How to perfect the art of indoor gardening 101

Indoor plants promote good mental health, texture, air purification and something beautiful to appreciate as you go about your day.

Life is a Garden, indoors too and there’s a plant just waiting to bring that side table, desk and bookshelf to life. Good old potting soil, fertiliser and a watering routine makes all the difference in maintaining an indoor haven.

 Checkout these five top tips to perfect the art of indoor gardening:

1. Choose the right plant and place: Start off with an easy plant from our beginner-friendly suggestions below. Checkout your space and see where’s the gap to be filled. Choose a plant that likes the light conditions of your chosen area.
2. Choose the right pot: Choose a suitable sized pot with good drainage holes and don’t forget the saucer that catches excess water.
3. Get good potting soil: A bag of delicious potting soil goes a long way. Add a couple of small stones to your pot before adding compost. This will help with drainage and root rot prevention.
4. Get to know your new plant: Understand the light, watering and soil requirements of your plant. Observe how plants react in the space and change their position if needed. Poke your finger into the pot and feel the soil, this will tell you if your plant is ready to be watered.
5. Feed your new plant: Generally speaking, every six weeks is a good time to fertilise. The new plant baby depends on you now to maintain the nutrient integrity inside the pot.

Here are our top 10 plant picks that’ll bring in colour and freshness to your space.

Look out for the beginner-friendly options for novice gardeners.  

1. Button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)

Light likes: Pellaea enjoy humidity with no direct sun, high to medium light will do.

Soil and water: Let the top layer of soil dry between watering.

On the weekends: Button ferns can be found chilling in a humid bathroom on the windowsill or in a hanging basket. Its dark-green, evergreen, button-like leaves like to explore.

2. Blue star fern (Phlebodium aureum) beginner friendly

Light likes: Medium to high light with no or partial direct sun, they are very adaptable.

Soil and water: Enjoys moist over dry, water well when it’s thirsty.

On the weekends: The blue star ferns forest-like foliage, with curious wavy blue-green fronds, can be seen fluffing about and grabbing attention everywhere it goes.

3. Bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus)

Light likes: Medium to bright, no direct sun. They like warmth, humidity and moisture.

Soil and water: Moist, rich and loamy does it.

On the weekends: Bird’s nests are always cheerful with tropical light green fronds, resembling banana leaves. They are good at limbo, but don’t touch their new fronds while its growing.

4. Kumquat tree – beginner friendly

Light likes: Super bright light, even direct sunlight if possible. They enjoy the patio too.

Soil and water: Regular watering with excellent drainage.

On the weekends: This happy-go-lucky plant can be seen showing off dozens of bright little orange fruits. They are good at inspiring new jam and preserves recipes.

5. Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) beginner friendly

Light likes: Medium to bright, no direct sun, but they like warm corners.

Soil and water: Good drainage with weekly watering.

On the weekends: You may find the swiss cheese plant looking for things to climb on with its flamboyant, large and in-charge leaves. Beware, this plant bites and is toxic to pets.

6. Triostar Stromanthe (Stromanthe sanguinea)

Light likes: Near a window with plenty of natural light, no sun. Rotate your pot weekly.

Soil and water: Well-drained, fertile soil that is kept moist but not soggy.

On the weekends: Triostar’s are pretty, with impressive vibrant pink foliage.

7. Dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) beginner friendly

Light likes: The brighter the better, but they are adaptable.

Soil and water: Good drainage and regular watering.

On the weekends: Draggons are rugged with striking green, sword-like, red-edged leaves that stand at attention.

8. Flaming sword (Vriesea splendens)

Light likes: They enjoy some morning sun with high light throughout the day.

Soil and water: Add some orchid mix to your soil, infrequent watering but not all the way dry.

On the weekends: Flaming swords can be seen proudly parading their yellow-orange blooms that look like fun swords. Sadly, they do decline after blooming but they’ll leave you with offsets first.

9. Cymbidium orchid (Cymbidium spp.)

Light likes: Partial gentle sun and good light is the orchids kind of vibe.

Soil and water: Loamy, moist, well-drained soil.

On the weekends: Its stunning sprays of large blooms are a sight to behold. Appreciate it while you can, it’ll be a while before you see its flowers again.

10. Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) beginner friendly

Light likes: Areca enjoy sunlight and warmth.

Soil and water: Avoid soggy soil but water them moderately.

On the weekends: These often golden-trunked, bamboo-looking palms can be seen growing tall at their own pace, taking time to extend all their friendly fronds.

To help keep your indoor plants looking their best and breathing well, use a damp cloth to clean their leaves from any dust.

Remember to checkout which plants are ready to plant now or plan ahead for the right season and home your dream indoor gem.

A spray bottle is also very handy to have around for quick watering touch-ups.

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