Living with plants: a complete handbook of indoor greening

The whole manual of indoor green plants was recommended by my friends who saw it in the flower group. This is a book about the cultivation and arrangement of indoor green plants. This book is co-published by Australian writers Lauren Camilleri and Sophia Kaplan.

Lauren Camilleri's parents are enthusiastic gardeners. As an adult, she always wanted to cultivate her own indoor oasis. After studying the habits of plants, she changed from a plant killer to a plant expert. She recommended Dazhu in particular. Big bamboos are particularly strong, and a little maintenance can make them grow up happily.

Sophia Kaplan's grandfather is keen on growing plants. She likes to be busy in the soil. Gardening has a special healing function for her. Her home is full of all kinds of plants, which satisfies her desire to get in close contact with nature every day.

This book mainly explains indoor green plants, from soil, fertilizer, water, light and temperature, reproduction to containers, changing pots and plant modeling. The foliage plants, succulents, cacti and some rare species are introduced in detail. The article is also mixed with a brief introduction to more than a dozen plant experts and their special feelings for plants.

For residents living in cities, they are more eager to get close to nature, and live in the concrete jungle of cities with limited green space. Filling every corner of the house with lush green plants will bring unexpected changes. They will soften the space and turn it into a refuge for people to be reborn. Moreover, quite a few scientists' studies show that plants can make people happy.

First, live with plants.

Flowers-loving plants, such as cactus and crane orchid, should be placed on windowsills or sunny balconies. The vines can be placed on the shelf so that the branches and leaves hang down to the ground; A forgotten corner can be highlighted by a big plant.

It is best to buy plants in the best condition, such as bright and shiny leaves, full plant shape and new leaves. It is best to isolate new plants for a period of time to ensure that no pests and diseases are spread to other plants. Set aside one day a week to water them and observe their condition.

Soil: Ferns and begonia are suitable for peat, which has strong water retention. Cactus and succulents prefer dry environment, and the suitable soil is coarse sand. The key to soil is to use high-quality organic basin soil as much as possible, increase vermiculite or perlite, and improve air permeability.

Fertilizer: Three key elements are needed for the healthy growth of plants: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen stimulates plant growth and turns leaves green; Phosphate fertilizer can make flowers bloom; Potassium fertilizer enhances the nutrient supply of plants in winter. Slow-release liquid fertilizer is most suitable for indoor plants. Try to use organic fertilizer and keep away from children and pets when fertilizing.

Watering: When it comes to plant protection, the most common mistake people make is to water too much. The more sunlight plants receive, the faster they grow and the more water they need. Most plants can be watered thoroughly once a week. When watering foliage plants, it is best to wait until the soil is dry, so that the roots are not easy to accumulate water. Put your finger into the soil at the edge of the basin, and the soil above 5 cm can be dried and watered. Gently lift the leaves of plants and add warm water to the soil until the water flows out from the drain at the bottom. Let the plants absorb water for 30 minutes, and then pour out the remaining water in the tray. It is also good to water plants in the shower or outdoors. The most effective way is to water them directly with a kettle, and then water them once every two weeks or once a month when the soil is dry. They go into hibernation when the weather is cold, when they need less water. Liquid gold: Rainwater and tap water are allowed to stay in a kettle or bucket for at least 24 hours before being used for watering. Spray water on plants once a week with a watering can to increase humidity.

Light and temperature: most flowering plants need more light than non-flowering plants, such as snow iron taro or green radish. Clean the leaves of plants every month. You can take a bath or wipe it with a cloth to let the leaves fully receive the sun.

Generally speaking, the thinner the leaves, the more they like wet environment. Thick, tough or waxy leaves with fluffy surfaces are relatively more suitable for dry air. Ferns can thrive in the bathroom. If the leaves of plants start to curl or turn brown, it may be because the air is too dry. Try spraying water on the leaves with a sprayer every few days to increase humidity. It is best to spray plants with warm water in the morning and put them in a tray filled with water and stones, which can also create a humid environment for plants. The function of small stones is to ensure that plants will not be soaked in water and cause root rot. Bringing plants together can also form a wetter microclimate.

The optimum temperature of photosynthesis is 25℃, and windows should be opened frequently for ventilation.

Reproduction: The best time for reproduction is the growing period of plants, usually in the months with high temperature in spring and summer. Succulent plants are one of the most easily propagated plants. Don't water too much at the beginning of ramet, because the roots are still developing. Chlorophytum is most suitable for pearl reproduction. Green radish, bamboo and begonia can be cut into pots or put directly into vases filled with water. Cactus or succulent branches and leaves should be dried outdoors for several hours or even a day before being put into fertilizer or water. When inserting leaves of Cynanchum komarovii, Crab Claw Orchid, Saussurea involucrata and Jadeite, the leaves should be unscrewed from the branches to ensure the integrity of the leaves, and the leaves should be allowed to air-dry for 1-3 days, with the roots immersed in the bottom, two-thirds inserted into the soil and the leaves facing outwards. White crane taro and Boston fern are suitable for rooting in early spring. Separate the roots with a knife or hand, throw them into a basin and pour more water.

