GUEST speaker Johanita Corbett from Plantimex spoke to the Johannesburg South Garden Club about indoor plants which provide colour.
“Group and arrange indoor plants in an odd number and at different heights and for more variety go for plants with foliage of different colours. When grouping houseplants, also consider their needs. Some plants require a more humid environment while others require lots of light,” said Johanita.
“Indoor plants don’t like extreme temperatures. Keep them away from heaters, but next to windows because of the drop in night temperatures. Feed with a liquid fertilizer once a month to keep them flowering, and remember plants need less water in winter, so feel the soil with your finger and water when the soil starts to feel dry,” she added.
Succulents are becoming very popular because they do well without much water. They look equally good indoors or outside and don’t mind being crowded together.
Johanita spoke about phaleonopsis orchids which are available almost all year round. “Their natural season is winter because they flower when temperatures drop and days are shorter. Place them in any warm room with bright indirect light, such as the bedroom, kitchen, living room or shaded outdoor living area.
“Really they don’t need a lot of care, water once a week by running water through the pot for one minute to wet the potting mix (bark chips), or put two ice-cubes on top of the mix and let them melt.”
To clean plant leaves, she said adding a few drops of dishwashing liquid would do the trick, as well as to water and wet the leaves, using a soft cloth to wipe leaves gently.
The talk was enjoyed by the garden club members. Afterwards, refreshments were enjoyed.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
Get regular news updates sent directly to your inbox: Newsletter-Signup
