Spotlight on House Plants

BY LOTTIE KILRAINE
lottie@slpmedia.co.uk

Indoor plants can add a touch of natural beauty to any home. House plants and freshly-cut flowers are natural mood enhancers and improve indoor air quality by naturally filtering polluted air.

Research has shown that indoor house plants can reduce 87 per cent of toxins in the air, reduce blood pressure and make you feel calmer.

Online searches for “house plants delivered” increased by 400 per cent since lockdown began in March last year and despite the easing of restrictions last month, urban jungles have fast become a lifestyle obsession.

The top five house plants to buy:

Aloe Vera

The gel from aloe vera can help to soothe acne, burns and dry skin, helping you both physically and mentally.

To allow your aloe vera plant to thrive, place it in bright but indirect sunlight, and let it dry in between watering.

Lavender

Place your lavender plant in the bedroom, and the scent will help to reduce your stress levels, enabling you to sleep better.

To let it grow, water it regularly and leave it in a place that gets a lot of light.

Snake Plant

Had issues in the past with keeping plants alive?

Try a snake plant – they need minimal care, but can really help to improve your wellbeing as they add moisture to the air and release oxygen, and they are particularly ideal for people who suffer from allergies.

Monstera Plant

You’ve likely seen the Monstera (also referred to as a Swiss cheese plant) clogging up your Insta feed, but they can actually boost your mood.

They purify the air, making your home healthier – plus, you can grow new plants from their cuttings.

English Ivy

Like peace lilies, English ivy absorbs mould in the air, helping to purify your home; and it also has properties that help you to stop being restless, meaning you can enjoy a better night’s sleep.

Tankten handmade plant pots

Tankten is a relatively new, small independent business based in South London, only founded in 2020.

They make beautiful handmade pots by combining clean functional form with a colour palette that makes plants look their best.

All their products are handmade and adopt a small batch approach to allow for minimal waste.

The casting material used is also free of solvents making it much better for the planet.

Prices range from £11-£45 www.tankten.com

Hot Knots upcycled crochet plant pots

Hot Knots is a Nunhead-based upcycling crochet brand making treasures from trash.

The brand launched in 2018 and produces a range of homewares and accessories using plarn (plastic yarn), raffia, donated yarns and scrap fabrics.

Everything made involves some element of upcycling with the aim of producing zero waste throughout the making processes.

The main materials used are plastic bags, discarded fabric, and donated jars and glass bottles.

Prices range from £10-£30 www.hotknotsbylibby.com

Gzr Ceramic plant pot

Gzr Ceramics is based in Peckham as part of the Kiln Rooms, and creates handmade, nature-inspired pieces.

The plant pots are made with white clay and feature beautiful hand-painted designs.

A statement plant pot perfectly complements a minimalist interior and the unique pattern will draw attention to the plant within.

Prices range from £20-£150 www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GzrCeramic

 

 

Nunhead Gardener

The Nunhead Gardener is an Aladdin’s cave of beautiful and unusual plants that will inspire even the most cynical plant purchaser.

Along with its flagship Nunhead store, the independently-owned garden centre also has stores in Camberwell and Elephant Park.

Their highly knowledgeable team of horticulturalists are always on hand to offer expert advice regarding all indoor and outdoor gardening matters, catering for the needs of all types of urban gardeners and home jungle enthusiasts.

1A Oakdale Road SE15 3BW www.thenunheadgardener.com

Forest Deptford

Forest, conveniently situated in the arch of Deptford Railway station, sells an array of unusual house plants and succulents.

The first Forest store opened in East Dulwich in 2013, tapping into the plant lifestyle trend before expanding to their Deptford store.

They hold monthly classes teaching basic flower arranging skills and also invite guest makers to hold classes in macrame, candle making, urban gardening and much more.

Arch 133 Deptford Railway Station, SE8 4NS https://forest.london

Studio Funnel tufted plant pots

Designed and handmade in Deptford, Studio Funnel is an independent small business that launched during lockdown but is already getting a lot of attention.

These niche plant holders are a good alternative to traditional plant pots as they are hand-tufted using wool.

Each individually made pot has a unique pattern, colour and size to compliment a range of houseplants.

Their latest collection features a range of aztec prints and subtle tones.

Price range from £20-£50 www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FunnelStudio

Main Pic: Forrest Deptford