My indoor Plants…
I bought some indoor plants…
I went a bit cray and got two Fiddle Leaf Figs, two Burgundy Rubber plants, two small Banyan’s, a Lucky Bamboo plant which I split into two separate plants, a couple of Aloe Vera’s (you can grow them indoors too) a Devils Ivy, a large Peace Lily, a Majestic Palm, a large Umbrella Plant, a variegated Peperomia, a mess of Inch Plant (a leggy adult also newly propagated ones) and two Monstera Deliciosa’s. I got half from a local home business called ‘Sunrise Plants’ which operates as a small nursery and I found the pricing to be pretty good. Some are off FB Marketplace. I also received a Moth Orchid for Mother’s Day this year from my son. It has already been repotted because it’s growing so well. I have a few cuttings growing roots in water from the Mother plants.
Why did I choose plants in Winter? I think plants are cool #seewhatididthere. I was brought up in a household that had many hanging macrame with pot plants in them, and there were roses + a large vege garden outside. We lived in a semi-rural area with sheep jumping the fence to feast on the goods! There were also stoats, rabbits, possums and Weta’s in the firewood.
Indoor plants can help you during winter. Plants are the perfect antidote for Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is what causes people to feel down and out when winter comes. Having indoor plants is the simplest way to bring nature into your household. Plants purify the air, act as a natural humidifier, and they give you something to look at besides your standard house items. Plus, they're generally easy to take care of! Keep in mind that some are toxic to pets, do your homework before getting any if you have pets or young children.
Some benefits of indoor plants:
They improve air quality in the room by releasing oxygen
They absorb air toxins and boost energy levels
They reduce stress levels by releasing calming chemicals
Can help improve mental health
Research has shown that if we have plants around us, we tend to be happier and get along better with others.
Two Banyan’s
Once you get your new plant you will most likely need to repot it into a bigger container. I got mine from Kmart. They are reasonably priced, not cumbersome and have drip trays or saucers to catch the extra water. If you dont have free draining soil your plant can get root rot.
A good quality (relevant to your plant) potting mix for your new plant. It has sufficient food for up to six months
A suitable container with a drip tray for indoors
A storage area for leftover potting mix and original plant pots
You could get a spade; I just used my hands and the old pot to scoop the potting mix
A mask, potting mix can carry bacteria and fungi! (fungus gnats are super annoying)
This is how big a Banyan tree can get! They live from 200 to 500 years or more
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The Fiddle Leaf Fig aka, Banjo Fig or the ficus lyrata is one of the most popular indoor plants in the world. It is a flowering plant that originated from Western Africa and can be grown indoors as a houseplant or an ornamental tree. I have my two as houseplants they are considered babies. Depending on their growth over the next year I may propagate them (propagation is making a new plant from the cutting of the parent plant) to save money.
If you look after them well, they can grow up to 3 metres tall and live from 20 to 50 years! The leaves can grow to 18 inches long and 12 inches wide and they will reach full maturity in around 15 years. My two plants had a bit of leaf curl when I got them, which is a sign of underwatering, lack of nutrients, insufficient sunlight, inadequate temperature or insects. I hope they will recover over the next few months with some tlc.
How much to water?
Water your Fiddle Leaf Fig with the appropriate amount of water for its size: Size of Fiddle Leaf Fig watering guide (per week) <2ft = 1 cup 2 – 3ft. 2 cups = 3 – 6ft. = 3 cups >6ft. = 4 cups the quality of the water that you use for your Fiddle Leaf Fig can influence its health.
Fiddle Leaf Figs or any plants are sensitive to additives in water. Tap water usually contains chemicals like fluoride and chlorine. These can burn the roots, and body, of your plant when absorbed. I have a good water filter and will water my plants with the water from that. Or you can use rainwater, it best represents the water that your plants would have access to in its natural habitat.
There is so much information out there on Google or through someone that is an indoor plant fanatic. See how you go 🙂
A Fiddle Leaf Fig in its new home, this one has curled leaves from not enough water when it was in a tiny pot!
