{"id":17692,"date":"2023-11-24T10:00:01","date_gmt":"2023-11-24T08:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/joburg-north\/?p=17692"},"modified":"2023-11-22T09:54:14","modified_gmt":"2023-11-22T07:54:14","slug":"indoor-plants-for-the-lock-up-and-go-lifestyle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/joburg-north\/blog\/2023\/11\/24\/indoor-plants-for-the-lock-up-and-go-lifestyle\/","title":{"rendered":"Indoor plants for the lock-up-and-go-lifestyle"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you love plants but like to get away, especially for that spur of the moment week\u2019s break, keeping your indoor plants going can be a bit of a challenge.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Fortunately, there are indoor plants that are tougher than they look and there are some neat strategies to keep plants moist for longer. No more drooping stems or dried up leaves when you come home.<\/p>\n

With these seven plants you can get away with watering only once a month, although it does depend on indoor temps and once you return, they will appreciate more regular watering.<\/p>\n

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ZZ plant. Image source: LVG Plant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

ZZ plant<\/strong> (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is almost impossible to kill. It tolerates both heat and cold, dryness and very little water as well as low light. However, it will grow better with bright light. It is a gorgeous plant too. With its glossy green leaves and strong stems, it could almost be mistaken for a cycad, and over time grows into a statuesque plant. Even under normal circumstances, soil should dry out between waterings.<\/p>\n

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: String of Pearls. Image source: LVG Plant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

String of Pearls<\/strong> (Senecio rowleyanus) is as decorative as its name, being a most unusual trailing succulent that looks best tumbling out of a hanging basket. The round green leaves look like pearls strung along slender green stems, that can grow 60 to 90cm long.<\/p>\n

In fact, you can have a whole collection of strings\u2026like string of bananas, string of turtles, dolphins and hearts. Most are members of the Senecio family of succulents that are indigenous to Namibia so can easily tolerate dryness.<\/p>\n

The \u2018Strings\u2019 \u00a0like bright indirect light and should not be over water as this can cause root rot. Cut back straggly stems to produce a fuller plant and keep it looking neat.<\/p>\n

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Varieties of Sansevieria. Image source: LVG Plant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another toughie is Sansevieria <\/strong>(mothers-in-law tongue) which will survive almost anywhere and last indoors for many years. It will take low light, cool temperatures, and dry soil very well. The most popular variety for indoors is Sansevieria \u2018<\/em>Golden futura\u2019 which always looks elegant, doesn\u2019t wilt, and doesn\u2019t take up much space. \u00a0It is happy in a well-lit room or home office and only needs watering when the potting mix feels dry.<\/p>\n

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Delicious Monster. Image source: LVG Plant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Delicious Monster<\/strong> (Monstera deliciosa) is back in fashion because of its large, dramatic leaves. In nature these forest plants survive on existing rainfall which means that they can survive periods of dryness. They need the minimum of care, being happy in a well-lit room with space for the leaves to show off at their best. Wipe down dusty leaves with a damp cloth.<\/p>\n

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Guzmania Scarlet Star. Image source: LVG Plant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Guzmania lingulata<\/strong> \u2018Scarlet Star\u2019 and Yellow Star are dramatic and exotic, with red or yellow-tipped yellow flower bracts. The flower bracts last for two months or more then the plant dies, leaving behind new plants, called pups, that become the next generation Guzmania. Plants like a warm, draught-free room with bright, indirect light. Keep the plant\u2019s central tank\/vase plant filled with water and flush it out regularly to keep it fresh.<\/p>\n

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Areca palm. Image source: LVG Plant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Areca palm,<\/strong> also known as the bamboo palm, is surprisingly tolerant of neglect. It is a graceful space filler that does best being close to a window for good, filtered light. It should not be over watered and a sure sign of over watering is yellow leaves. However, it will appreciate sitting on a saucer filled with bark chips helps with humidity. These palms grow into good sized specimens and to appreciate their graceful fronds they need space.<\/p>\n

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Anthurium and String of Pearls. Image source: LVG Plant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You can\u2019t talk about hardy, long lasting plants without mentioning anthurium.<\/strong> The indestructability of this tropical plant, with its heart-shaped leaves and multi-coloured \u2018flowers\u2019 make this a perfect houseplant. Display anywhere with good light, warmth and away from draughts. Being compact, plants are easy to display always having a bloom or two. Wipe the leaves to keep them glossy and snip off dead flowers. Most importantly, don\u2019t over water.<\/p>\n

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Tips for keeping your indoor plants alive for longer.<\/strong><\/p>\n