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We all know the benefits of spending time in nature. Greenery has remarkable effects on our moods, sleep, and mental and physical health. Introducing living plants indoors can provide the same effect, all while purifying the air. Better still, caring for a plant gives a sense of purpose and is much simpler than feeding a pet.
But before you go and spend your pennies at your local garden centre, it’s wise to research which plants are right for your home, how to keep them alive (dead plants don’t make the best home decor) and where to position them so they can thrive.
The best indoor plants to grow in NZ
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Best for: Empty corners with plenty of space to grow
Fiddle leaf figs are very popular as an indoor plant, and it’s no surprise why. With their large green leaves and ability to grow (and keep growing), they’re the kind of plant that really makes a statement. These trees are adapted to indoor temperatures and bright, filtered light, and if well-cared for, will grow up to 10 feet tall.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Best for: A narrow, tall space on a bench or side table with plenty of light
This succulent can be easily grown by anyone, as by nature, it is very low maintenance. The snake plant (also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) requires very little water, can survive in an array of conditions, and generally looks great. Though this plant is slow-growing, it will succeed best in a sunny spot, and time to dry out between waterings.
Monstera Deliciosa
Best for: Light-filled corners that’ll allow the plant to stretch out its leaves
Also known as the Swiss cheese plant or fruit salad, due to its split, broad leaves, the monstera plant is a delight to grow for everyone. These are fast-growing, so they may need to be staked, and prefer warm environments and dappled or partial light.
Hot tip: Monstera’s are known for their aerial roots. Put these into a glass of water to give your plant a boost.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Best for: Low-light spaces and humid bathrooms
With dark green foliage and stunning white flowers, Peace Lilies are one of the best choices for those looking to purify the air while adding an easy-going (while thirsty) plant to their space. You’ll know your Peace Lily is eager for a drink once all its leaves drop, but give it a good watering and the foliage will return to its upright, happy position within a few hours.
These plants prefer medium to low light, so they are perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms and offices. Be sure to keep your Peace Lily away from pets and small children, however, as they are considered toxic.
Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)
Best for: A bright spot with plenty of space to grow
Tough and hardy, but glossy and green, the Rubber Plant is one for all plant parents, from beginners to the experts. Perfect for filling a corner of a room or adding a green statement to a space, these plants will thrive and delight throughout their lifetime. With multiple varieties on the market, select the Rubebr Plant that’d best suit your decor.
Aloe Vera
Best for: A warm, bright room that could mimic the Arabian climate
Known for its medicinal purposes, Aloe Vera has been a favourite for inside the home and in the garden for centuries. As a succulent, its natural habitat is hot and dry, which can be easily replicated in the home. Each leaf rises directly from the base, often featuring small white spots and short thorns along the edges. Though these are not particularly sharp, it’d be best to keep this plant out of children’s reach.
How to care for your indoor plants
Luckily, most indoor plants do not need regular pruning and feeding, compared to their outdoor counterparts. Indoor plants benefit from the removal of dead leaves, or a trim of they’re outgrowing their spot. An annual feed of slow-release fertiliser would also ensure your plants grow strong and healthy.
The amount of watering a plant needs is specific to the species, but as a general rule of thumb, hardy indoor plants should be watered once or twice a week in summer and once every second week in winter. If you’re unsure, a food way to check if a plant needs water is to push your index finger into the top layer of soil – if the soil is dry, it’ll need a good drink of water.
How to clean your plants
As dust can accumulate indoors, it’s a good idea to clean the leaves of your plants, especially those with large, green leaves such as rubber trees or fiddle leaf figs. Either take a damp cloth and wipe down the leaves, or pop them into the shower to simulate the rain. Let them drip dry, and place them back in their spot, clean and refreshed.
How to replant your indoor plants
August is the ideal time to repot your indoor plants, as their growth would have likely been dormant over winter, and the start of spring would call for new growth. Before you start, ensure you have a specific indoor potting mix – these usually include a slow-release fertiliser that’ll feed your plants throughout the year.
Step by step:
- Remove your plant from its pot and gently tease out the circling or matted roots.
- If you want your plant to continue to grow, find a pot a few sizes larger
- Place the plant roots back into the pot and fill with your indoor potting mix, an inch or so below the rim of the pot
- Water the plant thoroughly to remove any air pockets
What indoor plants purify air?
It’s incredible how a humble indoor plant not only looks good, but is also good for us. Many indoor plants work to purify the air and filter out nasty germs. Some of the best at achieving air purification are the Rubber Plant, as it helps remove mould and bacteria from the air, the Snake Plant, which releases oxygen at night to help us breathe, and the Peace Lily, which is efficient at removing airborne particles. Aloe Vera, the Spider Plant, Bamboo and the Boston Fern also help to remove toxins from the air, preventing these from entering our lungs.
Which plants prefer low light?
If you have a south-facing room, or just any space that doesn’t receive a ton of light, but you still want to add some greenery, you’re in luck. There are still plenty of houseplants that will tolerate low light. These include the Snake Plant, which is so incredibly hardy that, can survive in most conditions. Most Philodendrons will also thrive in medium light, as well as the ZZ Plant.
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