How to Keep Indoor Plants Alive
Keeping an indoor plant alive — let alone thriving — can be a daunting task. Thankfully, we have five tips to help keep your plants alive.
1. Potting and repotting
When potting a plant, choose a pot that has good drainage and always use a good quality potting mix. If you do have a pot without drainage, you can pot it in a smaller plastic pot and pop it inside.
When repotting, pick a pot that’s one size bigger than the one you have, place some firmly packed potting mix in the bottom and a small sprinkle of plant fertiliser. Give the plant a good water and gently tip the pot on its side and ease out the plant, place it in the new pot and gently fill with potting mix, press down soil and keep filling until you are about 2-4cm from the top of the pot.
2. Light
Most plants like bright indirect sunlight. Plants get their nourishment and energy from the sun so don’t be shy about placing them in bright sunlight. As the seasons change, watch the light levels and move plants closer or further away from windows. Some plants can survive in very dim light but give them a bright light holiday one day a week. Pale foliage is a sign that your plant might not be getting enough light and brown patches on leaves can mean the plant is getting singed.
3. Water
One of the most common reasons indoor plants die is overwatering. The majority of plants need to be watered once a week. Once a month place them in a sink or bucket and drench the soil and roots, then let the water drain out well before placing them back in their spots. There are a few plants that like more water, such as peace lilies, and some that like less, including ZZ plants and snake plants.
4. Humidity
Lots of indoor plants, and the majority of what we sell, originate from sub-tropical rainforest-type climates. They love a light misting daily or you can sit them in the bathroom while you take a shower.
5. Choosing plants
Pick the right plant for you and your lifestyle. If you are new to house plants, start with an easy-care plant such as a succulent or cactus, then you can graduate to other types. If you go away a lot choose a plant that can survive without attention. If you live in the city you might want to think about plants that have super air cleansing powers. The whole process of choosing plants and their weekly routine can be quite meditative. Enjoy the watering rituals you create — it’s a good chance to practise your mindfulness. Just remember once you start it’s hard to stop!
Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?
Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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84.1% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.9% Other - I'll share below!
Unelected commissioners recommend they stay in power
That's the Stuff headline. I have watched on as these commissioners proselytize about how they respect democracy-and now this. I acknowledge Simeon Brown has rejected their proposal but all I see is these commissioners trying to cling on to power and their sinecure at all costs. It is unbelievable-they should be ashamed. Ms Tolley (who does not live here), Mr Selwood who gets flown up from god knows where, and the other two-spare me the platitudes about how they are only here for the benefit of Tauranga. No you are not. You are paid to impose what you think we want. What is that? An oligarchy? Democracy is not perfect but far better than what you propose. To completely misquote Bertrand Russell-let the people think. By the way Mr Rutherford (my absent aka missing in action BoP MP) if you can deign to read this-show some mettle.
🏡✨ Selling your home?
Don't underestimate the power of atmosphere! 🌺🍞 When potential buyers step into your home, consider their senses. A clean-smelling home is key, so say goodbye to cooking smells, cigarette smoke, and pet odours! 🚫
Sensitive noses out there? No worries! After banishing those odours, add a delightful touch – think fresh-baked bread for an emotional vibe, a bouquet of flowers for a burst of freshness, or try cinnamon magic! 🍞🌸✨
Boil cinnamon sticks for 2 minutes, let the aroma dance through your home, and turn off the heat once that cosy cinnamon scent wraps around every corner. 🍂🏠✨
Why cinnamon? It's linked to warmth, making your home even more irresistible.
Ready to charm those potential buyers? Let the scents do the talking! 💕
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