Latest news with #Philodendron
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Glam up the patio for winter
Winter mornings and evenings can be chilly, but on sunny winter days there's no better place to be that on the patio, stoep or loggia. Use flowering plants to decorate the table when friends and family gather for a meal. Close in the space with leafy plants or air plants tumbling out of hanging baskets and add some eye catching foliage plants as features. Just make sure that the plants are sheltered from drafts and are hardy, or else move them closer to the interior when bitter cold is predicted. For tabletop flowers the best plants are those that stay compact and carry their flowers above the leaves, like kalanchoe and calandiva, cyclamen and mini versions of phalaenopsis and anthurium. Cyclamen thrive in the cool weather and if dead flowers are regularly removed it can flower throughout winter. Plants like bright light and cool conditions and should not be over -watered. For it to flower well, feed with a liquid fertiliser at half strength every two weeks. It doesn't always have to be about flowers. The bonsai Ficus macrocarpa 'Ginseng' is always a talking point. Make a feature of it by placing it on a coffee table or pedestal to show off its unusual stem and air roots. Plants that are 'bonsai ready' are easily available and can remain in their pots or be transplanted into a more traditional ceramic bonsai pot. As a patio plant it needs a sheltered position that receives up to four hours of sun a day. Over-watering or drying out, or cold can cause leaf drop. Feed every six weeks with a liquid fertiliser like Nitrosol. Trailing plant Philodendron scandens, also known as the sweetheart plant for its heart-shaped leaves is easily trained onto a wall trellis or frame or can cascade out of a hanging basket. Keep plants to a manageable size by trimming regularly. Plants tolerate all light conditions, from shady to bright light, but do best in medium light. Keep the soil consistently moist although the surface soil can dry out slightly before watering again. Feature plants The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is almost indestructible plant that looks like a cross between a cycad and a fern. It copes with variable temperatures and only needs minimal watering. Water when the top few centimetre of the potting mix feels dry. The shiny, dark green leaves have a waxy look and new growth is a lighter green, creating an attractive contrast. Keep the leaves looking shiny and healthy by feeding with pot-plant food once every six months. There are many variations of the rubber plant (Ficus elastica) and an unusual variety is Ficus 'Abidjan' which has dark purple-green leaves with a hint of red. Ficus plants thrive in bright light and do well next to windows. Water once the soil becomes dry to the touch. Regularly wiping the leaves with a soft cloth soaked in lukewarm water will also keep the leaves shiny and healthy Monstera deliciosa: grows into a large feature plant with striking, lobed leaves that will thrive indoors or on the patio for many years. It needs good, filtered light and the soil can slightly dry out between watering. Sponge down the leaves to keep them clean. Repot once a year, in spring, until the plant reaches its mature size, then just refresh with potting soil. Prune lightly (cut off branches or leaves where they meet the stem) to prevent the plant getting too large. For more info, visit LVG Plant. Article and images supplied by Alice Coetzee. For more on gardening, visit Get It Magazine.
Otago Daily Times
01-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
A taste of ‘Brasil'
Dunedin Botanic Garden's plant sale is a great opportunity to green your indoor spaces, writes Alisha Sherriff. Philodendron species have long held a special place in the hearts of house plant enthusiasts. With their forgiving nature, broad green leaves, and ability to adapt to a variety of indoor conditions, they are often considered "fail-proof" for both novices and seasoned plant parents. Among the many beautiful varieties, one stands out for its vibrant charm — the Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil'. This eye-catching plant is a variegated form of the classic Heartleaf Philodendron, instantly recognisable by its striking green and lime-yellow streaked leaves. Named 'Brasil' for its resemblance to the Brazilian flag, this cultivar brings a tropical burst of colour into homes. While some Philodendron varieties thrive easily indoors across New Zealand, the 'Brasil' can pose a slight challenge in cooler climates such as Dunedin. However, with a little attention to its specific needs, growing it successfully is far from impossible. The 'Brasil' prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its vivid colouring, though it will tolerate lower light conditions at the cost of some of its variegation. Like most Philodendrons, it appreciates a warm, humid environment, consistent moisture without waterlogging, and a well-draining potting mix. It's best kept away from draughts or cold windowsills, particularly during Dunedin's colder months. An occasional wipe of its leaves not only keeps it looking lush but also helps the plant photosynthesise more easily. Given the right care, Philodendron 'Brasil' is a stunning indoor plant that adds a tropical vibe to any space. For those keen to add this beauty to their collection, the Dunedin Botanic Garden May plant sale offers an excellent opportunity. Taking place on Saturday, May 17, 9am until noon, the annual event has been a highlight on the city's horticultural calendar for decades. Organised by the Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Garden, the May plant sale is not just a fundraiser — it's a fun community gathering that celebrates the shared passion for plants. The Friends of the Garden, a dedicated volunteer group, have lovingly propagated 0 'Brasil' for the past two years in preparation for this year's sale. Thanks to their care and expertise, visitors will be able to buy the plants potted in hanging baskets — perfect for displaying their trailing vines in style. The plant sale has a long history of offering plants that have deep connections to the garden's impressive collections. Plants available on the day originate from the extensive borders and themed gardens that weave through the botanic garden's landscape, including rare and unusual varieties not commonly found in retail nurseries. All funds raised through the sale go directly into supporting projects and initiatives at the garden, helping to maintain and enhance this community treasure. Pro tips: bring cash on the day to avoid queues for the eftpos machine and arrive early so you don't miss out on the plant you want. Another much-loved indoor favourite that will feature at the plant sale is Hoya Apocynaceae . Commonly called "waxplants" or "waxflowers" because of their thick, leathery leaves and star-shaped flower clusters arranged in umbels, Hoya are perfect for anyone who loves a low-maintenance houseplant that can put on a good show. The classic Hoya carnosa is one of the most common and reliable species to grow indoors. It's a trailing vine that thrives in bright direct or indirect light and doesn't mind being root-bound — in fact, it prefers it. This makes it ideal for hanging pots, shelves, or trailing down from a high spot. When it's happy, it will reward you with beautiful clusters of starry flowers that smell incredible, especially in the evening. What's interesting about Hoya flowers is how they bloom. The plant produces them from little umbels on the peduncle. These are permanent structures that the plant will flower from again and again. So, if your Hoya has finished blooming, don't remove these — they're not dead stems, they're flower factories in waiting! The longer or bigger the peduncle, the older (and usually more impressive) the plant. When the flowers open, they ooze a sticky, sugary nectar — not something to worry about, but maybe don't hang your plant directly above the TV or couch. The scent can be sweet or even pungent depending on the species, especially at night. This is likely the plant's way of attracting night-time pollinators. Alongside Hoya carnosa , the plant sale will have a range of other Hoya species available: Hoya obovata : This one has big, round leaves that are often splashed with silvery spots. It's a bit of a slow starter but really takes off once it settles in. Hoya pubicalyx : A fast-growing variety with long, narrow leaves and gorgeous dark purple to deep red flowers. It has a strong fragrance that can fill a room in the evening. Hoya serpens : A tiny gem with small, fuzzy leaves and light green flowers with red centres. It comes from the Himalayas, so can handle cooler indoor temps. I have struggled with this one for years but love it so much I keep trying to grow it. Hoya krinkle 8 : A twist on the classic carnosa, this one has wrinkly, crinkled leaves and trails beautifully. Not seen much these days. Hoyas are such a classic indoor plant — a good indoor plant collection isn't complete without at least one example. In New Zealand we have a limited number of species available, so it is always exciting when an unusual species turns up at the local garden centre. I am always on the hunt.
