Bring Nature Home With Indoor Plants

8/8/2019 Bring Nature Home With Indoor Plants

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Bring nature home with indoor plants

In these days of shrinking spaces, maintaining an expansive garden may be a luxury. But do not lose heart.You can have a piece of garden inside your house too, writes BIJU GOVIND.

PHOTO: COURTESY MASTER PLAN, CHENNAI & K.GAJENDRAN

GREEN INTERIOR: Indoor greenery

Gardening is not just a hobby. It allows people to interact with nature. It helps people even change their

attitude to life. Ask any hobbyists. Life has become satisfying, beautiful and tranquil - they will say.

However, not every one is lucky to have a gorgeous garden in their yard. People living in cities face the

challenge of limited space. Shrinking spaces may have forced many to abandon the idea of having a good

garden.

Now people are beginning to choose another and better option - indoor gardening. It is as relaxing as

outdoor gardening. You do not need any experience to start with. And it is neither expensive for beginners.

In fact it is like bringing nature into the home.

Florists say that a helping hand from like-minded neighbours, friends, tips from gardeners, reading books

about gardening and browsing websites is all what you need to build up a booming garden inside your home

But some essential things you must know are the general nature of plants, which plants to grow and what

will grow outside and inside homes. Mastering the skills of growing plants can be done within a few weeks.With a good collection of plants you can create an absolute paradise in the interior of your home.

A large number of varieties of ornamental tropical plants are available in markets. To start with choose

plants, which are easily available and are cheap at the nurseries. Gardening can become expensive only if

you are getting too much involved and engaged in collecting plants known for their exotic varieties.

One of the commonest varieties is the anthuriums usually grown in pots. These beautiful indoor tropical

plants are actually grown for their long lasting. Some of the specimens are most suitable in hanging baskets.

However, these plants need acclimation to light as well as temperature in a new surrounding. A few of the


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plants suitable for hanging baskets are the basket-vine types, creeping bloxinia, fern asparayas, red ivy,

honey plant, mosaic plant and Christmas cactus.

Hanging plant.

Rhapis is another common variety. These are also known as the Lady Palm. They have thick sturdy leaves

and are found in many green and variegated forms. Some of these varieties are insect resistance. These

plants are also easy to maintain. Other durable indoor tropical plants are Chinese evergreen, Dragon tree or

corn plant, Ficus, Peace Lily and Arrowhead Plant.

Heliconias, gingers, bananas, plumerias and bromeliads are plants, which are grown in pots. Although theseare usually grown outside it can also be grown inside as well.

Indoor plants

Thousands of varieties of indoor houseplants are available in market these days. However, buy indoor

houseplants free of disease and insects. Plants should look clean and well-potted. If they have new flowers

and leaf buds with healthy foliage it would be good.

Experts say that the original growth of the houseplant is determined by sun or shade. Acclimatise the

houseplants to a new location. Gradually reduce the light level or increase them. Apart from light and water,

other factors affecting plant growth are temperature, humidity, ventilation, fertilisation and soil. Incorrect

proportions will prevent plant growth indoors.

Light is required for all plants. Some plants need bright filtered light while others need to be kept near the

window. Using water is another essential thing. Overuse and under-watering can destroy a plant.

Moisture level of houseplant requires constant attention.

Fertilizers


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Similarly using fertilizers for indoor plants is another element. Some plants do not need fertilizers at all.

Regarding temperature, houseplants usually tolerate normal temperature fluctuations. Humidity and

ventilation are other vital factors. Care has to be taken to keep the indoor plants from insects and diseases.

Ensure regular cleaning of the leaves. Use of pesticides is not recommended. Other areas in which you can

enhance houseplant care are selecting pots for the plants. Provide enough headroom for proper watering

and bottom drainage.

Clay pots are the healthiest kind containers for houseplants. Pots are also available in ceramic, brass, plastic

and fibreglass materials.

Occasional re-potting is another essential thing in caring for indoor plants. Some of the other activities

include pinching, pruning and disbudding. Pinching is the removal of new stem and leaf growth.

This is done to make the plant more attractive stimulates new growth.

Pruning is the removal of an entire branch of the plant so as to keep it compact. Disbudding is another

caring activity in which flower buds are removed to obtain larger blooms.

Apartment is not only place for dwelling but also a place where you spend major part of your

life. You may be looking for making your apartment beautiful and there is no argue that nature isbeautiful. You can bring nature into your apartment. Indoor gardening makes them possible for

you.

