I think one of my first ever plants was a tiny cactus my mum bought me, probably a lesson in looking after something, and I probably killed it. But a few years back I rediscovered my love for indoor plants, and learnt swiftly that they aren’t as easy to look after as that little cactus ( and even that I managed to wipe out )
So here is a crash course using my green thumb knowledge aka having to learn as the husband refused to buy more plants that I would eventually end up having to dispose of.
The Cactus | This particular little guy is part of the Opuntia family, or paddle cactus. He likes the light, but not harsh sun, Cacti can burn. And water, once a month is fine. Make sure you use Cacti soil, which is well draining, usually a pumice mix.
The Rubber Tree | The Rubber tree is part of the Ficus family. With is broad glossy leaves is a real beaut. Keep near a window for bright, filtered light. Away from a draughty door, and make sure you let it dry out a little between waters. I also tend to use a damp cloth to wipe any dust off the leaves every few months.
The Split Leaf Philodendron | I love the Philodendron family, they are one of my favs. This Monsteria Deliciosa is super easy care and looks stunning! They need medium to bright light, but not direct sun. Keep the soil a little damp, but not soggy.
The Heart Leaf Philodendron | Another Philodendron, and this was the first plant I bought back in 2010! She has made the eight house moves with us over the last 5 years, and still going strong. They are hardy and can tolerate low light, but prefer moderate to bright, but never direct sun. Keep the soil damp, but in winter allow to dry out between watering. Every six months I like to chuck mine in the shower and hose her off.
The Hoya | Otherwise known as a wax plant. I remember my grandmother having these growing up, they have the most beautiful cluster of pink flowers. They like it by a north facing window with filtered light, and they love a little mist! Keep the soil damp, and allow to dry out a little between waters in winter. I have mine in the bathroom and it is loving it there!
The Peace Lily | The most common issue for these guys is over watering. They vary in how much water they need so the best way to tell is touch the soil once a week and only water if it’s dry. They tolerate under-watering more than over-watering. They prefer low to medium light. As they have beautiful broad leaves, they can do with a wipe every now and then to get rid of the dust.
The Succulent | This Burros tail or Sedum morganianum. They like bright light and occasional watering. Pretty low care and easy to propagate. But be careful when you move them as they are fragile!
There you go, a little lesson 101 on Indoor plant care! All my plants are from local gardening stores, so go have a look! If they don’t have them, a lot of the time they can order in for you!
For a chance to win the beautiful ‘ Blue Water’ Print by Penney + Bennett, head over to Facebook to see how!
Until next time, Happy gardening!
Love it. Such beautiful photos and great advice!!! x
Thank you, So glad you found it useful!!
Nice post! I think I may have been over-watering my peace lily… haha. No longer though!
Glad to help Caity!! Good luck with the peace lily!
One way or another I end up killing the indoor plants I buy despite the best of intentions. Your guide is absolutely brill! There is hope for my plant raising abilities yet :-) great post!!
They can be tricky! As they are all so different! Good Luck!
I’m taking this article to my local nursery! Beautiful plants and images. Any that I should avoid near children?
Thanks! The philodendron family can be poisonous to eat I believe, and cacti a little prickly! Best to research any plants that come into the house!
We have just moved and I’ve been wanting to invest in some new indoor plants. Your guide is simply perfect timing, and thanks so much for the great advise. I love the white planters! Where are they from? Thanks again for being my favourite go-to blog for everything!
Hi Tiffany! Thank you for your kind words! So nice to hear. The planter is a great garage sale find sorry!!
Refreshingly organic – styling, info & images.
Thank you Rose!
This is a great post! Thank you for sharing :)
Thanks!
This is so useful thank you! I’ve only been able to keep one plant alive (the peace lily), I think I’ll try those other plants now. Thanks for the advice and I must say it’s very beautiful photography. :)
Yes, showering with the plants is something I look forward to :p glad I’m not alone
Great article, I will try some of these tips. I have been struggling to keep a peace Lilly alive. The poor thing has dwindled down to 3 floppy stalks and no matter what I try I can’t get it to thrive.
Where do you get your plants from, partially the cactus? I live in Hamilton and the only cacti any plant store sells are those tiny $5 ones from Castle Rock Cacti, and they don’t really grow fast enough. Love your blog btw x
I understand your mission for cacti, most of mine were bought down from Auckalnd with me ( Coromandel Cacti si pure heaven ) …maybe worth a road trip!
What a gorgeous (and informative!) post! After spending a year living in an apartment with very poor natural light, my husband and I were delighted to move into a one bedroom this past January that is abundantly sunny :) We have many plants and I look forward to growing our plant family. Thanks for sharing! <3
I love this Gem! The plants look amazing in your home. I love having indoor plants, especially because we don’t currently have any lawn space but it’s hard to keep them alive sometimes! Thanks for your helpful tips! x
Great post!
I have a burros tail and since it is so delicate I can’t repot so it will grow, suggestions?
thanks!
Hi JuliAnna! Hmmm its a hard one, Not really, But usauing two hands to lift it out…and try watering it heavily to loosen the soil. Good Luck!
Oh my goodness, I couldn’t have happened upon this at a better time! My husb has put the kabosh on plant purchasing! I bought a palm a few weeks ago, but it had to stay in my hot, hot car for two hours after purchasing. And now it’s basically dead. I’m a winner!
Where is that lovely painting from pictured with the burros tail?
It is a print from Penney and Bennett!
Hi! I was wondering the source for the beautiful white pots used for the rubber tree and the split-leaf philodendron?
Hi Gem, I have been hunting a heart leaf philodendron but I can’t seem to find one anywhere! Do you have any tips on where to purchase one?
Any thoughts on why my Peace Lily has gotten afew brown leaves? I put it out of the direct sun..
Hi Rose,
I am no plant expert by any means, but maybe it needs more water? They also like to be repotted every few years, some new soil and a feed helps. Try doing this in the cooler months, Good luck!
Great article, will try out some of these tips. Been hunting high and low for the white pots features with the rubber tree and philodendron. Any idea the make? I am in Melbourne, Aus. Thanks!!
Hi Rebbie!
I am not sure, I got these at a garage sale! But I have noticed a brand called Milk and Sugar doing similar ones, and looks like they have a shop in Fitzroy! http://milkandsugar.com.au/collections/pots-vases Happy hunting!
Do you know a house plant I remember from over 20 years ago and we called it a piggyback plant. A real easy growing pretty plant. Babies always forming onto of current leaves. Soft leaf kinda clover like?
Oh I dont! Must check it out! Thanks Lynne!
You are tapping into your inner gardener gem…im impressed love from coussie lana
Hiya, where do you get your plants from? I’m struggling to find a split leaf philodendron anywhere in NZ
Hi Tasha! – Look up a place called Beck’s Nursery, they are in cambridge, but stock all over NZ, they should be able to help wth a stockist near you, I also think that they courier! Good Luck!
Hello there! I’ve just stumbled upon your beautiful blog and I’m hooked. These photos are next level (wow). Just one question, where are these gorgeous pots from?
Hi Leah, They were a garage sale score, but Let Liv has similar ones if you are in New Zealand!
https://www.letliv.co.nz/products/fredrik-pot-in-grey
Recommendations please for a high dark stairway landing ? Love the dark green varieties
Thanks, I googled rubber plants NZ and found this article. Just what I needed. Thank you. Love the look of your site so am going to look around more.
Beautiful pictures! Where is that blue pillow from in the first picture?
Hi, can you recommend some NZ native plants for indoor living?