Jhb North - Feb 24

Succulents like Kalanchoe and Calandiva,
Echeveria, and Senecio ‘String of Pearls’ are
able to survive periods of drought because
they hold the water in their leaves. All like
bright indirect light and should only be
watered when the soil has almost dried
out. Both Kalanchoe and Calandiva are long
flowering plants that re-flower throughout
the year if old flowers are cut off. Feed with a
liquid fertiliser once a month.
Anthurium is such a common houseplant and the reason
is simple. It is almost impossible to kill, unless you make
the mistake of giving it too much water or let it stand in
water. These colourful plants like good light and a warm
room. Look out for the mini’s that are great novelty plants.
Wipe the leaves to keep them glossy and snip off the dead
flowers to encourage them to re-bloom.
The Split leaf
Philodendron
and Monstera
(Delicious
Monsters) are
both big-leaved
tropical plants
that stand on their
own as feature
plants and are
great space fillers.
They like a warm
room and medium light but
will survive with lower light.
They are surprisingly drought
tolerant but if you are going
away for some time, put the
pot on a gravel or bark filled
saucer so that any water that
drains through can be drawn
up again by osmosis while
you are away. It also improves
humidity around the plant.
Details: lvgplant.co.za
February 24 Get It Magazine 31
Text: ALICE COETZEE