What is indoor gardening?

Growing houseplants within a residence, building, greenhouse or in a conservatory is calledindoor gardening. Indoor gardening is garden that suits most for city dwellers where space for

garden is limited. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, indoor gardening helps toimprove room air and increase beauty of your room.


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Choosing Right Plant

Secret of successful indoor gardening is choosing right plant that suits your room temperatureand climate. Here are some tips for you to choose right plant for your indoor gardening.

y Sunlight:Sunlight is important for plants and flowering plants require more sunlight.While choosing plant for your indoor you need to decide where you are placing them and

will they get adequate sunlight. Outdoor plants require 6 to 8 hours sunlight for bettergrowth and indoor plants need 1 or 2 hours sunlight for its growth.

y Avoid dark place: Avoid keeping your plants in dark place of your room and in the placewhere it gets more cool air such as cooler and air conditioner. If your room is setup with

cooler or air conditioner, Keep plants near window where it gets sunlight or keep themoutside for one or two hours a day.

y Purchasing plant: While purchasing indoor plants, select only those plants that will beable to grow in the climate and condition of your room. Purchase plants that appear pest

free and with healthy foliage.y Time required: While choosing plant you need to know how much time you should

spend to take care of your plant. Some plants needs more care and some other needs noextra care. While choosing plant for your indoor know the time required and whether you

want to display them year round.y Caution: While choosing indoor plants, remember that some plants are poisonous in

nature. Keep in mind if you have small children or pets. Remember to take care of samewhen choosing plants with throne.

Starting an Indoor Garden

Before you setup an indoor garden you must know the basic things required for thrive of indoorplants. Plants need adequate sunlight, water, soil and fertilizers for its growth. Indoor plants need

more attention and care than an outdoor plant. You need to organize artificial heat and adequateatmosphere for the growth of indoor plants.

You can either start your indoor gardening with seeds or plants bought from nursery. Nowadays

supermarkets and others stores come up with seeds and indoor plants. You need to check the datefor seeds and plants are free from pests. Make sure your plant gets enough sunlight. If your room

is not getting enough sunlight, you either plants that grow in medium or low lights or you canprovide artificial heat for your plant. Pour enough water and bathe your plant occasionally. You

can buy good container soil for your plant than taking soil form outdoor which may also risk ofinsect and other disease.

Container garden in indoor gardening

Container garden is practice of growing plants in containers or in pots. You can enjoy the naturein your home with container garden. You can setup miniature garden and develop your skill

gardening skill in the limited space. Container garden helps you to grow your favorite herbs,


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flowers or vegetable in your apartment. Here are some advantages of container garden in indoorgardening.

y Size and shape of container: Container is available in various shapes and size that suits

your need and for growth of your plant. You can choose any shape and size for your plant

considering space available in your room for indoor gardeningy Easy movement: Container garden provides easy movement of plants. You can move

plants from one place to another without disturbing the growth of your plant.

y Pest free: Container garden helps to stop pests and if your plant is infected by pests, youcan treat those containers with appropriate spray without disturbing other plants.

y Saves Space: One of the advantages of container garden is it helps in saving space.Container is available in various size and shape, you can choose container that suits best

for your apartment or space available.y Proper nutrition: In outdoor gardening usually fertilizers fed for plants are either

drained off or absorbed by nearby plants. In container garden plants are well fed.

Popular Indoor Plants

You can choose plants that suit the theme of your room. Indoor plants purify air and reduce

pollutants in the room. Here are some plants used for indoor gardening.

Chinese evergreen:

These plants grow in low light, dry air and in drought. Chinese

evergreen has silver gray and dark green leaves. It is one of the durableindoor plants

Ponytail Palm:

This one of the indoor plants which needs a little attention for

maintaining its beauty. The foliage of these plants arises from anunusual swollen trunk and best suits for those who forget to water.

Ponytail Palm can thrive for one or more day without water.

Amaryllis:

Amaryllis is easy to bring to boom and comes in various beautiful colorsof red, white, pink etc.


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Tropical combo Bonsai:

You can get taste of tropic right and can be cultivated in any small

corner.

Rosemary:

Start with a cutting of rosemary, and keep it in moist soil less mix untilit roots. It grows best in a south-facing window. Rosemary is also a

natural mosquito repellant.

