Top 10 unusual indoor plants to cultivate at home
In the world of horticulture, there's a diverse array of plants that can add a touch of nature to your home. Here's a selection of some fascinating species and varieties, each with their own unique growing requirements.
First, let's talk about Pelargonium 'Dark Secret', a handsome variety with very large flowers. This plant thrives in a non-draughty spot with good airflow, and its watering schedule should be adjusted according to the seasons – more in summer than winter, but only when the compost is becoming dry.
Moving on, we have Nepenthes 'Rebecca Soper', a carnivorous plant that drowns insects in its liquid-filled 'pitchers'. This plant prefers a humid, shady spot indoors and should be watered frequently with rainwater. It's important to note that Nepenthes 'Rebecca Soper' is a sensitive species, so it's best to avoid direct sunlight.
For those interested in propagation, Begonia 'Princess of Hanover' is a great choice. This plant can be propagated by pinning a leaf to compost and slitting the leaf surface. To encourage bright leaf coloring, keep it warm and in a shady spot.
Adiantum venustum, a plant with a seasonal growth pattern, needs regular trimming of old or brown fronds in the spring. It requires free-draining compost and frequent watering, and in the summer, it benefits from a balanced fertiliser.
Tillandsia cyanea, native to Ecuador and growing on tree trunks, is another interesting addition to your collection. This air plant produces pink flower stalks and blue flowers intermittently and thrives in free-draining but moist compost, away from direct sunlight.
Guzmania 'Tempo' is an evergreen rosette of foliage that bursts into a spectacular red inflorescence, lasting approximately six weeks. This plant requires warmth, day and night, and should be kept out of direct sunlight. The leaf 'cup' of Guzmania 'Tempo' should be kept filled with water.
Aechmea 'Blue Rain', related to pineapples, has hard, spiky foliage and prefers bright light but not full sun. Regular misting and applications of foliar feed are necessary for this plant.
Streptocarpus 'Roulette Azur' is a summer-flowering streptocarpus that performs best in a shady spot. This plant can generate new plants from old by planting leaf slices in compost. It should be misted and watered, allowing the soil to dry out before watering again.
Begonia 'Princess of Hanover' holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit and requires watering when the compost is dry. This plant species prefers a warm, shady spot to showcase its bright leaf coloring.
Brugmansia suaveolens 'Weinstrasse' (angel's trumpet) needs a well-lit, cool conservatory in winter. Water it plentifully and mist regularly to prevent red spider mite.
Lastly, Ficus benjamina 'Golden King', a variety of the common fig tree, adds a touch of elegance with its golden leaves.
Special thanks to the specialized nursery "Bakker.com" for providing knowledge about the plant Tillandsia cyanea mentioned in this article. Happy gardening!
