Plant Care 101 with Tierra

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THRIVING INDOOR PLANTS

Plants always make for beautiful décor around the house but for beginners, they can seem a little daunting. After all, plants need a lot of care to help them grow and thrive, and can discourage homeowners from getting plants of their own. But with a few tips and tricks, you'll be on your way to being your own green thumb!

The Tierra Team shared with us a few tips and tricks to keep indoor plants thriving and how to decorate your homes with the plant of your choice.

 

EDNP: What plants are good to keep indoors? Are there any specific plants that are better as indoor plants?

 

Tierra: Most plants that are shade tolerant make for good indoor plants although you also have to consider other growing conditions such as temperature and humidity. What’s important is acclimating the plants gradually/”training” them to be accustomed to their environment.

 

EDNP: What is the general upkeep with regards to indoor plants? How often do you have to water them, where should they be placed in the house, any specific fertilisers that are needed, what soil and pots are needed?

 

Tierra: Pay attention to light and water. Plants survive underwatering more than overwatering. If your plants need water then it will definitely show signs (e.g. drooping). The damage done by overwatering (rotting roots), however, will be harder to spot and it might be too late to save your plant once you have noticed the effects. Lighting also plays an important role in how much moisture is being absorbed by the plant. Less light = slower use of water = water less, and vice versa. Eventually, you’ll get the hang of it.  It’s a fun journey learning to listen to what the plants are telling you.

A rubber tree and a fiddle leaf fig make for an excellent pair

 

In terms of positioning, there are plants that can survive lower light conditions than others (peace lily, pothos) while some are sun-lovers. Be cautious though because some doesn’t like direct sunlight and would prefer bright but indirect sunlight.

 

As for soil composition, it also depends on the kind of plant you’re growing – some, like the cactus for example prefer a coarse, well-drained soil which is mixed with sand. We already mix this for our plants with fertilizer included too.

 

EDNP: How do you make indoor plants thrive and last? 

 

Tierra: Though you don’t have to focus on your plants 24/7, you do have  to pay at least SOME attention to your plants. Don’t be afraid to greet it once in a while (go ahead, talk to your plants – the air that you breathe will be actually beneficial to them!), observe your watering habits, check the soil, see how it reacts to a particular area – stuff like that. You’ll be surprised at how much your plant will react to your love and care.

 

We usually tell people to just try it out and don’t be discouraged if you see dry leaves or some start falling – it’s normal to get a few bumps here and there. Plants get stressed too as they adjust from one place to another but will eventually thrive given the right environment.

 

People also have to consider location when picking out a plant – this is a discipline we learned from years of landscaping – that if you want a plant to thrive for a long time, you have to give it the right environment or bring it out once for some air and sun once in a while.

This rubber tree’s leaf pattern and varying shades of green is a looker

 

EDNP: What indoor plants are great for specific type of homes? For example, Japanese inspired homes should have these kinds of plants, Spanish or Mediterranean homes should have these? What recommendations can you give regarding the aesthetic of the plants according to the different kinds of homes and home decor? 

 

Tierra: We think the key to making “themed” gardens/homes is to imitate nature in the layout. Example, for Japanese gardens, it’s usually simple and uncluttered. For Spanish or Mediterranean homes, it’s vibrant and colorful.

 

But before we go about the aesthetics, we first have to make sure that the plants will thrive in the environment that they will be placed (e.g. do they like direct sunlight, will they be under a shade/tree, is the soil good for planting, etc.).

The gang’s all here: the Selloum, the Monstera, and the Livistona all bring a much needed pop of green

 

EDNP: Why do you think having indoor plants is a must-have for homeowners? What are the benefits of having an indoor plant?

 

Tierra: For us, a single plant can change the whole mood of a room. They can make a space feel more relaxing and more alive at the same time. Aside from aesthetics, plants also help in purifying the air which is important especially for us city dwellers. It’s a way for us to connect with nature despite the urban life.

 

Caring for plants can also be therapeutic. For us, it’s something that takes away stress. We never really grew up with animals as pets and plants are our pets inside the house.

 

It teaches you a thing or two about patience and responsibility too as plants are not just pieces of furniture that you can change every so often. They, for us, are companions and something that you can build a relationship with for a long time. There’s something about nurturing something that makes you feel fulfilled.

Shoutout to the Tierra team for being our resident plant experts!

 

EDNP: Lastly, what would you say is a good gift to give a plant lover? 

 

Tierra: For plant lovers, our favorite gifts to give are the Monstera and the Giganteum or usually what we give is something else that is rare or not in their collection yet.

 

And there you have it! Share the gift of life this Christmas by gifting a special plant that will remind them that with some TLC, beautiful things can thrive and grow. Or get one of your own, with these tips and tricks to keep your plants happy and thriving, you’ll soon be on your way to creating the garden or plant nook of your dreams!

 

Special thanks to the Tierra Team for giving us the insider scoop on all things plants, you can check them out on their website (www.tierraplants.com), or on their Instagram (www.instagram.com/tierraplants), where they feature the most photogenic plants on this side of the world.

 

 

Comment

Leave a Reply

Previous Post
Top Five Devos to Give for Christmas!
Read More
Next Post
Closing the Books
Read More