There’s a saying, it’s the thought that counts. So, if you are thinking of giving one of these romantic gift plants on Valentine’s day, here is the ‘thought’ behind of the plants.
For love of a rose
If your intention, quite simply is to say ‘I love you’ then it’s roses.
The rose is the symbol of love and passion. According to Greek mythology, roses come from the blood of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The colour you choose also has meaning. Red is for passion, pink is for tenderness, white is for purity. Yellow is a sunny colour. Some say yellow denotes jealously, but it is also happiness. The choice is yours. Each pot contains three to four mini-roses, which is why a single pot is so full of blooms and buds. Having been grown in warm, light controlled greenhouses, they are perfectly acclimatised for displaying close to a windowsill or on the patio where they get good light but not direct sunlight.
A touch of class
There is something coolly elegant about orchids but actually the name orchid derives from the Greek ‘orchis’ which denotes sexuality, amongst other things. Maybe this is the plant to send to that drop-dead gorgeous office colleague. Incognito of course, seeing as most of us are still working from home.
Despite their exotic good looks, phalaenopsis orchids are easy to care for. They like a warm, light and bright room, and watering once a week. A room with east or north facing windows is ideal. Plants also do well in humid bathrooms.
Some like it hot
The exotic, and unusual, Curcuma, also known as the Siamese or summer tulip, is related to turmeric, a spicy flavouring for curries, mustards, and even cheese. The language of flowers doesn’t attribute a meaning to curcuma, but if you look at its nature, this is the flower for someone you bowls you over with their warmth, wit and generosity of spirit.
Being a tropical plant, it loves warm, summer temperatures. As a patio plant it can take some dappled sun or early morning sun, and as an indoor plant does best with bright, diffused light. Let the soil slightly dry out before watering and add a little liquid plant food to the water once every two weeks.
The heart of the home
With their open, heart-shaped flowers, it’s not surprising that Anthurium is associated with hospitality. As a houseplant it symbolises abundance and happiness in the home. What better gift for the person who loves to open her home to others.
Anthurium thrives where-ever it finds itself, although it does best in a warm room, with bright, indirect light. With lower light it flowers less. Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch. If it wilts, a good soak will quickly revive it. Feed with a liquid fertiliser once a month in summer for glossy leaves and flowers.
An attitude of gratitude For some the begonia is a symbol of caution but it is also associated with gratitude. What a nice tribute to pay to someone you love. Gratitude makes the world go around, and it rubs off on everyone.
With their large, frilly flowers in a range of bright colours, tuberous begonias thrive in a warm, bright room indoors. Pop the plant into a beautiful container and enjoy it as an indoor flower arrangement; it will last for two to three months. Keep the soil moist (not soggy or they rot). Depending on the temperature, half a cup of water a week in winter should suffice. Avoid wetting the leaves. Feed with a liquid fertiliser once a month and remove dead flowers. www.lvgplant.co.za
