Michael hunts down some mixed planting ideas for feel-good house foliage
No garden, no problem! Indoor container gardening is a superb way to introduce a variety of uplifting plants into your home. But, have you ever thought of making up mixed containers, in the same way that you might plant up your summer hanging baskets?
Something architectural, something flowering, something seasonal and something tolerant. These containers can be adaptable, mobile, creative and fun. You can also pair the plants and pots to complement each other, and include varieties with compatible watering routines, perhaps the most important part of all.
In this issue, I want to reveal some exciting possibilities when it comes to indoor container design, and who better to ask than the mother-and-daughter team Nikki and Holly at In the Garden, an innovative houseplant shop based in Hampstead, London, who have been scoping up awards at many RHS shows this year. Here are some of plant pick combinations we discussed:
Pet-friendly indoor mixed planter
A focus on foliage and soft lines with height and trailing plants, displayed in a mottled enamel French bath, with drainage holes added. Ideal for a spot in medium bright light, also enjoys humidity so would suit a bathroom in particular.
Low maintenance and long lasting, using an architectural blend of leafy subjects – from calathea and maranta, through to ferns and tradescantia- there’s even a flash of spider plant in there! Does this container make you brave enough to plant densely yet?
Succulent vintage tin garden
Here, we see a fun little repurposed vintage tin, circa 1950s, filled with sun-lovers. Planted into a well-drained peat-free mix, with lots of additional horticultural grit to make an open structure – nice and airy. Some spare plastic has been used to line the tin, to help preserve it.
A very low maintenance composition, with lots of colour and texture, thanks to crassula, sedum, kalanchoe, echeveria and more!
Nertera granadensis
Bring the autumn inside with nertera. Also known as the ‘bead plant’ or ‘pin cushion plant,’ nertera are covered in natural orange berries. Plants pair really well with rustic terracotta pots, or you can pepper them on shelves and tablescapes for an instant seasonal display.
They prefer cool temperatures and a medium light but can tolerate dappled light conditions. They’ll be happiest if you water them from underneath in a saucer of water, and not directly onto the soil.
Philodendron polypodioides
If you are looking for a foliage plant with a difference then the rare Philodendron polypodioides may tick the box. It’s a unique indoor plant to add to your collection and a variety that will adapt to any living space.
A tropical climbing vine, which is skeletal in appearance, with delicate slender leaves and deep inlets. Plant in partial shade to bright light, remove dust regularly with a damp cloth to really show off the glossy green foliage, and help with better photosynthesis.
– Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Marble’
A visually striking and beautiful cultivar, with a complex variegation of pink, green and white marbling on each leaf. It makes this variety a great choice for smaller spaces.
– Philodendron ‘Marble’ takes on an elevated and super sophisticated appearance when grown in optimal bright light and with a moderate and consistent watering routine. A surprisingly low-maintenance variety for something so unique!
Pilea glaucophylla ‘Greyzy’
At the shop, Nikki and Holly often pair Pilea glaucophylla with phalaenopsis orchid arrangements to add some beautiful ‘froth’. This pilea offers a lovely detail that can cascade over the edge of a pot, simulating ground cover just like how it would grow in its natural environment.
A beautiful plant that hosts small silver-green circular leaves with a slightly rippled texture that shimmer in the light. Place in a bright and warm position and it’ll be super-happy!
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