In the lead up to another hot Summer, we dig deep with leaf loving Lauren of Borrowed Nursery as she helps debug some common plant questions to get the very best out of our plants! Plant puns aside, we are lucky to have Borrowed Nursery join us again this weekend at Finders Keepers, The Marquee, Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane!

Have you ever wondered ‘what is natural’ vs ‘indirect light’ and how much water is enough? Then it’s time to put your right stem forward and read on!

WATERING – HOW MUCH IS TOO LITTLE OR TOO MUCH! 

It’s hard to make a blanket rule for watering as each plant has its own requirements. For instance, most fern varieties are quite thirsty whilst a plant like a Zanzibar gem is something we describe as drought-tolerant will only need to be watered once. Keep in mind that through summer and spring as the weather heats up you may need to increase watering and during autumn and winter back off the watering. Keeping the soil moist but not damp is the ideal balance and good draining soil will help this.

SUN EXPOSURE – WHAT IS FILTERED LIGHT? TELL US THE BEST PLANTS FOR FULL SUN TO SHADE!

Filtered light is that what you find inside rooms with a light source from a window or some form of glazing. It’s dapped, indirect, light that is ideal for plants allowing optimal growth without them being scorched. Some are more tolerant to lower levels of light than others, and some require more. Succulents and Cacti require more direct light whereas Ivy and other indoor foliage thrive in more diffused light.

MOVING AROUND THE HOUSE CAN CAUSE HARM – IS THIS A THING?

Once you find a sweet spot for your plant we recommend you keep it in one position. Aside from moving them inside or out for watering, typically it’s best to keep in the same position. Fiddle Leaf Figs, in particular, can be fickle and don’t like to be moved around!

GETTING POTTY WITH IT – STYLE VS FUNCTION

Pots, ceramics, and baskets are a great way to get creative with your plants and to add colour and texture to your interior. Whether it be a ceramic pot or woven basket you can use your vessel as a pot cover, that way you can take it in and out for watering. If you pot into your vessel just keep in mind your plant needs drainage to prevent root rot! Add small pebbles or rocks inside the base on your planter to assist with drainage.

DETOXIFY – TOP PLANTS FOR POSITIVE EFFECTS AND A HEALTHY HOME

Adding plants to your home will not only bring the jungle in but keep the air clean too! My go-to’s are Sansevieria aka Snake Plant varieties as they offer great detoxification to your space. Other varieties include Spider Plants, Fittonia and Peace lily.

Lauren’s Best Sellers!

Our hanging range are some of our most popular items right now! Particularly the more unusual styles like Rhipsalis varieties and Hoyas. Whether it be hanging in a decorative pot or cascading over a shelf they are a lush way to add green to your space.

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