Latest news with #plantlovers
UAE Moments
15-07-2025
- General
- UAE Moments
9 Indoor Plants That Practically Thrive on Neglect
Living in a fast-paced city can leave little time for plant care. But a touch of greenery boosts mood, improves air quality, and livens up your space—without demanding daily attention. That's where indoor plants that practically thrive on neglect come in. These plants are perfect for professionals balancing work, social life, and apartment living. In this guide, you'll find nine of the easiest-to-care-for houseplants—plus care tips, placement advice, and smart hacks to help them flourish despite erratic schedules and low light. Whether you're a total beginner or just forgetful, these tough plant picks will add life to your home—and survive your busy rhythm. Why Hardy Plants Fit City Living Low-maintenance plants are ideal for apartment life. They tolerate low light, indoor heating, and forgetful watering schedules—common urban challenges. Studies show even a few resilient plants can improve concentrate and reduce stress. For young professionals, these greenery companions offer mental health perks without the guilt of neglect or fuss. They're reliable roommates that brighten your space—and won't die when life gets busy. Plant #1: Snake Plant (Sansevieria) Hardiness: Tolerates shade, drought, irregular water Care: Water every 2–3 weeks; thrives in bright to low, indirect light. This classic tough plant can survive in near-darkness and withstand infrequent watering, even rebounding from dry soil. Its vertical leaves add a modern, sculptural vibe to any city apartment. Bonus: it also filters indoor air pollutants . Plant #2: ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) Hardiness: Thrives in low light; rhizomes store water Care: Water once a month or less With glossy, dark-green stems and thick leaves, ZZ plants survive sub-30-minute watering routines and dim lighting. Their drought-tolerant rhizomes make them nearly indestructible—a plant that actually likes to be forgotten. Plant #3: Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) Hardiness: Low light and erratic watering friendly Care: Water only when soil is dry; tolerates varied light Pothos is an easy vine with heart-shaped leaves that adapts to almost any lighting situation. It grows fast, brightens shelves, and keeps its foliage even after a few missed waterings . Plant #4: Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) Hardiness: Thrives with minimal care; pet-safe Care: Water weekly; prefers bright, indirect light Spider plants are known for their air-cleaning abilities and baby 'pups' that sprout easily. They resist drying out and revive well after drought—plus they're safe around pets. Plant #5: Aloe Vera Hardiness: Drought-resilient succulent Care: Water every 2–3 weeks; needs indirect bright light Aloe is perfect for city life—just a little water and moderate light, and it'll thrive. Bonus hack: use its gel to treat minor burns, making it both decorative AND useful. Plant #6: Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) Hardiness: Slow-growing, water-storing succulent Care: Water once every 3–4 weeks; bright indirect light Jade thrives on neglect. Its thick, fleshy leaves store water, making it forgiving of irregular schedules—and it adds a minimalist, zen vibe to a desk or shelf . Plant #7: Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) Hardiness: Nearly indestructible—even in low light Care: Water every 4–6 weeks; tolerates temperature swings True to its name, this plant is rugged. It tolerates dim corners and temperature fluctuations, making it ideal for forgetful plant parents and spaces with air conditioning or draft zones. Plant #8: Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Hardiness: Shade‑tolerant and forgiving of occasional neglect Care: Water when soil feels dry; thrives in indirect light The Chinese Evergreen offers decorative leaves and hardy survival. It helps filter indoor air and withstands inconsistent environmental conditions. Plant #9: Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) Hardiness: Large leaves need minimal care Care: Water every 2–3 weeks; low to medium indirect light With glossy, bold foliage, rubber plants make a dramatic statement. They survive low-traffic care, but occasional leaf-wiping keeps them dust-free and thriving in apartments. Tips for Caring Less—and Loving More Choose well-draining soil to prevent root rot from overwatering. Ensure pots have drainage holes, and empty excess water after watering. In low-light rooms, use mirrors or grow lights to boost light exposure. Avoid common pest-prone plants; stick to hardy picks above for simplicity. Quick