Indoor plants can enhance the vibrancy of a home, but issues like yellowing leaves or drooping stems can detract from their appeal. Experts offer straightforward solutions to keep your greenery thriving.
Horticulturalist Tamara Campbell, who runs an indoor plant store in Naarm/Melbourne, notes that devil’s ivy often develops bald spots. To address this, she recommends trimming the vines and using the cuttings to propagate new plants, which can then be replanted to fill in the gaps. This method encourages the plant to become bushier and more robust. Alternatively, she suggests winding the bald stems around the pot and securing them in contact with the soil, prompting nodes along the stem to root and sprout new leaves.
Plant enthusiast Mike Sullivan emphasises that several factors, such as insufficient sunlight or underwatering, can cause devil’s ivy to shed its leaves. He also shares advice for young Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plants), suggesting they should be staked early to support vertical growth. This prevents the plant from becoming splayed out and maximises its exposure to sunlight, mimicking the natural support provided by tree trunks in the wild.
Dr Greg Moore from the University of Melbourne highlights the importance of cleaning dust off plant leaves to maintain their health. Dust can impede light absorption, akin to placing a curtain over the plant. Regularly dusting leaves allows for better light penetration, resulting in a healthier plant appearance.
Additionally, Dr Moore advises checking the airflow from air conditioning and heating systems in your home. Plants positioned in direct airflow can suffer from drying out, affecting their condition. He suggests selective pruning of yellow or brown leaves to optimise air circulation and enhance the overall look of your plants.
In summary, with proper care, including pruning, repotting, staking, and cleaning, indoor plants can not only survive but thrive, bringing a lush, vibrant touch to indoor spaces.