

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Feed fortnightly during spring and summer with Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food.

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Growing Tips: • Trim back vines to keep it in shape or if you prefer, use wall hooks to drape the vines along the wall.

• Prune and take cuttings in the spring and summer – place them in glass jars filled with water to encourage rooting.

TOP 10 INDOOR PLANTS 2018 Copyright Yates New Zealand

• Re-pot every couple of years to help keep the plant happy and healthy.

Fiddle leaf fig

Looking to create a bold statement indoors, but with minimal fuss? Grow a fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata). With its large glossy leaves and intriguing growth habit, it’s the perfect specimen plant for indoors or in a protected spot on your deck.

HOW TO GROW 1

Choose a pot at least 300mm wide (or larger, depending on the size of your plant). Position in well-lit spot, away from direct sunlight.

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Partially fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.

3

Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

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Position in pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well afterwards.

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Water when the potting mix is dry – insert your index finger to the first knuckle, if it feels dry, water and if it feels moist, leave watering for a few more days.

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Feed the plant fortnightly during spring and summer with Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food. This fertiliser promotes strong root development and healthy foliage growth. No feeding is required during the winter months.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Yates Premium Potting Mix Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food Yates Leaf Shine

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• Fiddle leaf figs prefer humid environments and are typically fine with the ‘climate’ inside a home. However, if artificial heating is used within the room during the winter months, one way to increase humidity levels is to mist the leaves with an atomiser on a daily basis.

• When you see roots creeping out of the base of the pot, it’s time to give it a new home. Re-pot plants in early spring into a larger container.

Alternatively, you can keep it in the same pot, just prune back the roots – no more than 20 per cent of the rootball – and return to the same pot.

TOP 10 INDOOR PLANTS 2018 Copyright Yates New Zealand

• Dust can clog up the pores of the leaves, so wipe leaves regularly with a soft cloth. You can also spray with Yates Leaf Shine which is a spray-on mineral oil that adds shine and doesn't intefer with plant growth.

Maidenhair fern

With its feathery, soft light green leaves and contrasting black stems, the maidenhair fern (Adiantum aethiopicum) is a lovely addition to any indoor area.

HOW TO GROW 1

Choose a pot that is at least twice the size of the selected plant. Position in a spot indoors that receives filtered light and is protected from direct sun.

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Partially fill the pot with a quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.

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Remove the plant from the container and gently tease the roots.

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Position in a pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

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Keep the potting mix consistently moist.

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Feed occasionally during the growing season (usually mid spring to early autumn) with Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food. Apply at half strength to promote strong root development and healthy growth.

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Yates Premium Potting Mix Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food O

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Growing Tips: • Prune back any damaged or dead fronds from the base of the plant to maintain its soft leafy appearance.

TOP 10 INDOOR PLANTS 2018 Copyright Yates New Zealand

• If the fern does suffer from any sun or wind damage, trim all of the fronds back to the base of the plant and water well, ensuring not to overwater. New growth can appear if the soil is kept moist and the plant is kept in a protected area.

Mother tongue I N L AW ' S

Whether you call them mother-in-law’s tongue, snake plant or viper’s bowstring hemp, sansevieria (Sansevieria trifasciata) has become super trendy over recent years and potted specimens feature prominently in modern landscape and interior design. They’re very hardy, are slow growing, require minimal maintenance and will tolerate low levels of light, making them ideal for growing indoors.

HOW TO GROW 1

Choose a pot at least 200mm wide (or larger, depending on the size of your plant). Position in a well-lit spot, out of direct sunlight. It will also grow well in low light areas.

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Fill the pot with Yates Cacti and Succulent Potting Mix.

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Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

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Position the plant in the middle of the new pot. Fill in around the plant with potting mix and water well.

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Water on a moderate basis in the summer but cut back in the winter when plants require less moisture.

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Feed occasionally from spring to autumn with Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food.

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RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Yates Cacti and Succulent Potting Mix Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food

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Growing Tips: • Can suffer if the pot or potting mix is poorly drained or it is overwatered.

• Mother-in-law's tongue can be propagated by dividing clumps or taking leaf cuttings during the warmer months.

TOP 10 INDOOR PLANTS 2018 Copyright Yates New Zealand

• Repot every couple of years to help keep it thick and green.

Peace lily

With its attractive, dark green lush foliage and compact habit, you can see why the peace lily (Spathiphyllum sp.) is considered one of the most popular indoor plants grown in homes and offices. These hardy and low maintenance plants can help improve indoor air quality and also have beautiful, tall white flowers that can appear throughout the year.

HOW TO GROW 1

Choose a pot at least 200mm wide (or larger depending on the size of your plant) and position in a warm spot indoors, away from direct sunlight.

2

Fill the pot with Yates Premium Potting Mix.

3

Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

4

Position in pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well, keeping the water away from the leaves.

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After the intial water, water regularly to keep the potting mix moist. Reduce the frequency during winter. Moisture levels can be checked by inserting your finger into the top few cms of mix.

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Feed every 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food during the warmer months to promote strong root development, healthy foliage growth and lots of beautiful flowers. During winter, fertilise monthly.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Yates Premium Potting Mix Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food Yates Leaf Shine

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• Remove unsightly leaves and dead flowers regularly.

