The Roanoker - Sept/October 2021 - 104

You're a plant parent now or at least
want to be - congratulations! Now
learn all the tips and tricks needed to
care for your indoor garden.
By Liz Long
Greenery
Dreams
T
here's never been a better time to
become a plant parent, or expand
your knowledge in plant care if you're
already an expert caregiver. Let's
take a look at some commonly asked
questions regarding your indoor plant family.
What's trendy for
plants this season?
Air plants and succulents are a great indoor
plant for those eyeing the most popular
varieties right now, says Jan Hendrickson of
Green Designs, LLC. If you opt for a succulent,
be sure to provide exceptionally good light and
avoid overwatering.
Casey Broughton, co-owner at Townside
Gardens, says that while trendy plants change
all the time, there are popular classics such as
the fiddle leaf fig tree - one of the most-used
plants in magazines, TV and movies. " Once you
know what they look like, you'll notice them
everywhere! "
Mark Hodges, co-owner of Mike's Country
Market & Greenhouses, agrees on the fiddle
leaf fig tree - while it has a reputation for
being fickle, it's a beautiful addition to your
home once mastered. " Fiddle leaf figs have
large glossy leaves and grow tall, so they are
104
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
favorites for those looking for a showy plant
for the corner of their living room, " he says.
" But they need more light than most people
realize, and they hate to be over-watered. You
really have to find the perfect balance of tender
care/neglect for these fashionable trees, and if
you succeed, you will be the envy of all your
friends! "
Broughton also recommends the popular
but easier care of the Monstera Deliciosa,
with its jungle look. Other options include
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma (aka Monstera
Minima), Philodendron Birkin, Monstera
Adansonii, Hoyas (which has many varieties),
" pretty much anything variegated and anything
'string of,' " Broughton says. " Some of the
popular string options nowadays are String of
Pearls, String of Hearts, String of Dolphins
and String of Turtles. "
The monstera, or Swiss cheese plant, got
its nickname from its unique holes and splits
throughout its broad leaves, and is great for
owners that can offer bright, indirect sunlight
and self-control with watering (once a week
is optimal).
" Another fun aspect of the monstera plant
is that it comes in a multitude of interesting
varieties, " Hodges says. " In our greenhouses, we
most often have the monstera deliciosa variety
available, but another favorite of houseplant
lovers is the monstera adansonii which has
smaller leaves and more defined holes in the
leaves. All monstera plants are vines (although
the deliciosa looks more like a shrub initially)
and they all like to climb. Whatever variety of
monstera you get for your home, the addition
of its lush greenery will not disappoint. "
New to plant
parenting?
Try snake plants, a popular option for
beginners that's both easy to grow and
drought-resistant - they can go up to two
months without watering in winter months!
" The snake plant is our go-to recommendation
for those who come into our greenhouse saying
that they have a 'brown thumb' instead of a
'green thumb,' " says Hodges. " It's a great option
for beginners or those who don't have a lot of
time to dedicate to their plants since it thrives
on minimal care. We think snake plants, or
'mother-in-law's tongue,' is one of our more
interesting-looking plants with its thick sword
blade leaves with alternating green variegated
stripes. Snake plants can survive in the more
shadowy corners of your home, but it just
might not grow as fast. In most conditions it
only needs watering every other week, making
it very low maintenance. "
TheRoanoker.com
COURTESY OF MIKE'S COUNTRY MARKET & GREENHOUSES
http://www.TheRoanoker.com
The Roanoker - Sept/October 2021

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