This year, older houseplant trends continue, but with a unique twist. Foliage remains the focus thanks to the original favourites - Ficus lyrata (fiddle leaf fig) and Monstera deliciosa (delicious monster). However, rather than the standard green, gardeners are now looking for colour. Beginning with variegated cultivars, the most popular houseplants on the market today are those with interesting patterns and unique colours to change up the look.
Calatheas, Ctenanthe and Pothos are some examples, featuring fascinating foliage with patterns that appear painted on rather than real. For a less fussy option suitable for beginners, try low-maintenance philodendron cultivars like 'Prince of Orange' or 'Imperial Red'. Those who prefer muted tones or something a little more dramatic can look for houseplants with deep green, almost black leaves like Alocasia 'Black Velvet' or the 'Raven' ZZ plant cultivar.
Large houseplants that take up entire corners from floor to ceiling are also on trend. The indigenous bird of paradise is a global favourite at the moment, along with indoor trees like Ficus longifolia, Ficus elastica of which there are beatifully coloured varieties, Ficus benghalensis variegated and Pachira aquatica.
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FIRE AND Feathers!
On a dreary winter's day, a screen of fiery and feathery leaves puts up a fight against dullness!
GET THE ladies in!
At this time of year, early-flowering shrubs vie with each other to get the most attention. We say: Trust those with female names for frills and butterflies. They go the extra mile to flower their hearts out.
Vegetable Soups and dumplings
Vegetables make the most delicious soups and classic combinations are always a winner.
Yummy sweet potatoes for your good health
Boiled, baked or braaied, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a delicious and healthy winter comfort food. Just a dollop of butter, a little seasoning and you are good to go.
Pretty and functional
If cooking is your main thing, you would probably be more interested in the culinary value of the three herbs and some of their varieties we are describing.
Dried Seedheads & Pods
Autumn and winter are the best times to see what flowers produce the best seedheads that can be left on the plants to feed the birds and bugs and for harvesting for dried arrangements.
SO MANY FACES and so many choices...
Whoever associated a Cotyledon orbiculata (pig's ear) with the ear of a pig obviously did not know about all the varieties and cultivars this species in the genus Cotyledon has.
COLOURFUL Cold Weather WINNERS!
If it comes to a vote, these dependable shrubs will be the top candidates for prime performance in winter and in other seasons...
What makes a garden sustainable?
It is interesting to note that the United Nations defines sustainable development as: “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Nurturing NATURE-The Story of Kraal Garden's Transformation
Nestled within Prince Albert's rustic embrace lies a gem that is a testament to the transformative power of human vision and nature's bounty.
