TOP TIPS TO GROW YOUR PLANTS

Looking for some affordable ways to liven up your home this winter? Plants are a great addition to any space, creating beautiful and attractive focal points. If you feel a little unsure of how to keep a plant alive, try the tips below.

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With people spending more time at home, bringing the outdoors in, especially in winter, is more important than ever. Glossy, ceramic pots in forest greens and blush pinks are hot news and most in demand right now, says Andreas Keller from Cape Town-based Plantify nursery and online store.

‘Terracotta is also gaining popularity for its earthy finishes, but we’re seeing the shape of the pot becoming more contemporary and featuring glazed accents,’ he says. ‘Palm leaf baskets continue to be well-liked, with people appreciating new weaves and the addition of neutral colours.’

INDOORS
Think about creating layers (both vertical and horizontal), as well as depth and height. In addition to placing plants on a sideboard, sidetable or shelf, suspend them from the ceiling in hanging baskets, terrariums (glass containers) or kokedamas (Japanese moss balls) for a vertical effect.

Lovely big plants or trees work well in a large basket on the floor. Get creative and arrange a few smaller pots with plants of differing heights in front or around the larger one. By placing plants at different levels, you create eye-catching arrangements of colour in multiple places in a room.

Related article: 10 air-purifying bedroom plants for better sleep



You can mix and match planters to create a cohesive look – the idea is to have fun and do whatever looks good to you. For texture, use one or two woven-leafed, crocheted or soft-material plant holders with more solid containers. Soft hanging baskets, whether crocheted or made from woven plant material or fabric, are also trendy.

For a contemporary look, use a variety of glazed pots on metal stands in either black or gold. Terracotta and cement are ideal for an earthier look and feel.

Related article: How to plant a vertical garden

OUTSIDE
You don’t need a big garden, or even a garden for that matter, to enjoy greenery outside.

Outdoor plants can be planted with great success on balconies and small patios. Potted plants are ideal for softening hard elements such as paving or tiles.

Related article: How to grow and maintain a balcony garden

In big gardens, pots are handy for adding another layer of detail and texture. Make sure you select pots that are specifically made for the outdoors, as not all pots can withstand the elements. Materials such as terracotta, concrete or modern glazed pots are usually good choices, while metals like zinc work well as they won’t rust too fast.

Outdoor pots are typically larger than interior pots as the plants are bigger. The pot should be in the correct proportion to the plant, i.e. one-third of the total height and diameter of the plant and container combined.

When it comes to arranging outdoor pots, it’s best to stick to one style to create a coherent look, for example, group a selection of terracotta pots in different sizes together. Popular outdoor plants include aloes, bower vines, dainty crassula, spekboom, asparagus ferns and geraniums.

Related article: How to make the most of a small garden or no garden!