Lush And Thriving

Indoor gardening has become increasingly popular over the course of the pandemic, but it can be a difficult hobby to figure out. If you’re not sure where to start, these expert tips by Denise Law, founder of Tumbleweed Plants, will put you on the right track.

- Yaiza Canopoli

Are there any particular indoor plants you would recommend for beginners?

Our top picks for beginners are the snake plant, ZZ plant, pothos, monstera, spider plant and palm. But the easiest tropical plant to keep alive indoors is definitely the Philodendron Brasil, which grows rapidly with minimal care. All these species are fairly low-maintenance and don’t need to be watered too frequently, making them a safe bet for those just starting out with plant parenting.

How do you suggest choosing plants for different rooms of the house?

The low light, warm temperatures and high humidity in bathrooms are highly welcoming for tropical houseplants. Ferns, air plants, pothos and philodendrons are all good choices.

If your kitchen gets a lot of natural light, a small aloe vera will do great on the kitchen counter. Or you could go for larger plants like fiddle leaf fig, provided there’s sufficient space on the kitchen floor. If you have high shelves, a trailing plant such as a variegated string of hearts or peperomia hope will instantly add some vintage vibes to your kitchen.

The living room is where you want to place an eye-catching statement piece that adds an elegant touch to your decor. We recommend going with larger plants with lush foliage such as bird of paradise, areca palm, peace lily, fiddle leaf fig, philodendron hope or elephant ear plant.

Beyond jazzing up your living spaces, plants also cleanse toxins from the air, reduce stress levels and boost your mood. Our top picks for air-purifying houseplants to promote better sleep in the bedroom are snake plants, rubber plants and Chinese evergreens.

What’s your favourite way to decorate with greenery?