As we stay home more often during this Covid-19 period, most of us have turned to picking up new hobbies, whether it’s baking or adopting/buying plants.
If you haven’t noticed, recently, social media feeds have been full of Gen Zs and millennials showing off their plant collection.
Want to jump on the trend but don’t know which plants to buy? Here are 10 that are great
Also known as: Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
This hardy indoor plant does well under low-light and can take a reasonable amount of neglect. (Some say it’s virtually indestructible) Its leaves have a waxy coating, so some folk tend to mistake it for an artificial plant. Keep it in a shaded but bright area, and you’ll only need to water when the soil is dry.
Also known as: Epipremnum aureum
Not to be confused with the other money plant, aka the jade plant, this is one of the most popular houseplants in Singapore, you’re likely to find it on balconies or guarding the front of houses. It is an evergreen vine that can grow up to 20m tall, and it’s also one of the top plants that can help purify the air, according to a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) study. Water only when the soil is dry.
Also known as: Sansevieria
This plant is also known as Mother’s-in-law’s Tongue. With its tall, erect, sharp-tipped leaves, it makes a striking plant at home. It’s popular both indoors and outdoors, and is nearly indistructable, thanks to its hardy leaves. Also one of the top air-purifying plants, it sports a compact look that makes it popular. This easy-to-maintain plant only needs to be watered when the soil gets dry.
Also known as: Spathiphyllum
Another popular choice for the home, the peace lilies brighten up spaces with their white “flowers”. The flowers however, are actually leaves – hooded to protect the actual flowers, which are small buds on a tall stalk. These too are one of the plants that help purify the air in your home, one of the best! Keep soil moist, but not water-logged.
Also known as: Philodendron scandens
Unmistakable with its heart-shaped leaves. Sometimes called the sweetheart plant, it’s a climbing plant that works best as a hanging plant (cause of all the tendrils swaying softly in the breeze). It thrives in humid weather, which is great for Singapore homes, and only needs to be watered when the soil gets dry.
Also known as: Fittonia
These are popular in terrariums because of their versatility in terms of size and colour. The green leaves come with delicate veins of lighter green, pink and white. They’re also versatile cause they enjoy bright, indirect light outdoors and work well in the office too. Soak them every three days.
Also known as: Tillandsia
These South American plants are just the plants for people who hate soil. While they don’t require soil, what works for them is a space with good air-flow. Keep them somewhere airy and not too bright. To be specific, four hours of direct sunlight is more than enough before you should bring them in. As they grow, you’ll find little pups (small buds) growing from its base, let them grow slightly bigger and you can pluck them and they’ll continue growing too! Mist them daily.
Also known as: Echeveria
These are pretty foolproof plants. They’re hardy, and come in a variety of colours and textures. Usually waxy, with thick, fleshy leaves (they get soft if not watered enough), and they grow slowly, and never too big. They can grow in a pendulous manner if placed in a hanging basket or green wall. They adapt both to deep shade or bright sunshine, perhaps just watering once a week if they are kept indoors. Keep them in cacti potting mix.
Also known as: Torenia fournieri
Although they look delicate and pretty when the pink or purple flower bloom, they are actually pretty hardy, and grow very quickly. Bonus point, they’re edible! They have a mild lettuce taste and look great with desserts. Tiny seeds form in the pods after the flowers drop, so you can keep growing them over and over again. Keep them in the balcony or in a sunny spot as they need a full day of sun, and in a soil mix of organic and balance fertiliser.
Also known as: Orthosiphon aristatus
Another flowering plant, this comes with white or purple flowers on long, tall stems. They stand out as the flowers have bristle filament anthers (tips of flowers) that add an exotic look to your garden. It can be used to brew tea – just simmer the tip of a leaf in a cup of hot water. The flowers are bitter, with a sweet aftertaste. Water daily.