Takeaways Nine indoor plants can survive low light and irregular care. Options include succulents, and shade-tolerant greenery. Minimal watering cycles: monthly or bi-monthly. Use drainage-friendly pots and soil. Air quality and mood benefits come almost for free. Great for homes, offices, and apartments. Pet-safe options included. City life doesn't have to be plant-unfriendly. These nine tough-as-nails houseplants thrive despite stale air, questionable lighting, and sporadic watering. From the sculptural Snake Plant to the air-purifying Spider Plant and the drought-resistant succulents, each pick offers beauty, resilience, and mental wellness aids. For mid-20s urban dwellers, they strike the perfect balance—vibrant greenery that complements your space without demanding your schedule. Stick to a weekly check-in, maintain simple care routines, and you'll be a proud plant parent—even with a packed workflow and limited time. Let nature be your daily reset, no green thumb required. FAQs What low-light indoor plants are easiest to care for? Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Cast Iron Plant, Chinese Evergreen —these thrive with minimal light and water. Can I overwater these 'neglect' plants? Yes—most prefer to fully dry out between watering. Watch for yellow leaves as a sign of overwatering. Do these plants help improve indoor air quality? Absolutely—Spider Plant, Snake Plant, Rubber Plant, and Chinese Evergreen are known for their air-filtering abilities. Are these plants safe for pets? Spider Plant and Snake Plant are generally safe; avoid Aloe, Rubber Plant, or ZZ Plant if you have curious pets. How should I care for them during winter? Water less (every 4–6 weeks), keep them away from cold drafts, and supplement low light with gentle grow lights if needed.
News.com.au
09-07-2025
- General
- News.com.au
Man's shock at $650 Bunnings plant price tag
The price of a popular Bunnings item is raising eyebrows — but some argued it is a fair price. A TikTok creator whose content focuses on plants spotted an espalier camellia at Bunnings Warehouse. The retail price on the plant was $649. 'I was going to get this for my bloody space but then I saw the freaking price bros — $650,' the man behind the account said. He asked if anyone could explain the reason behind the price tag. Some social media users did provide an answer — which is the time and effort it takes to grow the plants to the height it was and the method used to do so — while others baulked at the price. 'It takes years and labour to train them to grow like this,' one person said. Another added: 'But they do have a one-year warranty.' 'Nope, too expensive,' another added. However, it's not unusual for these items to have a high price. One 40 centimetre version has a price tag of $395, while one that was 10cm bigger jumped to $695. Bunnings confirmed to that espalier camellias of such a size take a significant amount of time and care, and that growers deserved to be compensated for this work. Over the course of six to eight years, the plants need to be trained to grow up the trellis using hundreds of small clips. It's also pruned up to four times a year, re-potted a minimum of three times and fertilised regularly. For context, the 'espalier' part of the name refers to the practice of training plants to run up a wall or trellis by pruning and tying branches. It was popularised in France for pear and apple trees, and is a delicate and time consuming act. For these particular plants, it requires a lot of handling and equipment and that the flora is a considerable weight and size, according to Bunnings. There are also smaller options, such as the 70 millimetre Assorted Camellia, which retails for $4.93, 200mm Japanese Camellias, which cost $31.98, and 250mm Camellia Avalanche for $66.98.
Times
04-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Times
The best plants to create height in garden borders
My spotted orchids are doing really well at the moment. I was a little concerned because they are definitely later than last year (taking photos on a phone for reference with a date is a very handy tool for gardeners) and concerningly slow to show themselves, but now they're popping up everywhere in the woodland area and are definitely spreading. I adore them. Their spires of white, pink and purple flowers of varying height are such a pleasing shape, adding a rather arbitrary rhythm (more jazz than pop) through the grasses. They have self-seeded — that might be how they got there in the first place — which is what gives them their natural look. It's a loose style that many of us take inspiration from and mimic when laying plants out in a more defined border.
