Succulents like it bright, but not all of them can tolerate lots of direct sunlight. Photo: Zacharie Scheurer/dpa
Be it in the kitchen or office, it just isn't home for many people without indoor plants. But whether your potted companions thrive depends greatly on where you put them.
"The location is defined by the room temperature and light situation," says Olaf Beier, a gardening expert and board member of Germany's Federal Association of Retail Gardeners.
If a window faces south it will be very bright there and get warm quickly, which limits the choice of adjacent plant life: "A spot right by the window is not an option for many plants," says Beier. But some plants feel right at home there, like cacti.
Other succulents like the money tree can also handle the higher temperature, even when the glass acts like a magnifying glass and burns their leaves on sunny days. But for many species it's best to select a bright location without direct sun, by windows that face west or east.
"This way the plants get enough light," says master florist Ute Kersting.
Most plants will thrive at or near a windowsill. But for some it can get too warm at south-facing windows. Photo: Christin Klose/dpa
However, you should not rely on the human perception of brightness. Check the light intensity with a measuring device like the digital lux meter.A plant needs at least 600 lux – a unit of illuminance – to survive, and 1,000 lux to grow, says Kersting.
The window glass, curtains and also the distance to the window reduce the illuminance in a room. Plants that can get by with less light work well here.
"These are mostly large-leaved green plants that come from the lower layers of vegetation in the tropics," says Beier, naming the tropical vine pothos – also called devil's ivy – peace lily and Calathea as good candidates. Monstera and creepers also grow well in low light, while room temperature for all should be around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius.
The narrow-leaved dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) is also recommended for living spaces.
"All types of Ficus can be used in bright areas that are not in full sunlight," says Beier. Climbing plants such as ivy and philodendron are not only very easy to care for but also fit well on the sideboard, cupboard or shelf.
Low-maintenance houseplants like the dragon tree are a good choice for many rooms. Photo: Andrea Warnecke/dpa
In the kitchen, aromatic herbs like spearmint, chives, basil and parsley are perfect for the window sill, says Kersting. These can be harvested regularly and will just keep growing, while being a great addition to cocktails.
When airing the kitchen, remember that drafts can carry in pests that settle directly on plants, so put them to the side when airing, not just in the kitchen but any room.
Also bear in mind the high level of humidity in the bathroom when selecting plants. Generally there is less natural light in a bathroom so pick your plants accordingly.
Experts recommend ferns, placed by a north-facing window if possible.Now to the office, where you may spend much of your day in these times of increased remote working. Plants create calm and pleasant surrounds, which is essential if you sit for hours at the computer.
The spider plant is an ideal office companion, pleasing to the eye, easy to care for and very adaptable. And for a burst of colour, go for the butterfly orchid (Phalaenopsis).
"It doesn't need much water and can handle a drop in room temperature at night," says Beier.
In fact, the nocturnal coolness even stimulates the formation of flowers. – dpa
