Indoor Plants

Spekboom Indoors: My Little Forest of Sunshine When I first brought home a little pot of Portulacaria afra, lovingly nicknamed Spekboom, I never imagined the quiet transformation it would bring to my indoor world. It wasn’t flamboyant. It didn’t shout for attention. But over time, it settled into its sunny corner like it had always belonged—an unassuming slice of Eastern Cape charm, right there on my windowsill. There’s something grounding about Spekboom. Its rounded, jade-like leaves grow in cheerful clusters, and the reddish stems give it just enough architectural character to stand out without overwhelming a room. And once I learned it’s sometimes called the “elephant bush”? That sealed the deal. I imagined herds of elephants feasting on it in the wild, while mine grew quietly under a north-facing window, far from the veld but full of life. What I’ve come to love most about growing Spekboom indoors is how adaptable and low-maintenance it is. It’s the kind of plant that forgives forgetful watering, smiles back at bright light, and doesn’t hold grudges when the heater dries out the air a little too much. It’s the perfect flatmate—low drama, high charm. When I first potted mine, I chose a wide, shallow ceramic pot with a good drainage hole. I used a gritty succulent mix, the same blend I use for my Echeveria, and added a few small stones at the bottom to be safe. I nestled the little Spekboom in the centre, surrounded it with a few decorative pebbles, and gave it a gentle first watering. That was the start of something quietly beautiful. In terms of light, I’ve found Spekboom loves a bright spot indoors—ideally near a window that gets good indirect sunlight, or a few hours of direct morning rays. My plant lives near a large window in the living room, where it basks happily all day. If the light dips too low in winter, I pull it closer to the sill and rotate the pot now and then to keep the growth even. Watering is wonderfully simple. I wait until the soil is completely dry before giving it a drink—and when I do, I water thoroughly, letting the excess drain out freely. In the cooler months, it barely needs any water at all. Sometimes I go two or three weeks without lifting the watering can, and it still keeps its plump, glossy leaves. Pruning is more an art than a task. Every now and then, if a stem gets too leggy or I want to encourage a bushier shape, I snip it back with clean shears. Those clippings? I let them dry for a day or two, then pop them into soil to start new plants. I have little Spekbooms growing in mugs, jars, and even a cracked teacup on the windowsill. It’s like a mini indoor forest that keeps expanding. Beyond the aesthetics and ease, there’s something deeply comforting about having Spekboom around. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s known for its ability to absorb carbon dioxide, or maybe it’s that it just looks so full of quiet purpose. Either way, it brings a sense of balance and peace to the room—like a leafy little sage that just knows how to be. There’s a moment I always think back to: I was working late one night with the soft light of my desk lamp spilling over the room, and I glanced over to see the Spekboom casting its gentle shadow against the wall. No fuss, no fanfare—just presence. I smiled and got back to work, somehow a little more grounded than I had been the moment before. Blog FAQs

Shapes and Sizes: Indoor Plants Edition We all know the feeling of stepping into a garden that’s bursting with colour and life—it’s like a breath of fresh air for the soul. But what about the space inside our homes? Often, we get so focused on our outdoor gardens that we forget about the inner sanctuary of our living spaces. I’ve been there too, caught up in the beauty of my garden while neglecting the indoor environment. It wasn’t until I started paying more attention to my indoor plants that I realized how much they can enhance my daily life. Remember that thrill you get from receiving a beautiful bouquet? Imagine having that joy every day, not just from the sight of your plants but from the fresh air they provide. Plants aren’t just for the garden; they’re a key part of creating a peaceful and healthy home environment. They help convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and can make a big difference in how we feel inside. Let me share with you some of my favourite indoor plants that are not only easy to care for but also bring a bit of that garden magic indoors. Starting Small: Peperomia Varieties Let’s kick things off with Peperomia. Whether you love rounded leaves or prefer a fern-like appearance, this plant family has something for everyone. Peperomia varieties generally max out at around 30 cm, making them perfect for desks, coffee tables, or side tables. With over 74 different types, you can easily find one to match your home’s colour scheme, thanks to their diverse foliage colours. Peperomias thrive in medium to bright light, so they’re well-suited for most rooms, including bathrooms where they enjoy a bit of humidity. They don’t like to be waterlogged, but they also don’t enjoy being completely dry. The key is to keep the soil moist but not soggy, and adjust watering based on soil moisture. Feed them monthly with an organic liquid fertilizer like Nitrosol or Seagro. While they don’t need frequent pruning, it’s a good idea to trim off any dead leaves now and then. Re-potting is only needed every 2-3 years. A Bit Bigger: Anthurium Moving on to Anthurium, a favourite for its long-lasting blooms. These plants bring vibrant colour to any room and the flowers can last for months. I’ve found that a monthly leaf shine treatment keeps their leaves looking glossy and fresh. Anthuriums love water, so keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a humid environment. Be cautious with pets and young children, as parts of the plant can cause irritation if ingested. They need re-potting every two years to prevent becoming root-bound. Place them in a bright room, like a living room or bedroom, and fertilize with a high phosphorus fertilizer every two weeks during spring and summer. A Hidden Gem: Sansevieria One plant that often flies under the radar is the Sansevieria, also known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue. This plant comes in various shapes, colours, and sizes. What sets it apart? For starters, it’s an excellent air filter, converting carbon dioxide to oxygen more efficiently than many other plants. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or someone who tends to forget about watering, Sansevieria will thrive in just about any condition. It requires minimal care and can handle a range of environments, from dry to humid. It’s hard to go wrong with this resilient plant. Bonus Tip: Eucalyptus for Sinuses Struggling with sinus issues like I am? Between the dust and the flowering plants, it can feel like we’re constantly battling for clear air. Here’s a simple remedy: Eucalyptus! Yes, the giant tree. If you have a bright, well-lit bathroom, the Silver Dollar Eucalyptus variety is ideal. When exposed to the steam from your shower or bath, the Eucalyptus releases natural oils that can help with sinus relief. If your bathroom isn’t brightly lit, don’t worry—grow Eucalyptus in your garden. Water it twice a week with a high-nitrogen fertilizer once a month. Harvest a couple of 30 cm twigs and hang them in your shower or above the bath. The steam will activate the oils, providing relief within a few days. There’s so much more to explore about indoor plants and how they can enhance your home’s ambiance. What topics would you like me to cover next? Maybe care tips for specific rooms or advice on managing more challenging plants? Drop a comment below! Looking forward to our next chat, Strawberry Pot Blog FAQs