The Beginner's Guide to Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants
At CRD it is no secret that we aren't afraid to spread a little faux greenery around. With many of our clients leading busy lives and working away from home we find that taking care of plants is not always an option. Of course we don't want to deny these clients the warmth of a little greenery so we have a range of realistic looking faux plant suppliers whose products we work into our designs. However, if you aren't about that (artificial plant) life, we have three of the perfect low-maintenance and trendy potted friends for you to bring into your home.
FIDDLE-LEAF FIG
Fiddle Leaf Figs or Ficus lyrata is a hardy plant that thrives in tropical and sub-tropical climates (like ours on the Gold Coast). Fiddle Leaf Figs have been floating around the interior design world for a few years now and we believe that they are here to stay. These plants will survive happily indoors if they are placed near a window in direct sunlight. Fiddle Leaf Figs have large glossy leaves so they will need to be wiped down occasionally with a soft damp cloth. It is recommended that you let the soil dry out completely before watering again, otherwise the soil an root base is likely to rot and those gorgeous leaves that you carefully wiped down will fall off.
MONSTERA
Monstera (or the Swiss Cheese Plant) is another tropical plant that loves our Gold Coast climate. This baby is perhaps the most underrated plant of the interior design world because (plant-killers rejoice) it grows like wildfire. Monstera is traditionally a very invasive species when grown outside which means it will still flourish inside with less sunlight.
Much like the Fiddle-Leaf Fig, Monstera only needs to be watered when the soil is completely dry. Ensure that it kept in a well drained pot and it isn't left sitting in a puddle after watering.
BANANA LEAF PALM
The perfect companions for our Gold Coast homes, Banana Leaf Palms are the perfect accessory to add height and drama to every space. Like all plants, Banana Leaf Palms will need some sunlight throughout the day in order to stay happy and healthy. Most species of palm prefer the warm air so keep your Banana Leaf away from air-conditioners and drafty parts of your home. Ensure that the base of the plant stays slightly moist and that the drainage pan is emptied after watering so as not to soak the roots.