Spring Gardening – Bring the outdoors in with these 5 hot indoor plant trends
As we embrace color and maximalism in fashion and interiors, it’s no surprise the trend has spilled over into colorful indoor plants – and the flamingo flower is a popular choice.
This shiny-leaved Anthurium is usually found in the wild in South America and the Caribbean.
But, says Sian Noel D’Avila of independent plant store Potty Mouth, it needs a little TLC.
“The flamingo flower likes a bright spot and should be kept a little moist at all times. You will want to feed the plant monthly with liquid fertilizer in the spring and summer.
Flamingo flower, €14, pottymouth.ie
Satin pothos
While hanging plants trailing in front of windows or draping themselves from shelves have always been popular, satin pothos is the vine plant of the moment. Low-maintenance yet striking, its heart-shaped leaves will clamber around a room and add lots of visual interest.
Rachel Clarke of independent plant store Clay Plants says it requires a bright, well-lit space, but can also “handle moderate light if you want to set it back from a window or shelf”. Water when the soil begins to dry out.
Satin pothos, €15, clayplants.ie
elephant ear
If you are looking for a remarkable plant that transforms a room into a verdant paradise, the elephant ear — or Alocasia Zebrina — will do the job very well. Native to Southeast Asia, this statuesque rainforest plant features beautiful arrow-shaped leaves that resemble an elephant’s ears, hence its name, and zebra-striped stems.
The elephant ear is becoming increasingly popular with plant collectors, but it needs a little extra attention. The Glas Plants team describe it as being “on the thirsty side”, so make sure the soil is consistently moist. Elephant ears love bright, indirect light, but be careful, too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves.
Elephant ear, €16.99, glasplants.ie
Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’
You’ve no doubt seen the Monstera deliciosa, or Swiss cheese plant, all over your Instagram feed. It is arguably the most popular houseplant in the world. But now, like tastes are becoming more refined, plant lovers are looking for new varieties. Enter Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’, a fabulous bicolor plant with a cream and green mottled pattern and high price. They are hard to find and therefore very expensive. Howbert & Mays on Clare Street, Dublin, recently had 10 — priced at €145 per plant, they sold out within days.
howbertandmays.ie
white rabbit’s foot
Indoor ferns have long been a popular choice. Enthusiasts love the ethereal wisp of Asparagus Fern and the prehistoric beauty of Boston Fern. But plant trends are constantly changing and the fern of the moment is undoubtedly the white rabbit’s foot variety, otherwise known as Humata tyermanii. This slow-growing houseplant isn’t as finicky as other ferns, which often require high humidity and dappled shade. It is happy on a windowsill but avoid direct sunlight. Plant Life in Dublin recommends watering well during the warmer months, allowing the top of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
White rabbit’s foot fern, €7.99, plantlife.ie
Don’t miss your Spring Gardening brochures, free in this weekend’s Irish Independent on Saturday and the Sunday Independent, with expert advice on everything from what to plant to all types of gardens, how having fun outdoors, how to involve the kids, and much more.