Container: When changing pots, choose one that is 2-4 cm larger than the original pot diameter, so that the plants will not be crushed. Pottery is the first choice for planting, but it will filter out the water in the soil, so water it more.

Plastic flowerpots are boring and simple, and it is best to have a double-layer pot. Planting flowers in a plastic flowerpot and then putting the plastic flowerpot in a container made of other materials is the best way to hide the plastic flowerpot. You can wrap the flowerpot in a tray with cotton cloth or kraft paper when giving gifts.

Make sure that the indoor hanging basin is strong enough. You can choose to spread a layer of activated carbon and gravel at the bottom of the container to avoid water accumulation.

Trouble in heaven: basic maintenance is very important for the vigorous growth of plants. Wipe the leaves with a wet towel or paper towel every day to keep them clean. White oil (neem oil) is sprayed on leaves to protect plants from pests and make the leaves shiny.

Yellowing and shedding of leaves is a natural process of aging. If a large number of leaves or even new leaves turn yellow and fall off, it is probably because plants receive too much light. Move it to a place with indirect light.

The fallen leaves may be watered too much or too little. When the soil is 5 cm thick and dry, start watering.

Leaf rolling is because plants endure drought for a long time or are in a dry environment, and they are watered regularly and sprayed on the leaves.

In addition to the dry air and lack of water, the leaves are browned, and another reason is that excessive fertilization burns the leaves and browns them.

Shrinking or burning leaves indicate that the plant is too hot, and it may be sunburned by the sun.

Excessive growth or sparse branches and leaves indicate that plants are not getting enough light.

If the growth is uneven, especially Ficus microcarpa, the flowerpots should be rotated regularly.

For rotting roots, cut off infected roots with sharp pruning, cut off one third or half of leaves, soak roots with disinfectant to kill root fungi, and carefully clean flowerpots with disinfectant or diluted bleach.

Pests and diseases: Aphids spray cold water on leaves or wipe them with soapy water. White oil can inhibit aphid regeneration. Aetiophora is a kind of sand scattered on the soil to prevent adults from laying eggs. Larger mealybugs can be pinched by hand, and smaller ones can be wiped with industrial alcohol. Remove the scale insects with a toothbrush and spray with white oil. Tetranychus urticae gave plants a high-pressure shower for three days in a row. Whitefly can be vacuumed or sprayed with white oil.

Plant modeling: put the plants with lush foliage and clear structure together, and the number of plants should be odd, with different heights and patchwork. Putting plants with similar preservation methods together can form a microclimate, especially for tropical plants.

Indoor trees can best show the personality of indoor space, such as a banyan tree or a crane orchid, which can easily capture everyone's attention.

The way to increase the depth and height is to place some flower stands properly.

Hanging or drooping plants can be put together to build a hanging garden, which can be hung from one side of the bookshelf or climbed up the wall through several hooks.

Cactus and succulents are suitable for queuing along the balcony.

The easiest way to increase green plants is to cut off leaves and stems, put them in fashionable vases and look at the roots at the same time.

Leaf-watching plants: Ficus microcarpa and Juzhu have sexy leaves. Camptotheca acuminata, orchids and radishes are the best decorations for bookshelves and TV cabinets. Begonia and pepper are on the boring desk. The octagonal gold plate "cobweb" is suitable for matching the smallest flowerpot. Birds of paradise like bright light, and the window sill is an ideal location. Wind vine is the best climbing plant. Liriodendron had better put them in a bright place. Polly taro (African mask tree) is not easy to serve, so it needs to be sprayed regularly in wet environment. Big bamboo is a dream plant for design lovers, who like bright places with sufficient indirect light. Apply liquid fertilizer every three months and water it once a week.

White crane taro, known as "wardrobe plant", can grow in dark places. If you want to see white flowers, you'd better give them bright enough indirect light.

Xuetie taro-the gem of Zanzibar, a tough guy in the plant world, has no water, no sunshine and does not disturb. Watering once a week won't kill plants. Chlorophytum (chlorophytum) has the ability to purify the air. Qiu Lan (wax wood) in Brazil has lush leaves. If there is enough space, taro can grow to 1.2 meters high. Generally enter hibernation in winter, which is suitable for bright indirect light. The root of alum root can be used as medicine and is suitable for bright indirect light. The little boy with red palm likes bright indirect light and is perishable. Don't over-water, it will bloom with phosphorus-containing fertilizer. Just apply fertilizer once every few months.

The tall Boston fern has magical power to purify the air. It is an improved plant, which can avoid plant drought and spray medicine regularly. Water the ferns once a week and don't over-fertilize them. Pteris europaea is the best variety, suitable for desktop decoration. The folds on the leaves of the fern-toothed bear's paw add more attraction and make the indoor jungle more lovely.

