If your intention is to have plants as accent pieces in your interior décor, the best option is to grow Chinese evergreens.
These are luck-bringing ornamental plants that grow into short leafy bushes in a variety of colours.
Scientifically known as Aglaonema, the Chinese evergreens range from dark green to silver, with others having hints of red.
“These plants make an excellent choice for visual and textural contrast in the home as well as at the office,” said Naomi Wanjiku, a flower dealer along Nairobi’s Chiromo Road.
These elegant blooms originally from South East Asia take their time to grow while displaying large, narrow and glossy oval leaves on short stems. In the home, the plants which require moderate lighting can be arranged as edging of a large bed or container. They can alternatively be spread out as ground cover under taller plants to exude harmony.
In the office, the Chinese evergreens can be potted and sat on top of the cabinet, at the corner of the desk or at a secluded spot.
While each aglaonema variety might look different, the plants generally have the same care requirements ranging from lighting needs to temperature requirements.
Ms Wanjiku says the Chinese evergreens are durable since they can withstand and survive fair amount of abuse.
“These plants are an ideal choice for people who are not home that much but are keen on a bit of greenery in their décor,” she said.
She shares tips on the basic requirements for the Chinese evergreens;
Soil
As long as the planting material is high-organic potting mix, be assured that the plants will be smiling at you each time you walk into the room.
You can blend the soil with humus, compost, and/or manure. This will help improve quality of the soil, thus healthier plants.
Chinese evergreens thrive in well-aired soil with that has adequate amounts of phosphate, potash, and trace elements.
Light
The plants can flourish in low to medium lit surroundings. They mostly prefer indirect light. As such, the Chinese evergreens are a good pick for windowless fluorescent-lit offices and for those rooms that get a fair amount of sunlight.
Water
The beauty with these plants is that they can tolerate less water compared to other flowers.
It is however advisable to sparingly do the watering and avoid leaving the soil soggy or water logged. Opt for containers with a hole at the bottom for drainage purposes.
To ensure that the leaves do not fall off, avoid letting the soil to completely dry between watering.
Temperature
Since the plants are originally from a tropical area, they thrive when temperatures are warm and the air humid. Aglaonema will benefit from the occasional misting to raise humidity.
If the indoor air becomes very dry, fill a spray bottle with distilled water and mist the foliage of the plants at intervals.
Pruning
It is not advisable to prune the plant beyond removing dead or dying leaves. This is because all growth emerges from the crown and cannot be pruned back without killing the plant.
But beware, this plant is highly toxic when ingested. Keep it away from pets and children.
PAYE Tax Calculator
Note: The results are not exact but very close to the actual.
