Peace Lilies
Peace lilies are large fragrant flowers with deep dark green leaves, their colours vary between white, purple and pink. They are also known as ‘closet plants’ as they are ideal indoor flowers as they enhance indoor air quality and are easy to take care of.
These hooded flowers are members of the Araceae family and are not lilies contrary to their common name. Peace lilies are native to the tropical forests of America and are known to grow significantly in both height and width.
Light partial shade is the optimum amount of sunlight for peace lilies, and thrive with indoor temperatures. Watering can be as rare as once a week with the intention of keeping the soil moist. They are sensitive to overwatering but can withstand under watering due to their drought-resistant nature. An extra step to keep the plant happy is to add fertilizer around once or twice a year.
Geraniums
Geranium is a genus of low growing perennial flowering plants. They come in a wide range of colour, shape and size. Gardeners often use them for landscaping and as borders.Geraniums thrive in slightly acidic soil, well-drained soil but will still grow in any soil medium. When planting geraniums one must be careful to not plant them too deep. Amount of sunlight does not affect their growth but the watering pattern is dependent on it. The soil must be kept moist and the plant can withstand a large range of humidity. Based on soil quality geraniums may not require any application of fertilizer.
Bougainvillaea
Bougainvillaea is a large vine that blooms almost all year around. Typically found in pink, purple and red they add a lot of colour to a garden. The colour on these plants is from modified leaves known as bracts which surround tiny, white flowers.
Bougainvillaea does not demand much water and can withstand droughts. They prefer rich and slightly acidic soil which must be kept moist but not overwatered. To help maintain a healthy plant nitrogen-rich fertilizer should be added as needed throughout its lifetime. As it is a bushy vine, it can be controlled by pruning which also helps it bloom.
Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant and colourful herb with many uses. It is an ideal companion plant to add to the aroma and colour of a garden. This herb is resilient and easy to maintain.
Lavender grows well in alkaline well-drained soil or chalky soil. Regular watering is required only at the initial stages as well as some compost. For the majority of its life span, it requires a minimum amount of water and thrives with lots of sunlight. Pruning helps provide shape and encourages new growth.
Applications of lavender can be found in various areas including beauty, therapy, and medicine.
Adenium
Adenium is often referred to as the desert rose and is associated with bonsai. It has beautiful colours such as white, pink and red and is a welcome addition in any setting. Adenium may be grown indoors or outdoors but is most popularly grown in containers.
The ideal growing medium consists of 50% peat moss and 50% sand which is similar to the composition of a desert’s terrain. It has proper development in sunny and humid spots. Watering must be regular to prevent the soil from drying out and extra care taken at certain growth stages. The sap of the plant is poisonous and some precautions need to be taken.
References
- https://www.thespruce.com/growing-mint-1402628
- https://www.thespruce.com/grow-weeping-fig-indoors-1902440
- https://www.ourhouseplants.com/plants/weeping-fig
- https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-snake-plant#takeaway
- https://www.proflowers.com/blog/snake-plant-care
- https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-cactus-1902954
- https://www.proflowers.com/blog/peace-lily-care
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/peace-lily/peace-lily-plants.htm
- https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-true-perennial-geraniums-1402842
- https://homeguides.sfgate.com/care-bougainvillea-plant-24303.html
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/bougainvillea/bougainvillea-garden-care.htm
- https://www.thespruce.com/growing-lavender-1402779
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265922#benefits
- http://tipsplants.com/plants/house-plants/adenium
- All the photographs were taken from Google images.
About the blogger
Priya Sadanandan is a B Com graduate and loves to spread awareness about how-to live-in harmony with nature.