Houseplants: like the perfect man... long lasting, great looking and low maintenance.
What is not to love?
Which is why the Flower Council of Holland are continuing their Houseplant of the Month Campaign throughout 2016. Each month they have chosen their favourite Houseplant and given a ton of information on the history and uses of the plant, how to choose a nice healthy one, and how to take proper good care of it.
We thought we'd do you all a favour and follow their lead, condensing the info in our own monthly feature.
In the fifth part of this year's series...
Blooming Tropical Plants
Blooming Tropical Plants
Just in time for this glorious weather, this month sees the turn of Anigozanthos, Gloriosa and Medinilla as the tropical houseplants of the month.
In fashion world, the 2016 spring / summer collections were heavy on the tropical prints, and there is a big tropical revival in the flower world too.
So, if you’re a big fan of House of Hackney and a frozen daiquiri, you will be well up for one of these babies.
The Anigozanthos plant hails from Down Under, and appropriately is commonly called Kangaroo Paw. It comes in some incredible russet reds and oranges and even lime green tones. It is also available as a long lasting cut stem, and has even appeared in the buttonholes of an Aussie One Flew Over groom!
The Gloriosa is a climber originally from India and Africa and has tendrils which can grow up to 5 metres in length and flower into delicate looking, curved petals.
The Medinilla is native to the Philippines, however its numerous species are now found as far as Southeast Asia, the Pacific and Africa. The plant’s flowers can grown to a totally mad length of 30 metres.
Tropical houseplants generally (and unsurprisingly) aren’t too happy when the temperature drops so keep them in a warm, light spot. The Anigozanthos can even handle full sunlight so suits a window sill right nice.
With the Medinilla and Anigozanthos, it is best to keep them on the dry side, so water sparingly and let the soil dry out between times. The Gloriosa can be watered more regularly but don’t let any of them stand in water. Unless they are in a bikini with a beer in their hands.
Remove any old branches, flowers or leaves to encourage new growth and let them bloom!