The humidity of Adiantum is the key, and the bathroom is close to its living environment. High frequency, spray, keep moist. Suitable for bright indirect light.

Palm is a real tropical beauty. Brown bamboo originated in China, suitable for bright indirect light, suitable for well-drained soil and moderate watering frequency.

Camptotheca acuminata is the most tenacious and easy to raise, and it can shine even if it falls into the hands of plant killers. There are many varieties of taro, such as taro, taro, taro, taro and so on. Red Congo (red diamond), as a new variety of taro, is a strong guy. It is the best indoor plant.

Banyan is one of the most popular foliage plants. Ficus, rubber tree; Figs like plenty of light, so give them plenty of water for a week. It is best to rotate the flowerpot regularly to keep the size balance of each leaf. Rubber trees are easy to maintain, and bright indirect light and weekly watering can make them thrive. Next, the more popular banyan tree is the banyan sword, which is unique and interesting among banyan trees.

Begonia has become a hot spot in indoor gardening because of its tenacious characteristics and beautiful appearance. This guy likes to get wet. You can put them with other plants that like humidity, or put them on a tray with pebbles.

In addition to the familiar cactus, succulents also belong to the genus Crotalaria. The vine of love-the heart is full of a string of small heart-shaped leaves, watered once every half month. Mirror grass-China copper grass, don't let them soak in water, it's easy to rot.

Botanist:

Tani Carroll is an interior designer. She thinks that space is incomplete without natural elements. A huge sculpture plant can increase the height and depth of a room, or a pot of vines can hang branches and leaves from a fireplace or bookshelf. A touch of green can immediately eliminate the alienation in the room. If the plants are not beautiful, she will choose to move them to the window and add some seaweed fertilizer to them every month. She likes bamboo best. They are beautiful and wild.

Emma mcpherson, the founder of the Plant Room, grew up in plants, with Boston ferns hanging from the ceiling and turtle shells crawling all over the walls. She thinks green plants are life, and they bring her back to the place where she was born again. Emma's shop is beautifully decorated, surrounded by music and overflowing with tea. Anyone is welcome to come.

Jane Wei is a hair stylist and the owner of the salon-attic story. There is a 2-meter-wide giant antlers fern in the store, with Boston fern as the space partition. In order to reduce harmful gases and visual confusion in salons, plants are the best solution. They can filter the air and give people relaxation and calmness. Plants are her Zen. She was stunned by a 90 cm high jade bead curtain. Figs are beautiful and powerful.

Tess Robinson is the creative director of a design company, and her other half is a professional gardener. The combination of the two makes their plants form a pleasant scene, and the plants have been healthy and flourishing. It takes her more than an hour to water once a week. Her favorite is scorpion-tailed banana, mallow and taro. I recommend the crane orchid under the big window. She shared her experience. In addition to the necessary sunshine, nutrients and water, she changes pots for plants every one or two years, and she only uses the best pot soil. She stressed that she should say something sweet to plants, at least once a week.

Richard ainsworth is the founder and landscape architect of garden life. In addition to gardening design, his shop also collects flowerpots and containers of various indoor and outdoor plants from all over the world. From Turkish antique pots and pans to Indian brass containers, or hand-made Moroccan flower pots. He thinks rubber trees and banyan trees are good indoor decorations. He often bathes his plants, which is the way plants like.

Calibit is the founder of a ceramic company and public holidays. Many of her plants grow in ceramic containers made by Cali herself. She believes that it is the most difficult to create a comfortable and creative workspace in green. Plants make people happy. She is convinced that they can not only calm the mind and purify the air, but also have the opportunity to slow people down. She likes cactus series and silk reeds hanging from long branches. Silk reed likes the dark corner of the house and the humid environment, which is most suitable for bathrooms or small compartments without windows.

Carla Riley is a photographer, and her family has a bohemian temperament. She thinks plants make her happy. Plants have more health benefits, not only can purify the air at home, but some herbs also have great healing power and medicinal value. She likes green radish best, especially its variety. She likes to cut off the branches and leaves of plants and put them into the water.

Georgina Reed is the founder and editor of Plant Hunter. She encourages her plants to grow freely. She likes bulbs and silk reeds, spotted reeds and grass peppers. She believes that the number one magic weapon to protect plants is not to over-water. It must be remembered that indoor life is very difficult for plants. Move them out from time to time, or you can let them take a bath in the bathroom.

Jin 'an is the co-founder of London Greenhouse Archives, which is also the indoor garden of a big city. Walking into the greenhouse archives in London, every face is covered with green from the ground to the high roof, which is an impressive oasis. She believes that being immersed in nature is particularly important for urban residents.

This complete manual of indoor green plants is worth reading and rereading. Every time you reread it, you will find new and different viewpoints and plant protection knowledge.

Plants make people feel happy, indoor plants will bring unexpected changes to people, and the space with plants has become a refuge for our rebirth. Let's live with plants.