Common indoor houseplants may provide a valuable weapon in the fight against

rising levels of indoor air pollution. The plants in your office or home are not

only decorative, but NASA scientists are finding them surprisingly useful in

absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning the air inside modern

buildings.

A sophisticated pollution-absorbing device: the common indoor plant may

provide a natural way of helping combat "Sick Building Syndrome".

Research into the use of biological processes to solve environmental problems,

both on Earth and in space has been carried out for many years by Dr. Bill

Wolverton, formerly a senior research scientist at NASAs John C. Stennis Space

Center, Bay St. Louis, Miss

Based on preliminary evaluations of the use of common indoor plants for indoor

air purification and revitalization a study using about a dozen popular varieties

of houseplants was done to determine their effectiveness in removing several key

pollutants associated with indoor air pollution.

NASA research on indoor plants found that living plants are so efficient at

absorbing contaminants in the air that some will be launched into space as part

of the biological life support system aboard future orbiting space stations.

While more research is needed, Wolvertons study showed that common indoor

landscaping plants can remove certain pollutants from the indoor environment.


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"We feel that future results will provide an even stronger argument that common

indoor landscaping plants can be a very effective part of a system used to provide

pollution free homes and work places, " he concludes.

Each plant type was placed in sealed, Plexiglas chambers in which chemicals

were injected. Philodendron, spider plant and the golden pothos were labeled themost effective in removing formaldehyde molecules.

Flowering plants such as gerbera daisy and chrysanthemums were rated

superior in removing benzene from the chamber atmosphere. Other good

performers are Dracaena Massangeana, Spathiphyllum, and Golden Pothos.

"Plants take substances out of the air through the tiny openings in their leaves ,"

Wolverton said. "But research in our laboratories has determined that plant leaves,

roots and soil bacteria are all important in removing trace levels of toxic vapors".

Good luck plant

Believed to bring home good luck, `Cordyline terminalis' is a popular indoor plant known for its beautifulfoliage.

CORDYLINE TERMINALIS is a popular indoor plant, mainly grown for the beautiful foliage. The leaves are

rich crimson or copper green with red shades that take on darker hues as they mature. It is closely related

to and frequently confused with dracaenas.

Belonging to the familyAgavaceae, Cordyline is a single stemmed, usually unbranched shrub or small tree

originally from Pacific Islands and Australia. These evergreen shrubs have leathery, stiff lanceolate leaves


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arranged in loose rosette. The leaves are about 20 cms long and 10 cms wide have no leaf stalk and spring

out from a central growing point, which elongates to a short stem with age. They narrow at the stalk as well

as the tip.

Cordyline should be kept well watered during warm weather, but allowed to dry out between watering. They

should be sprayed in summer and kept away from direct sunlight. Bright even light brings out the highest

colour of Cordyline. Tiny pink or reddish flowers appear on 30 cms panicles.

Leaves of Cordyline generally remain on the plant for two years; you can expect some lower leaves to fall in

summer. When the stem grows too tall cut off the tops, root them in moist sand for propagation. About five-

cm-long sections of the old stem, with or without leaves, will root normally if each section includes at least

one growth-bud. After about four months move the plants into bigger pots with rich fertilised soil. A mixture

of sandy loam, compost and organic fertiliser is suitable soil. Any good quality well-drained potting mixture

is good for the plant. Supplement with regular doses of plant food and change the topsoil every year.

Cordylin is believed to bring good luck. They do tolerate oil and gas fumes in moderation and make for ideal

plants by the window.

CHITRA RADHAKRISHNAN

Get rich with money plant

Among the plants that you needn't pamper are the money plants. These hardy plants will thrive with the

minimum of fuss apart from giving the green hue to the interiors and the garden. Species of Scindapsus,

Philodendron, Monstera and Syngonium are common climbers used as pot plants. They can also be grown as

climbers on walls, trellis and trees or in hanging baskets.

Scindapsus aureus or money plant is an immensely popular houseplant. This is a perennial climber with

heart-shaped dark green shiny leaves. Young plants bear leaves that are three-four inches long.


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But they can be twice as big on older plants and bigger on climbers growing on trees. These plants can climb

high up the trunks and along the branches of trees by attaching fleshy aerial roots to the dry bark.

