There are so many ways you can benefit from spending time at home with your loved ones. We’re going to focus on how you can #GrowatHome. Whether it’s through growing your very own plants from seed, or choosing indoor plants to add some life to your home, now is the time to invest in ourselves.
Sewing the seed
It’s true what they say in that you reap what you sew. Now more than ever, that phrase is crucial. In a time of uncertainty and fear, what will you sew? Planting the seed of positivity can go a long way. Especially for those of us who have young children at home, struggling to comprehend what’s going on in the world. At Life Green Group, we’re focusing on growing – after all, it’s part of our DNA!
Step away from the electronic devices and spend time caring for your indoor plants instead. Indoor plants help clean the air of harmful pollutants, boosting the air quality which in turn reduces stress and anxiety. There’s also something very rewarding about nurturing a seed and watching the plant grow into something beautiful.
What should you grow?
Have a look in your kitchen pantry. A fun experiment to show younger kids is sprouting beans. Simply place a couple of beans in between two pieces of damp cotton wool in a jar, then leave it in the sun to germinate – a windowsill in the kitchen is a great place for this. Make sure you keep the cotton wool damp and watch as the seed forms roots and leaves. Once this happens it’s time to transfer your seedling into a small pot with some soil. Be careful not to damage any roots when removing from the cotton wool, you can leave some cotton wool behind to avoid doing so.
Sprouting beans in cotton wool is a great way to teach young children how to care for plants.
Choosing Indoor plants
For older kids looking to start an indoor oasis, some of our favourite indoor plants come recommended by our Life Indoors manager, Leanne Meyer. They are the Chamaedorea elegans – parlour palm or love palm, is one of the most popular indoor plants. This easy to care for palm thrives in most places in the home, which explains why it’s the most sold indoor plant in the world. If you’re a first-time indoor plant owner, give this one a go. You won’t be disappointed!
Chamaedorea Elegans, or as it’s commonly referred to as the love palm, is one of the most sought after indoor plants in the world.
Other popular choices are Monsteria deliciosa, commonly known as the swiss cheese plant, is known for their luxurious tropical leaves.
Monsteria deliciosa, commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant is sure to make an impact with its impressive lush leaves.
Philodendron scandens – also known as the sweetheart plant, thanks to their heart-shaped leaves, are climbers and thrive in shaded parts of the home.
Philodendron scanden, creeping up a moss pole.
If you’re looking for the trendiest greenery on the block, then Ficas lyrata is just for you. The commonly known Fiddle-leaf fig is a dramatic accent to any room with its large, distinct leaves.
Ficus lyrata or as it’s more commonly known, Fiddle-leaf fig is sure to bring your indoor space up-to-date.
You can’t go wrong with old-time favourites when choosing indoor plants, Spathiphyllum, knowns as peace lily plants or Chlorophytum comosum, commonly hen-and-chicken or spider plant are both great choices.
Spathiphyllum or peace lily plant enjoys a low-light environment and needs minimal attention.
Chlorophytum comosum is commonly referred to as hen-and-chicken, and is a wonderful ornamental plant to add to your home. We love using them in the on-trend macrame hanger.
Tips for watering your indoor plants
Always check the soil first before topping up with water by pushing your finger into the soil all the way to your second knuckle or use a wooden small stick. If it feels or looks dry then it’s time to water. If it’s still showing signs of wetness rather let the soil dry out to avoid root rot, especially the plants which are not in direct sunlight. Another tip to keep indoor plants healthy is to increase the water retention by applying a thin layer of mulch on top of the potting soil. A wide variety of material can be used for this purpose, ranging from moss, coconut coir, fine bark chips, pebbles or crushed pistachio shells. Make sure not to pile mulch up against the stem of the plant, as this can cause them to rot.
Whether it’s a seed that needs careful attention or finding the perfect conditions to place your new indoor plant, connecting with plants is a therapeutic way to bring nature indoors and reduce stress levels. We’d love to see what you’re doing at home – so take a picture of what you’re growing and share it with us by using the #GrowatHome and tag us on Facebook or Instagram – @Lifegreengroup.