Discover the magic of a conservatory in mid-winter
There’s nothing quite as warming as relaxing in a conservatory, soaking up the sun on a cool winter’s day. Add some plants and you can take a virtual trip to the tropics. Who needs Fiji! The trick is not to crowd your plants and remember that things can go awry if one of several important environmental factors falls out of balance.
Balancing Act Light, temperature, water and humidity are vital factors to consider when it comes to healthy indoor plants. These factors need to work in response to each other to maintain a happy balance. Higher light means higher temperatures and therefore greater need for water and humidity – particularly in summer.
The intense light of a conservatory will fry plants in direct sunlight. Counter this by installing shades on clear ceilings and windows, particularly on the hottest northern and western sides. Shades also help control temperature by cooling during the day and insulating at night.
Adequate ventilation is also important to counter high temperatures. Floor and roof vents that can be securely left open while you are away, are ideal.
oost plants adapt to high or low temperatures, provided the changes are not too sudden. Normal variations between night and day are acceptable, even for the majority of tropical plants. Artificial heating causes a sudden temperature increase and dry atmosphere. This is often the cause of sudden leaf drop. If heating is deemed necessary, do it gently and increase humidity around plants to counteract dry air.
Water is the most difficult factor to balance perfectly. Generally, the higher the temperature, the more water a plant will require. Abide by the rule: “If in doubt, leave it out”. A plant will soon show it is too dry by wilting or turning a pale colour.
Tropical plants are generally more tolerant of low temperatures if kept on the dry side over winter. All plants enjoy high humidity in high temperatures.
Cool Greenery Plenty of greenery creates an attractive, cooling and relaxing ambience. Start with a good base of greenery, then add strategic colour spots. If possible, layer plants from front to back and create different levels by using a variety of growth forms, from tall and narrow to short and stout, placed on or around various pieces of furniture.
For a truly jungle-like effect, try hanging plants from the ceiling and train a climber around walls. A variety of palms, ferns, weeping fig (Ficus) and umbrella tree (Schefflera) make a good combination of greenery to start with.
**True colours
**once you’ve built your greenery base, add colour in the form of foliage and flowers. There’s a wealth of wonderful foliage plants to choose from. Recently released Calathea ‘Dottie’ and ‘oedallion’ are striking and one of my all time favourites is dramatic Alocasia x amazonica – real jungle fodder.
Tropical ti (Cordyline) and Caladiums offer lovely shades of pink and red. Dumb cane (Diffenbachia) and variegated dracaenas provide an uplifting splash of yellow. Crotons are a kaleidoscope of colour but they must be kept dry over winter otherwise they’ll sulk and drop their leaves.
old-fashioned flowering favourites begonia and chrysanthemum add a nice splash of colour for several weeks but should be relegated to the compost heap once they’ve done their dash. For an edgy, longer-lasting and more contemporary effect, go for tropicals. The exotic flowers of Anthurium, Guzmania and Vriesea are truly dazzling. If you prefer subtle, pared-back elegance, try a white moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) – it’s simply stunning.
Go green! Reduce use of insecticides in your conservatory by making ‘sticky traps’ to attract and trap whitefly. Paint pieces of cardboard or plywood bright yellow and coat with Vaseline. Scrape off insects and reapply Vaseline as required.
Conservatory Tips
Shade and ventilation is vital in summer (install roof and window blinds and ventilation).
Warmth is vital in winter (install roof and window blinds).
Watering in summer
Check plants frequently to see if they need more water.
Water thoroughly (until water drains from base of pot).
Place saucers under plant pots to catch excess water.
Allow plants to sit in water during hottest weather.
oist plants daily to maintain a humid environment and deter spider mite.
Watering in winter
Water only when the top 1cm of a plant’s soil is dry (less for succulents).
Drain saucers – never sit pots in water.
In heated conservatories, place pots over a saucer topped with stones and filled with water to create humidity around the plant (stones hold the pot above water level).
Feeding
Fertiliser sticks are a handy, no-mess, no-smell fertiliser for conservatory plants.
Add liquid plant food to water over spring and summer.
only flowering plants need feeding over winter.
Pests and disease are more prevalent in warm humid environments.
Don’t overcrowd plants.
Remove dead flowers to prevent disease – be vigilant and act quickly.
Take plants outside if you have to spray them.
Plants grow towards the strongest light – turn frequently to encourage even growth.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
