If you enjoy keeping indoor plants but struggle to keep them alive owing to a lack of space, sunlight, and water, you've come to the perfect place! In this post, we'll show you how to grow indoor plants that are appropriate for Singapore's environment, particularly those that are low-maintenance and hardy.
We've also divided them into four categories: super hardy plants, air-purifying plants, the most aesthetically pleasing plants, and desk plants.
Desk Plants
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a well-known plant for its beauty benefits. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and requires only a monthly watering when the soil is absolutely dry. It can reach a medium size and is an excellent addition to any desk.
2. Fittonia
Fittonia, sometimes known as the nerve plant, is a low-growing creeper that prefers high humidity, indirect sunshine, or fluorescent lighting. It's doesn't die easily and flourishes in the restroom. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist.
3. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Tillandsia, or air plants, are plants that can grow without soil and mostly require misting. Because they can grow under artificial light, they are ideal for offices and work-from-home workstations. They can be imaginatively placed in a variety of glassware, driftwood, stone, and reclaimed sea shells.
Most Aesthetically Pleasing Indoor Plants
1. Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
This majestic plant has beautiful leaves but is not for newbies. It requires a well lighted location away from direct sunshine, regular rotation, and infrequent watering.
2. Asparagus Fern
The Asparagus Fern has fluffy, feathery leaves that adapts to a variety of light conditions. It can withstand morning sun, intense sunshine, and even dappled shade. Water once or twice a week, and don't let the soil entirely dry out.
3. Peace Lily
This flowering plant has air-purifying characteristics and may blossom indoors with little light. It requires weekly watering or when the soil surface is almost dry, as well as an appropriate fertiliser for regular flowering.
4. Flamingo Lily
This South American tropical plant has brilliant red leaf bracts and flowers that bloom all year. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and bright, indirect sunlight. Keep it properly watered, but don't leave it in standing water.
Indoor Plants with Air-purifying Benefits
1. Mother-in-Law's Tongue
A hardy plant that can endure low-light situations and long periods without water while effectively eliminating contaminants from the air such as formaldehyde and carbon dioxide.
2. Spider Plant
A low-maintenance plant with striped leaves that may bring sophistication to any minimalist setting. It is effective at removing dangerous pollutants from the air such as xylene, toluene, and formaldehyde, making it a cost-effective alternative to air filters.
Super Hardy Indoor Plants
1. Money Plant
This low-maintenance plant is tolerant of low light and only has to be watered once a week. Its vines can grow to be many feet long and can help clean the air.
2. ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant is a beautiful, glossy-leaved houseplant that can spend weeks without being watered. It prefers indirect light and is well-known for its air-purifying properties.
3. Monstera
The Monstera is a tropical plant that is easy to care for and has enormous, unique leaves that produce split patterns as the plant ages. It prefers bright, indirect light and requires only a weekly watering.
4. Cornstalk Dracaena
Resembling a miniature palm tree, the Cornstalk Dracaena is a tough plant that can survive without water for an extended period of time. It prefers indirect light and is well-known for its air-purifying properties.
5. Rubber Plant
A medium-sized plant with lustrous, dark green leaves that favours drier soil and shade, the Rubber Plant. It is well-known for its air-purifying properties and requires watering only when the soil surface is dry to the touch.
How to Choose the Right Indoor Plants
According to Muhammad Hazri Mohammad Siddiq, Senior Horticulturist at Gardens by the Bay, choosing the right indoor plants is critical for their growth and health in your house.
He advises newbies to select plants based on their potential to grow in the unique conditions of their home, rather than just their looks. Plants that can survive low light conditions are better suited to Singaporean households. Furthermore, keep the plants away from direct sunlight, as direct sunlight might be damaging to their growth.
Takeaway
Overall, these plants are excellent choices for bringing some greenery to your home while requiring minimal care. Just remember to pay attention to each plant's unique requirements and modify accordingly.
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