RNZ News
02-07-2025
- Science
- RNZ News
The decades-long international hunt for a rare orchid
environment about 1 hour ago This is the story of a single flower that took Europe and America by storm. The exceptionally rare orchid, dubbed 'Cattleya labiata', had a striking purple and crimson bloom, and quickly became one of the most coveted flowers in the world. But where did it come from? Sarah Rilston traces the tale of the hunt to find out, highlighting the fragile ecologies on which both humans and plants depended.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
The £4.50 B&M flower that makes your garden smell gorgeous – it comes back bigger & more beautiful every year
IF you want to make your garden look and smell gorgeous, you've come to the right place. And don't worry if your purse is feeling emptier than ever before, as thanks to this stunning flower, you won't have to break the bank. 4 4 4 But that's not all, as not only is it affordable, but it'll grow back bigger and more beautiful every year - yes, you heard that correctly. It comes after one shopper took to social media to share her rave review of her favourite B&M buy, leaving many totally stunned. Posting on Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK, a private Facebook group with 2.6 million members, Emma Williams uploaded snaps of her Red Oriental Lily plant - and we and many others think it looks beautiful. Alongside pictures of her bargain buy, which was less than a fiver, Emma wrote: 'Lilies from B&M. They also had white.' Thrilled with her high-street plant which cost her just £4.50, Emma then added: 'I get one every year and they also come back every year.' Thanks to these iconic Lily plants, which are known for their vibrant blooms and strong fragrance, your garden is sure to glow this summer. The perennials are a striking addition to any garden and are said to be relatively low-maintenance, often returning year after year. Such plants thrive in sunny to partially shaded locations, with well-drained soil. Gardening enthusiasts should note that Lily bulbs are recommended to be planted about 12 cm deep and 20 cm apart. And in order to keep your Lily plants looking good, deadheading faded blooms and ensuring proper watering is recommended. Gardeners rush to B&Q to snap up £15 bargain that will transform your home into a Mediterranean paradise, and they're cheaper than Home Bargains Emma's post has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly amassed 221 likes and 50 comments in just 21 hours. Not only were many stunned by the 'pretty' plants, but others were desperate to bag themselves some. One person said: 'Beautiful.' Another added: 'I've had mine for 4/5 years now. They always come back beautifully every year.' 8 must-have plants to brighten up your garden Nick Hamilton owner of Barnsdale Gardens has shared his favourite plants and flowers you should consider adding to your garden, borders and pots. Tricyrtis A spectacular plant that gives a real exotic feel to any garden with its orchid-like, spotted flowers giving the impression that this plant should be tender but it is 'as tough as old boots!'. Penstemon I love this plants genus of because most will flower all summer and autumn. They'll grow in sun or semi-shade in a well drained soil and produce a non-stop display of tubular flowers in an array of colours and colour combination to suit all tastes. Luzula sylvatica 'Marginata' With the evergreen leaves edged with yellow it's great asset is that it will grow in sun or shade in any type of soil and is great as groundcover in the hardest spot to fill - dry shade. Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' A stunning, nectar-rich plant that will feed the beneficial insects in your garden. Leave the flowerheads once they have turned brown because they look stunning with winter frost and snow, extending the plant's interest period. Sarcococca hookeriana 'Winter Gem' If you need winter scent then look no further than this compact, evergreen shrub. The scent is stunning and the evergreen leaves create an excellent backdrop for the summer flowers. Cornus sanguinea 'Anny's Winter Orange' A dwarf version of 'Midwinter Fire' the very colourful stems create a stunning winter display, particularly on sunny days. Rosa 'Noisette Carnee' A very well-behaved climbing rose that is perfect for training over an arch, pergola or gazebo. The small, 'noisette' flowers are blush-pink and produce the most amazing clove scent constantly from June to November. Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel' I've never seen a squirrel with a drooping, shaggy lilac tail, but this variety will give your garden an unusual and different look throughout summer. It does need a moisture retentive soil but will grow in sun or semi-shade. A third commented: 'I need some!' Meanwhile, someone else beamed: "They'll grow back every year.' At the same time, another gardening enthusiast wrote: 'How pretty.' While another user thought the lilies looked 'gorgeous', she also shared a stern warning for cat owners, as she advised: 'Don't forget to cut the stamen out so you don't poison your kitties.'
