Indoor plants are definitely having a big moment in the home styling world and most of us have embraced the indoor greenery trend as a way to transform and add life to a space (just look at The Grounds!). If they’re healthy, having plants around has been proven to reduce stress, increase creativity and eliminate toxins from the air. If you find the pressure of keeping a plant alive similar to the complexities of open-heart surgery, don’t fear. Greg, our in-house horticulturalist is here to save the day.

With a surname like Bush, it makes sense that Greg grew up with a passion for plants. With 35 years experience in the industry, whether you’re new to this whole ‘keeping plants alive’ thing or a seasoned green thumb, there’s always a leaf to take out of Greg’s book.

THE BEGINNERS GUIDE TO CHOOSING HEALTHY PLANTS

• Buying a plant is an investment so make sure to do your research before purchasing.
• When you’re at a nursery the best place to head to is the indoor section – any plants that are outside have been placed there for a reason, anything that is kept inside will be fine for the indoors.
• Look for a hearty plant – something that looks thick and strappy. Delicate plants aren’t so good for the indoors and they’re less likely to do well long-term.
• Ask questions! Don’t be shy to ask the staff for help, they can offer great advice about plant requirements, such as light and space.

POTS POTS POTS

The Grounds Head Stylist & Creative Developer, Therese, recommends theming the materials that your plants sit in with the feel of your space. For example, weathered terracotta pots will add an authentic, aged look, while concrete mould pots will give a more modern feel. For an eclectic vibe, place your plants in antique brass or copper vessels (you can pick these up from your local antique store or Garden Life), or for a more boho, relaxed feel, use white washed and wicker baskets. Don’t be afraid to play with out of the box items such as an old boot, a teapot or a teacup – you can plant in pretty much anything that fits the aesthetic of your space.

VIRTUALLY INDESTRUCTIBLE PLANTS

Succulents are great! They don’t require a lot of water, need minimum light and retain water on their own, so if you forget to water them for a week or so they’ll look after themselves.

Mother in Law’s Tongue is another great indoor plant – it’s tough as nails and virtually indestructible. It’s also listed as one of the top air purifying plants identified by NASA, which sounds pretty good to us!

ROOKIE ERRORS

The key mistake Greg sees is people over-watering their indoor plants – you can literally kill them with kindness! Plants need to be looked after just like humans do. They need light, water, fertiliser and a comfortable home (thankfully we don’t need fertiliser, but you get the point).

Greg’s trusty tip: The old finger test. Put your finger in the dirt and if it’s damp, it’s ok, but if it’s dry, it’s thirsty. If a plant isn’t watered for a week or so it will be fine, if it’s watered every day for two weeks, you’ll drown it.

You can catch Greg around the The Grounds Garden, or leading our horticulture and propagation classes! Join us to learn how to bring a space to life with greenery or for an introduction into the world of propagation.