Forest feeling between four walls

They’re back, mother-in-law’s tongue, or Sanseveria, which many still know from their parents’ homes: the tropical plant with sword-like leaves reaching into the air has made a permanent place in Swiss homes. . “Indoor plants are also subject to the spirit and tastes of the times,” says Bruno Johner, who is responsible for buying plants at Jumbo. As the mother-in-law’s tongue is aptly named, the decorative Sanseverie satisfies the current need for reduced design with its streamlined appearance.

Individual plants in a beautiful container

Especially since the modern furnishing style is not built on a mass, but on well-placed solitaires. “The trend is for individual plants in a nice container,” says Johner, “so you can get great effects with very little effort.” A floor-to-ceiling palm tree is an eye-catcher in any room.

But tropical beauties can do so much more, research has shown that their effects on the body and mind are nothing short of magical. For example, in the office, they should not only increase creativity and the ability to concentrate, but also maintain mental balance and even reduce the noise level. And they even help against unhealthy daily stress; just looking at them neutralizes tension.

How to properly care for your plants?

Still: One has to learn to deal with green friends within four walls. And since not everyone gets it, permanent sellers are first and foremost easy-care indoor plants.

Just like Sanseveria, succulents or the popular dragon trees. “These plants aren’t particularly complex,” says Theres Seiler, a gardener at the Wyss nursery in Zuchwil, “even people with less green thumbs can’t go wrong.”

Advanced growers are ripe, for example, for azaleas and bromeliads, which bring color to the room with flowers, but require more care. In any case, it is worth studying the attached information leaflet and following the instructions. “No plant is complicated for me,” says gardener Seiler, “but I know a lot of things are done wrong.” Because even the most unpretentious cactus will surrender if stubbornly ignored.

The location of the factory is important.

One of the biggest problems is casting. Not because the plants are dry, no, “it’s usually too much water,” says the gardener. With bad results, the roots begin to rot, the leaves fall, the susceptibility to pests increases.

The location of the plant is just as important and it depends on the individual light requirements of the plant. For example, palm trees need a lot and should be close to the window. The general rule is this: No matter how stylish it may look, the dark corner of the room is not suitable for almost every plant.

There is no limit when it comes to the number of potted plants in the room. Contrary to the assumption that they steal oxygen, the opposite is true: leaves absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. They provide a healthy, pleasant indoor climate. This is good news, especially for us Central Europeans, because we spend 90 percent of our lives indoors, the American Environmental Protection Agency has learned. Especially in winter! Natural oxygen diffusers are a great alternative to humidifiers!

This is how your indoor plants stay healthy in winter

1. this Of course, plants need to be watered, but the golden rule applies here too: everything should be in moderation. Your green friends’ thirst varies greatly and is already deeper in winter. Learn more about it or use hydroponic if you’re unsure.
2. climate Most indoor plants love an average temperature of 16 degrees. Dry heating air is as terrible for them as it is for us – they dry out. On the other hand, water from a low-lime spray bottle or humidifier, if possible, helps.
3. parasites Because dry heating air affects plants, they are particularly susceptible to pest infestations in winter. Clear signs of a parasite infestation such as lice or mites are yellow, curled or perforated leaves. To control specific varieties (take a leaf with you and show it to your herbalist), there is a full arsenal of specific insecticides available in spray, liquid, powder or stick form.
4. fertilizer Since the nutrients in the soil are depleted, it must be provided artificially. The rule of thumb is that fast-growing plants need more fertilizer than slow-growing ones. However, some plants also react sensitively to excessive salinization of the soil if they are fertilized too much. It is better to learn in advance about the needs of the respective plant.
5. Location Indoor plants need a lot of light, especially when the days are short. That is why the window sill is popular. But be careful, in winter, leaves or flowers can freeze to death or at least get brown tips if they come into contact with cold glass. Meanwhile, the root ball sensitively reacts to the very cold soil.
6. rest breaks Many plants need rest periods, especially during the winter months. Find out which ones should not be fertilized or even kept a little cooler so they can recover for the next stage of growth.