How to keep your indoor plants vibrant in Canberra's climate

Indoor plants are currently a homemaker’s best friend, with greenery adding a sense of vibrancy to any room.

When purchasing an indoor plant there are a lot of things to consider such as aesthetics, how much care it requires, and the climate.

While an interior decoration, the outside temperature affects our indoor spaces. For Canberra, this means bitterly cold winters and hot summers, and consequently, use of climate control systems is high.

Renee Douros recently started PLANTED, a digital plant delivery service that allows Canberrans to order indoor plants to their office or home.

With the summer months coming up, Douros said that your green friends need greater attention.

“Watering twice a week is essential, however be careful not to overwater. A drinking glass of tepid water per plant will suffice,” said Douros.

“We also suggest adding some seaweed solution to your water once a month to keep them in prime condition.”

Renee Douros of PLANTED shares her tips for plant care. Photo: Sitthixay Ditthavong

​Air conditioning can be harmful to indoor plants.

“Indoor plants need natural heat and humidity to survive, and the job of an air-con system is to remove these elements from the climate of your home,” said Douros.

She suggests there are a few things you can do you make indoor plants and air conditioning systems co-exist harmoniously, these include:

Move your plants away from the system: It’s a no-brainer really. The blasts of cold air strip a plant of its moisture and result in dry, fading and wilted leave.

Invest in a spray bottle: A daily mist will save your indoor plants and keep them nice and hydrated.

Shield them: To keep smaller varieties safe from the cold air, shield them with glass terrarium covers; they not only look nice but help to keep the cooler temperatures out.

If this sounds like too much work, large-leafed varieties such as figs, nicoli and peace lily are able to tolerate air conditioning.

For winter, similar tips apply.

“A lot of indoor plants use winter as a time to rest; their growing slows down and their metabolism decreases,” said Douros.

“The same principles for air-conditioned homes apply to heated homes. Keep your plants away from the stream of artificial heat.

“Also keep your plants away from windows that might be open, where the cold breeze can shock them.”