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Winter is a great time to enjoy houseplants, and many of the specimens at Sky Garden are suitable to grow at home. At Sky Garden, the plants are lovingly overseen by our head gardener, Suzanne Patman, who dedicates a lot of time to making Sky Garden look amazing.
Watch the water! Most people overwater their houseplants during winter, which can lead to wilting yellow foliage, brown tips on new leaves, and sometimes a nasty smell or a plague of tiny black flies.
Plants need much less water in the colder months, unless they are immediately by a radiator or fan. Check the soil before you water; it should be slightly damp but not wet.
Only water if it is dry, and the best way to water is to leave the pot in a dish of water to soak upwards – don’t forget to take it out again though!
Here are some solid performing plants at Sky Garden in January that can look great in your own home creating your own mini plant paradise:
The Strelitzia Reginae (Bird of Paradise) makes an excellent houseplant. It thrives in a congested container, prefers very dry soil, and flowers during the winter months when kept indoors.
It also gives a great tropical feel even when not flowering, with huge paddle-shaped leaves. However, it is extremely tall and fairly bulky at maturity, so make sure you have plenty of space.
These are great orchids to grow at home as they don’t need the very warm and humid conditions of the traditional indoor orchid, and they are happy to be quite crowded in pots.
Good sunlight is required, but crucially for flowering, they need a period of cold – an unheated conservatory or very bright windowsill in an unheated room is perfect.
A free-draining soil is most suitable, and try not to overwater.
Bright, interesting foliage and a spreading habit make this an excellent choice for an afternoon sun windowsill.
The leaves are typically a vibrant green with red veins and can fold up at night, resembling hands in prayer, which is how it got its name.
Keep the soil damp but not wet.
The Begonia Maculata ‘Wightii’ (Polka Dot Begonia) has a vibrant pattern and brightly coloured new foliage. It is also a prolific flowerer in the right conditions, with clusters of small white flowers at the end of stems.
It has a very upright habit, and the canes may need supporting as they grow; alternatively, it is very happy to be pruned back but will be less likely to flower.
Prefers bright sunlight; allow to dry out completely before watering.
The Calathea Insignis, or Rattlesnake Plant, is known for its long, narrow leaves with dark green markings.
It thrives in containers and prefers bright but indirect light. Unlike many other Calatheas, it likes to sit a little drier.
With its unique foliage and easy care, the Rattlesnake Plant is a great addition to any indoor space.