Money plants are mainly used as indoor plant because of the foliage and rapid growth. They can trail down

from pots or hanging baskets. Given light, water and fertilizer, Scindapsus will grow at a terrific rate. Bright

filtered light throughout the year is best for the plant. In less light, the leaves lose much of the colour

contrast.

Propagation is through cuttings of three-four inches below the node. Plant a few of the cuttings in pots

containing rich soil. Cover the pots with plastic bags and leave them in bright filtered light till roots appear.

Water moderately and transfer them into hanging pots and let the plants trail down. If you want the plant to

grow bushy, trimming helps. Trim and re-pot whenever required.

One attractive way to grow money plant is to train it on sticks in pots. Moss-covered polythene pipes are

used to give moisture and hold for the roots. But in dry places , the moss falls off. A wire-netting framework

can be used to hold the moss in place. Instead of moss, coir ropes also can be used on polythene pipes. Coir

gives grip and roots easily cling on to the sticks. When money plant grows vertically upwards on the sticks,

the leaves will become larger. The plant will then produce leaves of different sizes and may demand more

space. Flowers are not produced indoors.

Cut money plant branches arranged in glass containers will produce roots and the cuttings will remain fresh

for a longer time. The fresh looking money plant grown in water is a cheerful sight and the show of green

will last for many months. Add water as it evaporates. Change water once in a month.

The cuttings kept in water will develop many roots and they may need replacing. These rooted cuttings can

be planted in pots or in beds.

Scindapsus will do well as ground and wall cover. Given some care, it will grow well and add colour to your

garden

Splash of colour

There are dozens of varieties of Cymbidium


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Cymbidium: ideal indoor plant

THE GENUS Cymbidium includes 50 species of evergreen epiphytic or terrestrial orchids from the tropical

areas in India, China, Japan, Australia and Malaysia. The plants have 8-10 narrow to linear leaves. Flowers

are borne on long or short racemes from the bases. These are often grown as indoor plants and can produce

as many as 30 flowers, each up to (6 cm across) in a single season. Flowers are scented and can be in a

variety of colours, ranging from deep brown, to red, pink, yellow, green and white.

Many hybrids have been produced.

Cymbidium Lisa Rose has pendulous linear leaves 75 cm long. It bears up to 12 rose pink flowers, with

yellowish white and deep red lips, on upright racemes.


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Cymbidium insigne bears upright racemes of white or white flushed pink flowers, with pink spotted lips.

Cymbidium Pontacbears dark red flowers, with red-banded white lips, on long upright racemes. Cymbidium

Strathdon, terrestrial orchid with pseudo-bulbs and linear leaves, has dusky red-pink flowers, 6 cm across,

with yellow tips marked deep red and pale pink. These are borne on upright racemes.

Cymbidium flowers from December to June. There are dozens of varieties and all reward you with arching

sprays of waxen blooms in a range of colours that last for weeks. Keep the compost nicely moist. Feed with

liquid fertilizer when new leaves and shoots form. Keep away from direct sunlight in cool places or windowboxes.

The beckoning bloom....

Nurseries and terrace gardens have caught on as a concept in the city. If a garden flowering in gay abandonis not possible because of space constraints, it is still not difficult to indulge your green thumb, writesNivedita Ganguly

Indoor plants need a lot of care to remain healthy. They should be kept under the sun for a specific time,say once in 15 days


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A carpet of manicured greens gives that rejuvenating feeling. The heady fragrance and colours of flowers

and foliage stir the senses. It's complete joy to watch a series of colourful flowers sit demurely in the bed of

greens. A pleasant feeling runs down and joy compounds if you have this strip of green in and around your

house that you can call your very own garden.

Gardening in ancient India was an integration of Nature with everyday life. In the garden history, whether in

cottages or palaces, none can really deny that the British had a great love for their gardens. This passion for

flowers and gardening is eloquently etched in their history. For instance, a love expressed by the Duke of

York to the Countess of Stair through a letter which used all the scientific meanings of the 'rhododendron'

species to describe his feelings. An all-consuming love made Ernest Henry Wilson, the greatest Brit ish plant

collector during the Great Wars, pile up over 3,000 species from China and Southern Europe.

In our own land, the great love of the Lodis and the Moghuls for terracing, water channels and, of course,

the red roses redefined the look of our shaan-e-baghs (i.e. gardens).

Nurseries and terrace gardens, it seems, have caught on as a concept in the city. Whether it is for spiritual,

medicinal or aromatherapy purposes or doing your bit for the environment, there is exercise and much

sanity to be derived from a garden patch. And it can be a pleasure watching your soul bloom.


