My ‘magic mirror’ trick will have house plants thriving without much natural light – plus my must-haves for watering
INDOOR plants don’t require time-consuming maintenance to thrive, revealed an expert.
She shared three simple tips for making a room feel homely and relaxing with an indoor garden.
House plants can be a great option for renters and anyone with limited outdoor space.
Kimberley Pope is the Senior Resident Services Manager at Grainger plc’s The Mint apartment development in Guildford, UK.
She shared useful tricks green-fingered people should try for a flourishing indoor garden.
MAGIC MIRRORS
Pope said mirrors are essential for ensuring that houseplants get the sunlight they need to grow in an apartment where natural light is limited.
“By strategically placing mirrors around your apartment, you enable light to reflect into the home, creating a sunny haven for your plants to grow,” she said.
“Placing mirrors opposite dark corners not only allows more natural light to be absorbed by the plants.
“It also naturally brightens the home and creates a more spacious feel in your apartment.”
SELF WATERING TOOLS
She recommended buying a self-watering gadget to “take the stress out” of remembering to do it manually.
Anyone who travels from home frequently may also find it beneficial.
“Pick up a plant water globe, a handy tool that slowly releases water to drip into the plant, feeding your precious plants for up to two weeks whilst you are away from home,” Pope said.
“Watering globes come in a range of funky colors and designs, so you can pick up one that matches the aesthetic of your apartment.
“Self-watering plant pots are also a great option if you’re frequently traveling or forgetful when it comes to watering your plants.
“Designed to allow plants to draw up water as and when required, self-watering plant pots have a reservoir of water which the roots absorb to ensure the soil maintains a consistent level of moisture.”
A collection of five self-watering pots costs $13.99 on Amazon.
It has a 4.5-star rating from delighted customers and over 200 orders have been placed in the past month.
Spider Plants and Snake Plants are also known for purifying indoor air.
Kimberley Pope
One reviewer described the pots as “stylish,” while another praised the “sturdy” quality.
According to the manufacturer, they are suitable for all houseplants including flowers and cactus.
LOW MAINTENANCE PLANTS
Pope said some house plants have health benefits in addition to adding color and texture to the space.
They can purify the air and help reduce allergens present in the home.
She revealed a selection that has a “zen aesthetic” but requires minimal effort to keep alive.
"Spathiphyllum, more fondly known as the Peace Lily, requires low intervention and minimum light exposure,” she said.
She revealed they can prevent the formation of mildew by bringing moisture back into the room while surviving even in dark corners.
She said they are ideal for bedrooms or bathrooms.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“They are even known to promote a restful sleep and productive environment,” Pope added.
“Spider Plants and Snake Plants are also known for purifying indoor air, converting carbon dioxide into oxygen at night and regulating a healthy airflow in the home, helping to remove hazardous gases, keeping the air clean and fresh indoors."
