Tehya’s Top 5 Indoor Plant Picks
I’m going to try to be cool and say that I started my indoor plant collection in 2019 … but let’s be real… it was Covid-19. The pandemic fuelled mental illness, which led to an indoor-plant obsession as bringing in the beauty and serenity of the outdoors can boost your mood and help combat anxiety and depression. Active hobbies and attachments release happy chemicals in our brains, like endorphins. Caring for your plant babies fosters connection, focus, and mindfulness – all of which lead to improved overall well-being.
Not ready to commit to a full-on addiction? (It won’t last, but good on you for trying!) Here are my top 5 simple-care, budget-friendly and feel-good indoor plants to kick things off with!
Pothos
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a gorgeous trailing vine that tolerates low light and minimal watering. It can be grown-up or left hanging, and comes in many different varieties with unique patterning and colours.
TIP: for bigger leaves, help your Pothos climb by adding a moss pole to its pot. You can pick up a moss pole from Mitre 10.
2) Sanseveria
Sanseveria (Sansevieria Trifasciata) is commonly known as the Snake Plant, or Mother-in-Laws tongue (no need to guess why.) Characterised by their stiff, upright, sword-like leaves they are extremely hardy – requiring minimal watering and can adapt to most light conditions. They also come in many varieties, some striped, some with thinner leaves, so you can choose the perfect one for your vibe!
TIP: although they are hardy, Sansevieria still needs something to drink every now and then. If its leaves start curling, it’s time to water. Keep an eye on the soil too, and water when the top 50% is dry.
3) Peace Lily
Peace Lillies (Spathiphyllum) are kinda the opposite of Sansevieria. These beautiful, leafy, flowering plants require plenty of water. But they have a built-in system that alerts you when water is needed – they get dramatic. Keep an eye out for droopy leaves, that means your Peace Lily is getting sad, so give her a decent drink and watch as she comes back to life! Perfect for darker, humid spots like the bathroom. The Peace Lily is a classic that comes in plenty of varieties to match your personality.
TIP: if you’re chronic at forgetting to water, pop your Peace Lily in a self-watering pot.
4) Monstera
Monstera (literally just Monstera) come in so many varieties, that it’s hard to keep up. While some may break the bank, there are many cool Monstera you can pick up from your local Bunnings or Mitre10. Classics like Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Adansonii (Swiss Cheese Vine) are easy-care plants that prefer moist soil, and generally like to dry out a bit between watering.
5) Syngonium
Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum) is also known as an Arrowhead plant. They require warm temperatures and high humidity to flourish, but if mine is anything to go by – they are also pretty happy just chilling in average light and temperature conditions. Yet another plant with plenty of variety, you’re sure to find a favourite Syngonium. Maturing Syngoniums do best climbing, but also look great hanging over the side of a basket.
TIP: Water soil thoroughly and wait for the water to drain through, then empty any excess water sitting in the saucer. Allow the top 3-5cm of soil to dry out before watering again.
From Tehya’s personal collection; her classic favourites.