Indoor planting 101: Skill of incorporating greenery inside house

Dina Said, Wednesday 9 Oct 2024

Ahram Online (AO) has discussed essential guidelines, Indoor Planting 101, for transforming a house into a green paradise with plant experts.

indoor planting

 

With their vibrant green hues, indoor plants infuse homes with life, offering a sense of positive energy and natural ambience.

Selecting the right shade plants, understanding their types and care requirements, and arranging them harmoniously are keys to creating a lively atmosphere.

Plants add a unique value to homes and should not be treated as a secondary element, interior designer Engy El-Gayar told AO. 

“I consider them a vital and essential component that can even become the focal point of a room,” she said.

El-Gayar emphasized that the green colour of houseplants harmonizes with any colour scheme used in the design, blending seamlessly with different styles.

“When selecting plant sizes, matching them with the space is crucial. For instance, smaller pots are ideal for bathrooms, while larger plants work well in spacious areas like the reception, adding a sense of luxury. Plants can also be grouped, ensuring their sizes are proportionate to create a cohesive look,” she added.

Moreover, plants are versatile elements that suit all areas of the house.

Different approaches
 

El-Gayar explained that incorporating plants in a home can be approached in two ways.

The first involves planning their placement during the house's design phase, dedicating a specific space prepared with the necessary conditions for growth, such as under staircases or in unused corners that would feel incomplete without them.

In this context, they breathe life into otherwise empty spaces.

The second approach involves introducing plants as a decorative accessory after the home design is complete to enhance the house’s overall aesthetic.

Furthermore, El-Gayar stressed that plants can be practical, not just decorative.

For example, they can provide privacy when placed by windows in a carefully arranged layout or serve as a visual complement by hiding structural columns or filling gaps in the design.

An array of choices
 

Popular shade plants include Pothos, Syngonium, and Aglaonema, which thrive in indirect sunlight filtered through glass rather than complete shade, Dr. Walid Bazaraa, a researcher at the Horticultural Research Institute, told AO. 

Another notable plant is Asparagus, which is distinguished by its delicate, interwoven leaves and often utilized in floral arrangements.

However, the Croton plant, which prefers indirect light, is best placed outside, as inconsistent watering can cause significant leaf loss.

Meanwhile, Asplenium nidus should be kept away from direct sunlight.

Bazaraa noted that light requirements vary among shade plants, with dark green-leaved varieties needing less light than their lighter counterparts.

Climbing plants such as Cissus antarctica and Monstera deliciosa can adapt to low light conditions, while Fittonia thrives in warmer indoor settings.

Among flowering shade plants, the African violet stands out, requiring minimal care and capable of growing up to 15 cm.

Other flowering varieties include the Oxalis, available in shades of purple, white, and pink, and the Flamingo plant, which showcases red, white, and pink blooms, thriving in temperatures below 27 degrees Celsius.

The Tuberosa is another fast-growing option.

Popular choices for balconies include Geranium, Gerbera, Thyme, Mint, Basil, Rosemary, and Bay leaves.

Bazaraa also highlighted the importance of choosing an indoor location that offers appropriate light and ventilation based on the plant type. In the absence of natural light, indirect lighting from wall fixtures or lamps is a suitable alternative.

Most shade plants flourish in temperatures ranging between 15 and 23 degrees, with some varieties favouring cooler conditions to maintain longer-lasting blooms.

When purchasing, it is essential to inquire about the proper soil type and specific care needs, as these differ among plant species. Ensuring the plant's health before buying and checking for soft or decaying leaves is crucial, as is the regular removal of dead leaves.

NPK fertilizer should be applied as a fundamental nutrient source for all indoor ornamental plants, Bazaraa explained.

When arranging plants, consider their size, placing larger ones first, followed by smaller ones, especially when grouped. Plants sharing a space should have similar watering and growth requirements.

Let them flourish
 

The choice of containers is equally important. Metal pots, which can rust and retain heat, should be avoided in favour of clay or fibre options. These should be fire-resistant and feature holes for adequate air circulation and drainage of excess water.

Bazaraa cautioned against using oils to polish leaves, as it can block plant pores. Instead, gently clean larger leaves with a damp cloth or cotton, taking care not to damage them.

Timer-equipped devices can be set to water plants for up to 15 days during travel. Although effective, these devices are relatively expensive.

Bazaraa indicated that many people face issues with plants dying shortly after purchase. This often happens due to daily overwatering, which suffocates the roots, or inadequate room ventilation, resulting in yellowing and leaf drop.

 

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