Spring gardening – Bring the outdoors in with these 5 hot indoor growing trends

However, it needs a little attention, says Sian Noel D’Avila of independent botanical store Potty Mouth.

Flamingos love a bright spot and always keep a little moisture. You’ll want to feed the plant monthly with a liquid fertilizer throughout spring and summer. ”

Flamingos, €14, pottymouth.ie

Satin potholes

While windowsill or shelf plants are always popular, satin plants are the vine of the moment. Low-maintenance yet striking, its heart-shaped leaves will creep around the room and add more visual interest.

Rachel Clarke of independent botanical store Clay Plants says it requires a bright, well-lit space but can also “handle moderate light if you want to place it back from a window or bookshelf”. Water when the soil begins to dry.

Satin potholes, €15, clayplants.ie

Elephant’s ears

If you’re looking for a plant that claims to transform the room into a leafy paradise, the elephant ear tree – or Alocasia Zebrina – will do the job very well. Native to Southeast Asia, this statue-like rainforest plant has beautiful arrow-shaped leaves resembling an elephant’s ear, hence its name and striped trunk.

The elephant ear plant is becoming more popular with plant collectors, but it requires a little more attention. The team at Glas Plants describe it as being “on the thirsty side,” so make sure the soil stays moist at all times. Elephant ear plant likes bright, indirect light but be warned, too much direct sunlight can burn its leaves.

Elephant ears, €16.99, glasplants.ie

Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’

You’ve no doubt seen Monstera deliciosa, or Swiss cheese factory, all over your Instagram feed. It is said to be the most popular houseplant in the world. But now, as Tastes are becoming more sophisticated, plant lovers looking for new varieties. Step into the Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’, a wonderful two-tone plant with a cream and green marble pattern and price tag too expensive. They are difficult to find and therefore very expensive. Howbert & Mays on Clare Street, Dublin, recently 10 – for €145 a tree, they sold out in a few days.

howbertandmays.ie

White rabbit’s feet

Indoor ferns have long been a popular choice. Enthusiasts love the ethereal look of the asparagus fern and the prehistoric beauty of the Boston fern. But botanical trends are constantly changing and the current fern is definitely the white hare’s foot, also known as Humata tyermanii. This slow growing houseplant is not as shaggy as other ferns, they generally require high humidity and speckled shade. It is happy on the windowsill but avoids direct sunlight. Plant Life in Dublin recommends full watering in the warmer months, letting the top of the soil dry out slightly between waterings.

White rabbit’s foot fern, €7.99, plantlife.ie

Don’t miss out on your Spring Gardening booklet, free in the Irish Independent on Saturdays and Sundays, with expert advice on everything from what to plant for all types of gardens, to how to enjoy the outdoors. heaven, how to get kids involved, and more.