JHB South East - May 2022

Editor’s Choice ...
SHE DIGS MOTHER’S DAY ...
Our editor’s a plant mom ... growing, drinking, eating!
May is for the plant moms! It’s the month to dig your way
into the world of plant parenting with confidence. Celebrate
Mother’s Day with a new addition to the family or gift mommy
dearest with something to help with that empty nest. Our ed’s
a massive fan of Life is a Garden ... who she follows for great
plant parenting tips.
Seasoned plant moms
If you’re looking for a plant that says “this isn’t my first child”,
these three high-maintenance favourites will glamorously
show off your expert parenting skills.
Moth orchid Tantrums about: could be anything but especially
overwatering • Bribe it with: patience, loose bark potting mix,
indirect sunlight, humidity, scheduled watering.
Maidenhair fern Tantrums about: not being able to watch you
shower • Bribe it with: misting, dappled light, and humidity.
Also, some time outdoors where it can see the sunset.
Calathea Tantrums about: being the only child and open
spaces • Bribe it with: bright, indirect sun, well-draining soil,
lots of friends to increase humidity, and a shallow container
(short-root syndrome).
First-time plant parents
When gifting or homing a plant as the first indoor offspring, go
for these three easy greens that don’t always need to be the
centre of attention.
Snake plant May give glares when: irritated by too many water
kisses • Give pocket money and: only one or two waterings
during winter and almost any light condition.
Spider plant May give glares when: it’s too hot to play inside
• Give pocket money and: well-drained soil, indirect light,
occasional pruning of playful spiderettes.
Pothos (Epipremnum) May give glares when: grounded and
unable to go anywhere Give pocket money and a hanging
basket or trellis, a little pruning, and a chance to dry out
between watering.
22 Get It Joburg South • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein May 2022
Indoor growing guide
Regardless of what you are planning to grow, here
are some top tips for successfully raising your
bundles of joy indoors.
Adoption Buy plants and seedlings from a quality
approved GCA Garden Centre, so you know your new
babes have been given the best head start in life.
Containers Always choose a container with many
drainage holes, and don’t forget the saucer! Buying
a small watering can with a long spout is also a
great idea.
Repotting Potted plants will eventually outgrow
their containers. You’ll know it’s time to repot them
when there is more root than soil left inside the pot.
Upgrade your pot size, use fresh potting mix and a
splash of fertiliser. Ask your garden centre assistant
for help on which plant food and soil mix to use for
your particular plant.
Journaling To help organise feeding, watering and
pruning times, begin a diary for your indoor plants
where you can schedule your playdates properly. A
journal will also help future babysitters and prevent
them from accidentally doing damage to your hard
work while you are away.
Maintenance To keep your plant children looking
and performing their best, use a damp cloth to
remove any dust from the leaves. Dust prevents
plants from absorbing adequate light and clogs
their stomata – the holes which they need to
breathe. In addition, deadheading spent blooms
will encourage more flower power while pruning
promotes lush regrowth.
The benefits of plant babies
Indoor gardening is a fabulous hobby! You could
start an Instagram page to promote your plantparenthood
journey and let the world celebrate
those special growth milestones with you. In
addition, gardening of all kinds promotes a
connection with nature, increases happiness,
improves air quality, and is really fun (and slightly
addictive). From conversation starters to filling an
empty nest, there’s always a reason to get a new
plant. Remember to check the growing instructions
of your new addition and make sure you can
provide the perfect place for optimal growth.
Life is a Garden, and plant moms are awesome!
Details: lifeisagarden.co.za, insta @lifeisagardensa
GIS0506_022_1158388086.indd 22 2022/04/21 08:17:37