• Dust can clog up the pores of the leaves, so wipe leaves regularly by wiping with a soft cloth. You can also spray with Yates Leaf Shine which is a spray-on mineral oil that adds shine and doesn't intefer with plant growth.

TOP 10 INDOOR PLANTS 2018 Copyright Yates New Zealand

• Because of the toxic nature of this plant, keep the pot out of the reach of children and pets.

Ah, the humble moth orchid (Phalaenopsis sp.). Its beautifully delicate flowers means it's traditionally gifted on special occasions, so it's likely you've received one but if not, what are you waiting for - go buy one! The ‘moth’ part of their name refers to their broad, winged petals - although with their exotic colours and markings, we think they should be called ‘butterfly’ orchids! They’re much easier to look after than you’d think. Look out for yellow, white and pink flowering varieties – with the right care, they'll bloom for months.

HOW TO GROW

moth orchid

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Choose a pot 100 – 200mm wide (or larger if you’re planting multiple plants in the same large pot) and position in a welllit spot indoors, out of direct sunlight.

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Partially fit pot with Yates Thrive Orchid Potting Mix a specially formulated super free-draining bark-based mix.

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Remove the plant from the container, cut away any dead roots (healthy orchid roots are white often with green tips).

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Position in pot, backfill with potting mix and water in well.

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Water when the potting mix is dry. Hold the pot over the sink and allow water to run completely through the drainage holes before returning back to its saucer.

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Feed regularly throughout the year with Yates Thrive Orchid Liquid Plant Food, increasing the dosage and frequency (as per label recommendations) when flowering.This will help encourage bigger, beautiful and more prolific blooms!

Yates Thrive Orchid Potting Mix Yates Thrive Orchid Liquid Plant Food

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• When watering keep orchids damp but not wet. If the bark is dry, water. If the bark looks darker in colour and slightly damp, leave it. Allow the water to run through the pot and drain any out of the saucer.

TOP 10 INDOOR PLANTS 2018 Copyright Yates New Zealand

• Wondering what to do with the old stem when the flowers have finally died? Don’t cut back the whole stem, simply prune the flowering stalk back to the first node beneath the old flowers. A node is where two segments on the stem join and you’ll notice a slight bump. This encourages either further flowering from that stalk or the sprouting of a new stem. After a few seasons the stem can look a bit odd with lots of old stalks coming off it. At that stage, you can just cut it back to the base.

• Sometimes roots can be seen on the surface of the mix or growing over the side of the pot. Don’t stress - this is quite natural!

Zanzibar gem

Zanzibar gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is virtually unkillable. Yep, you heard right – un-killable! It’s often described as the ultimate indoor plant because of it's tolerance to low light and lack of water, making it the perfect way to brighten any room. Plus, if you’re a forgetful (or a lazy) gardener or are often away for long periods for work or travel, zanzibar gem will forgive you – it basically thrives on neglect!

HOW TO GROW 1

Choose a pot at least 200mm wide and position in a welllit spot, out of direct sunlight.

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Fill pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.

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Plant into pot and water in well. Feed occasionally during the growing season (spring to autumn) with Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food.

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Water when the potting mix is dry – insert your index finger to the first knuckle, if it’s dry, water and if it’s moist, leave watering for a few more days.

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Yates Premium Potting Mix Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food

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Growing Tips: • Keep the leaves clean by wiping with a damp cloth.

• When a plant becomes crowded in the pot it can be split and divided. Gently remove from pot and loosen soil to reveal roots.

You'll see they're divided into clumps, which can then be easily separated into sections using a sharp knife. Re-pot following directions above.

TOP 10 INDOOR PLANTS 2018 Copyright Yates New Zealand

• The sap of zanzibar gem is toxic and, if ingested, could make you unwell, so after dividing, make sure you wash hands well with soap and water.

Air plants

Think you have a black thumb? Well guess what, we’ve got the perfect plants for you! Air plants or Tillandsia spp. literally live off the air and can grow indoors, balancing precariously on intriguing objects. You can also keep them on your desk at work or on a dish on your coffee table – tres chic!

HOW TO GROW Air plants can be hung from trees or any support-like structure, such as terracotta pipes or an old tree stump. For indoor use, you can string or place them on ornaments.

If you wish to use a terracotta pipe or wooden pole to create an indoor plant art, read on.

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Choose a glazed or unglazed terracotta pipe, wooden pole or tree branch.

Using a hot glue gun, add a small amount of glue to the base of a plant and glue onto the structure. Repeat for all plants. If you don’t have a glue gun, you can also use an old stocking or rubber band to secure the plants to structures.

Position in a well-lit spot, out of direct sunlight and thoroughly mist the foliage with water. Mist spray at least once a week or more, depending on the weather.

Growing Tips: • Air plants generally prefer outdoor or breezy environments, but will grow well indoors provided they’re in a well-lit spot.

• During hot and drier periods, mist a couple of times a week to help keep them happy.

• During winter, they will survive well without much watering.

Misting them once a month is usally enough.

TOP 10 INDOOR PLANTS 2018 Copyright Yates New Zealand

• They’re generally not affected by pests or diseases and don’t require feeding – no fuss!

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