Although the days are starting to lengthen, it’s still not quite warm enough to sit outside, which is when a well-positioned sunroom or conservatory is a boon. Get the garden vibe by adding plants, not just green, but flowering as well, with a mix of trailing and specimen plants to really utilise the space.
A COLOURFUL SPLASH
Bougainvillea
Although native to hot, tropical countries, there is no reason you can’t enjoy the vibrant flowers of Bougainvillea in your own home.
Prune lightly after each flush of flowers and keep it in a pot which will restrict its growth.
Temperature: warm/hot. 15-21°C.
Watering: sparingly in winter, allow top of compost to dry out between watering in summer.
Light: full sun whilst in flower, can go outside in summer.
Medinilla
A spectacular flowering houseplant from the Philippines, Medinilla has large, pendulous pale pink flowers which hang below glossy green leaves. Warmth and humidity are the secret to its success.
Temperature: Warm/hot. 18-27°C.
Watering: Stand in pebble tray and water from below. Mist daily.
Light: Bright light, but shade from hot, direct sun.
SOFTENING THE EDGES
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
This delicate member of the Ficus family trails and climbs and will self-cling to walls or moss poles.
There are both variegated and green varieties, of either of which make excellent backdrops for bolder plants.
Temperature: Warm. 18-24°C.
Watering: Keep compost moist (but not wet) in spring and summer. Mist daily.
Light: Indirect, or light shade.
Tradescantia
Fast growing, Tradescantia is an energetic plant with colourful variegated purple and silver leaves. Trim back occasionally to keep it in check.
Temperature: Warm/hot. 13-25°C.
Watering: Keep compost moist, and mist occasionally.
Light: Bright with some indirect sunshine.
MAKE A STATEMENT
Yucca
Large, sculptural plants are perfect for a conservatory setting as they prefer cool conditions in winter and warmth and sun in the summer.
Temperature: Warm/hot. 10-27°C.
Watering: Allow compost to dry out slightly in between watering. Reduce watering in winter.
Light: Bright and sunny, will tolerate some direct sun.
Monstera
No conservatory is complete without a Monstera or Swiss cheese plant. Easy to train up a moss pole, they will compliment either a traditional or modern setting.
Temperature: Warm/hot. 18-30°C.
Watering: Allow compost to dry out slightly in between watering.
Light: Bright and sunny.
Images provided by thejoyofplants.co.uk and Floradania.dk
