Smaller houses, more people renting and an ironic passion for Seventies kitsch has led to a trend for indoor plants, according to The Daily Telegraph from across the pond. Nor is it greatly different this side of the Atlantic other than condo towers sprouting up like mushrooms, much to the discomfort of agrophobics.
But with busy lives, plant care becomes a concern. So, what indoor plants best fill the bill? Those blessed with a sunny situation will welcome John Lewis's annual shopping report that says cacti will be the trend this year. Curious cats and other pets watch out!
Another succulent, although not a cactus, that requires minimal care is
Yucca elephantipes, although it too, requires direct sunlight. These are often retailed in 10-inch or larger pots making them ideal floor models against starker, more modern décor.
In lower light although not dense shade, three old favourites require modest attention, going without watering for several days. Dragon tree (
Dracaena marginata), rubber plant (
Ficus elastica) and the appropriately-named fiddle-leaf fig (
Ficus lyrata) in their natural habitat are small trees. So, go easy on the fertilizer to restrict their growth less they overwhelm available space. Like Yucca, they, too may be found in larger containers.
Spider plant (
Chlorophytum comosum) may look delicate but comes from drought-inflicted areas of southern Africa. Its thickened roots can take it through such periods of water stress. Better yet, this is the plant made famous by NASA studies for its ability to reduce atmospheric pollutants. A single plant in a 10-inch hanging bracket will take care of an average-size room. In lower-light, look to trailing
Sygonium vines. In its wild state, it is a rainforest liana with all the toughness this implies.
Although they will not survive in mushroom territory two more low maintenance candidates are the staghorn fern (
Platycerium bifurcatam) and snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue (
Sansevieria trifasciata). Both are available at modest sizes and are highly valued by interior decorators seeking a severe, austere look. Staghorn fern appreciates some spritzing with tepid water. Snake plant, like the spider plant from drier areas of Africa, can go for days, if not weeks, without water.