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Situated in lush, green environs along the bustling National Highway No.5, the Chandana Mohan Rao

Nursery Garden houses a vast variety of plants. Just walk in to the nursery, close your eyes, and take a

deep breath. Yes, it is the smell of a pristine forest.

This oasis is one of the popular nurseries in the city. Tens of hundreds of flowering, fruit-bearing, indoor and

ornamental plants are found here. There are about 50 varieties of show plants, 103 of flowering plants and

35 of indoor plants available here that are brought from far off places like Kolkata, Darjeeling, Siliguri,

Baroda, Pune and Bangalore.

The costliest among these is the Cycas plant that ranges from Rs.75 to Rs.5,000. This plant requires least

maintenance and grows to an average height of 3-4 feet when kept indoors.

The crotons, however, continue to remain popular because of their bright hues. Leaves shaped like ribbons,

apples or like a duck's foot add to the charm of this plant. The latest rage is the miniature lotuses, which

grow in a pot full of water and look adorable!

Creepers are another attraction at this nursery. The butterfly creeper is a handsome one shaped liked the

butterfly's wings, with a slender stem that spreads in all direction.


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"Indoor plants need a lot of care to remain healthy. They should be kept under the sun for a specific time,

say once in 15 days," says B.V. Rao, the in-charge of the nursery. Diefen Beakia and Aglonima are thepopular indoor plants that come in different varieties.

If you're one of those who rush down the Jagadamba junction during daytime, you can't fail to notice the

sudden flashes of colours on the stretch beside Lepakshi. Even as you wait for that bus before you to move

on this one of the busiest roads in the city, cast your eyes on the sides - there's an entire way of life on the

stretches flanking this arterial road. These roadside small nurseries may not have all varieties of plants,

nevertheless, they have a range of popular ones. They have about 25 types of roses, 15 of hanging plants

and 20 of indoor plants lined to the collection.

The MVP VUDA Central Nursery is, perhaps, the oldest nursery in the city. Though in a developing stage, it

has quite a good range of plants especially hedge plants which, like the Golden Duranta, give a classy look

to the frontyard of the house. These can be cut in various artistic shapes to suit the ambience of the garden.

With such wide varieties of plants available, if a garden flowering in gay abandon is not possible as you live

in an apartment, it is still not difficult to indulge your green thumb.

If the flat balcony is small and you also have to accommodate a clothesline, then choose plants that are

short like varied crotons and ferns. Money plants need little sunlight and can be grown in pots with moss

sticks or in bottles and stay evergreen and brighten kitchen counters. Most balcony plants should be

exposed to the morning sun, and if your apartment is your dream house, then your balcony can be your

imaginative corner.

Ferry flowers

With flowers enclosed in boat shaped bracts, Boat Lily is a fascinating indoor plant, ideal for warm climes.


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AN ASSORTMENT of vivid plants can enliven the interiors. A delicate looking indoor plant that grows well

even in warm Chennai or Hyderabad with an unexplained generic name Boat Lily, Rhoeo spathacea (Rhoea

discolour), is a member of the family Commelinaceae. A native of Mexico, it was named Rhoeo by R.P.Hancea British botanist.

The specific name spathacea refers to the large bracts that enclose the flowers and discolouring explains the

double colour nature of the leaves, dark green on the upper surface and purplish underneath.

The leaves are erect and lance shaped up to 25 cms long and 5 cms broad produced in conical rosettes, with

flowers in boat shaped bracts found below the leaves. Owing to the shape of the bracts, the plant, although

not a lily, is also known as the Boat Lily.

The small white flowers are not showy but they present a curious appearance like a child peeping from its

cradle and hence the common name `Moses-in-the-cradle'.

The leaves are fleshy and can easily be broken. The plant, thus being delicate, should be kept in a place

where it will not be disturbed. . A semi shady, moist place will be ideal for the plant. In summer, the plant

should be given more shade and water but water logging around the roots should be avoided.


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Mature plants produce plenty of offshoots and they come in handy to propagate the plant. A loose compost

mixture in which an extra amount of leaf mould is added will be ideal for the plant.

Rhoeo spathacea (Vittata) with yellow lengthwise stripes on the upper side of leaves with a red tinge is a

variegated variety of the plant.

Bring Nature Home With Indoor Plants

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