Flora and fauna are right on trend this year, with botanical-inspired home wear and fashion dominating the luxury products scene. It is also a trend now to have indoor plants to help keep the air in your home fresh while providing great island vibes. However, it can be hard to know what plants might be right for your home. Chinese tradition denotes that certain plants bring you good fortune, and science denotes that others may bring you good health–so you really don’t have anything to lose filling your home with lush green plants.
Also read: Best Online Furniture Stores That Ship to Macau
Photo credit: Georgina198. Source: Getty Images
Peace Lily
We couldn’t write a plant guide for a humid environment like Macau without mentioning the Peace Lily. It’s without a doubt the most favorite house plant for a climate like ours. Not only does it absorb moisture and contaminants in the air through its lush green leaves (which is good for your health, and for your walls) it is also incredibly easy to keep alive! Unlike many similar plants, it needs little sunlight to survive, meaning it can easily thrive in your living room or kitchen. It isn’t actually a real lily, meaning it doesn’t have that foul odor and lingers in the home.
Care Instructions: It’s a tropical plant so the temperature is important. When it comes to watering, consistency is key. Keep the soil moist, but do not overwater. Peace lilies can tolerate short periods of dry soil, but their leaves will start to brown if neglected for too long.
Note: Remember that it is still mildly toxic to pets so we advise keeping this one somewhere high up out of the reach of curious kids and animals.
Also read: Top Places to Buy Flowers in Macau
Photo credit: Sarah Brown. Source: Unsplash
The Boston Fern
The fern is an extremely good choice for an indoor plant as it requires a whopping 80% humidity in the air. This means that Macau’s climate isn’t going to kill it. Native to South America, it is a hardy plant though if it ever is looking a little dry we advise misting it every now and again just to keep it fresh. Its jagged leaves are right on trend and will look perfect dangling from the window ledge or a hanging plant holder. If it gets enough light, it can really overgrow and look super impressive hanging from a mezzanine down onto a lower floor. If you don’t have enough space, however, just make sure to keep trimming it down every now and then to keep it neat and compact.
Care Instructions: High humidity and indirect light are important for the Boston Fern to grow and thrive. Make sure the soil is damp. Soak the pot once a month to make sure it’s hydrated.
Photo credit: Dan Gold. Source: Unsplash
The Bird’s Nest Fern
For similar reasons as the Boston’s Nest Fern, this fern is one that is more than likely to survive in your home. Its defined leaves are much more compact and manageable and provide a sophisticated look to your home. These don’t require direct sunlight, so make sure it is placed somewhere with filtered light. A north or east-facing window is ideal for deciding the location of this plant in your home.
Care Instructions: They like to be hydrated, so keep the soil moist and let this impressive fern grow into a well-loved household plant. Do not water directly into the center of your fern, but instead, water around it.
Photo credit: Mark Solarski. Source: Unsplash
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
If there was an award for the most low maintenance plant, the Sansevieria–more commonly known as a Snake Plant–would probably win it. They don’t need much light, can go weeks unwatered, and stay looking green and fresh. In addition to slick architectural shapes that go well in any style room. Research has even shown that they can remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene keeping your air fresh and healthy for your respiratory system.
Care Instructions: Make sure you place this plant in indirect sunlight. You don’t need to water it too much especially during winter. Use a generic fertilizer if the plants are in a pot and other than that it’s practically easy to maintain.
Also read: Best Furniture Stores for the Urban Dwellers of Macau
Photo credit: Chen Yij. Source: Unsplash
Bromeliads
Bromeliads are a popular plant due to their bright red leaves which add a fun splash of color to any decor plan, but their attractive look does come at a cost. Although humid air suits them fine, they need good air circulation, bright but not direct sunlight is advised. While they might be a little harder to care for than the rest in this list, the reward makes it all worth it as your house is graced with its beautiful red hue and tropical vibe.
Care Instructions: Ensure the plant is moist but not soggy. Provision for adequate drainage and also optimal humidity is important while cultivating this plant. Use a fertilizer during the growing season. It can be applied every two or four weeks.
Also read: Ways to Reduce Exposure to Air Pollution in Macau
Where To Buy
As with all fresh produce, sometimes whether or not you can buy plants can depend on the season. Make sure to check all the florists on our Top Five Places to Buy Flowers in Macau for fresh flowers. Some other establishments to try particularly for potted plants are:
The Green House 7A, Rua Silva Mendes, Taipa, Ilhas, Macau www.facebook.com/macaogreenhouse
EcoAmigo VidaVerde Alameda Doutor Carlos D’Assumpcao, No.180, Edif Tong Nam Ah C. Comercio, 15 Andar D, Macau, www.ecoamigoliving.com
