Out of the ordinary indoor trees are more than just double-volume space fillers. They are collectable works of art.
As indoor plants move from being a supporting act to the main feature, this year’s trend encourages plant lovers to seek out the unusual, the quirky and the collectable.
The training of the stems, as well as the texture of certain indoor trees sets them apart. Those with stems that are twisted, plaited, pruned or trained offer a fascination that invites closer attention.
Ficus Ginseng
From this …
To this… 15 year old specimen.
Ficus microcarpa ginseng, known as the bonsai Ficus, is theatrical yet also mystical. As each tree grows its individual nature emerges and it can mature into a splendid specimen.
Being a dwarf variety that originates from the tropical forests of Malaysia, it is an ideal indoor tree for a warm room that receives bright indirect light but not direct sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist and feed with a nitrogen rich liquid fertiliser or a kelp based tonic.
To keep it in shape, trim lightly, cut off dead or yellowing leaves and dead branches. If necessary, repot into a pot one size bigger after two or three years.
Money tree – Pachira aquatica
The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is a small, slender tree that is often sold with a braided trunk. It – earned its name from the Feng Shui belief that it brings luck to its owner. It also helps to improve indoor humidity. Originally a tropical wetland tree from to Central and South America, it needs a warm room bright indirect light. It can take some morning sun.
Let the soil dry out between watering. Fertilise with a liquid plant food, diluted at half strength once a month in summer. Once it is happy in a position, try not to move it because plants dislike being moved and can drop their leaves. Also keep away from draughts. Repot every two years.
Ficus benjamina
The supple stems of Ficus benjamina allow this small tree to be woven or braided. A braided stem produces the effect of a standard tree and its graceful arching stems make it ideal for a living room. Look out for trees with variegated silver and green or yellow and green leaves for an even more decorative effect.
These large specimens with their intricately woven stems are truly living sculptures. Time and artistry go into their creation.
The good news is that all Ficus benjamina trees thrive with the same treatment.
They just need moderate watering, and liquid fertiliser once a month in summer. Spritz the leaves to keep them dust free. Plants that drop their leaves may be stressed by under or over watering or a change in temperature. In other words, once a plant is happy where it is, don’t move it.
Besides their aesthetic qualities, Ficus benjamina varieties are also effective air purifiers, that can help filter out pollutants that are present in detergents, household cleaners, deodorizers and varnish.
Cycas revoluta
Cycas revoluta, also known as the Sago palm, is not a palm or true tree, but is a wonderful indoor specimen plant for adding texture and interest.
This slow grower thrives with bright, indirect sunlight and requires very little care. Only water when the top 10cm of soil feels dry to the touch. Over watering can cause root rot. Feed with a slow-release fertiliser once in spring and once in summer or feed with a liquid fertiliser once a month in summer.
If you are intrigued by stems with a twist, and don’t have the space for an indoor tree, then Lucky Bamboo is the plant for you. It’s not actually a bamboo, but a variety of dracaena.
Lucky Bamboo needs bright, filtered sunlight, and is easy to grow, needing almost no care. The stems can be grown in water in a clear glass vase, or in a pebble filled vase with water covering the roots or in moist potting soil that drains well.
What’s important is to use distilled or bottled water because Lucky Bamboo is very sensitive to chlorine found in tap water. If you can only use tap water, let it stand for 24 hours for the chlorine to evaporate. Change the water once a week to prevent diseases and odours. The water should always completely cover the roots.
To prevent the bamboo from becoming top heavy, cut off the offshoots close to the main stem. New shoots will emerge.
For more information: www.lvgplant.co.za
Article and images by Alice Coetzee.
