photo credit:  Frida Ramstedt, Trendenser.se

Unless you’ve been hiding under a leaf, you would no doubt be aware of the return of the humble house plant.  A trend that was huge decades ago, like double denim, has made an almighty comeback and this is a trend I’m embracing whole-heartedly!  So much so, my four-year-old has put his foot down and said “no more plants in our house mummy or there will be no room left for all our toys”!  I have bad news for him though!  Still on my list is a Chain of Hearts, String of Pearls, Zanzibar Gem and I’m considering a Maiden Hair Fern for the bathroom.  I say ‘considering’ as the Maiden is notorious for being a difficult diva.

photo credit:  Nina Holst

Topping the charts as the most-wanted indoor plant of 2013 & 2014 was the Fiddle Leaf Fig.  It has stunning, mammoth, glossy green leaves and if it’s treated just right can grow to huge heights.  So far I have managed to keep mine alive for 3 whole weeks.  Since then it has sprouted 6 new leaves and is looking pretty darn happy.  It’s early days though.

photo credit:  domainehome.com

Here’s what I know about the Fiddle:

• They are native to west Africa where they grow in low-land rainforest and thrive in humid conditions.  Sadly for the cold-climate dwellers, this guy may not be the plant for you.
• Don’t over-water them (obviously it depends on the size of the plant and its environment, but I’m sticking to once a week);
• They like filtered sunlight, a spot near a window with morning sunlight is perfect;
• Just water at the base or the leaves will become droopy;
• Every so often (once a month) leave it to soak in the laundry/bath tub;
• Apply milk to the leaves – sounds crazy right!  I use an old sock dipped in milk and wipe all the leaves.  It removes the dust and makes the leaves look so gorgeously glossy;
• Signs of over-watering can be leaves at the base dropping off.

photo credit:  smileandwave.typepad

Whilst Fiddle’s are still hugely popular, the latest “it” plant is the Chain of Hearts.  These super cute succulents have pretty heart-shaped leaves growing along their stems.  They look amazing as trailing or hanging plants, and you can also wrap the vines around wire and grow them as topiary.

photo credit:  noepahjertet.com

If looks alone are not enough to convince you to embrace the humble house plant, they also come with added benefits!  Plants release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide helping purify the air.  Studies have also shown that the calming influence of nature helps improve memory retention and concentration.  A few well-placed house plants have also been known to help people recover from stress and fatigue.

photo credit:  elisabethheier.no

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