As seasoned city dwellers, we understand that not everyone has access to outdoor space. This is why we have put together a list of our favourite house plants, so that you are able to bring the outdoors in. Not only do they provide a colourful aesthetic, but plants also help purify the air around you; a necessary antidote to the ubiquitous fumes that come hand in hand with city life. So, without further ado, here are our top 4; why we love them and how to keep them happy!
Maranta, otherwise known as ‘prayer plants’ are awarded their name due to the characteristic upward folding of their leaves in the evening. These plants add plenty of colour and texture to a room and are fairly easy to maintain; keep in light to dark shade in the summer, brighter in the winter, but always keep out of direct sunlight! This will fade their rich green leaves and could be fatal. Keep well watered in the summer – they love humidity!
This particular type of cacti is also known as the ‘night blooming cereus’ due to its flowers that bloom for one night only. Their buds develop over a few weeks, however once bloomed, their large cream-coloured nocturnal flowers will start to wilt once the sun begins to rise. Their beautiful tall columns of spiked blue and green add drama and colour to any indoor space. They grow large so make sure they have enough space to flourish! They also thrive in hot, sunny spots so be sure to find an area by a big window. Like most cacti species, the night blooming cereus requires little water – after the initial deep water 6 weeks after planting, every two weeks should do the trick!
The Ficus Audrey is part of the ever popular fig family. Recognisable by their large, flat matte-green leaves with pale thin veins, they provide a colourful and elegant aesthetic. Again, these plants are pretty low maintenance; benefiting from bright, indirect light (can take a small amount of direct sunlight) and not too much water. Would certainly enjoy occasional misting!
A bloggers delight, this quirky plant has been awarded cult status over the past couple of years. The ‘Chinese money plant’ achieved this status initially after being spread amongst amateur gardeners via cuttings before being particularly well known to botanists. Now it is an incredibly popular house plant and fairly easy to get your hands on! Allow once a week for watering (make sure you let the soil dry out a bit between each water). They love a nice bright spot by the window but no direct sunlight. During the colder months, make sure your Pilea is no where near a heater!
