Xerogems

Water-smart gardeners would group their plants together based on their watering needs. So, let’s do that with indoor plants with these ‘xerogems’ – xero for dry and gems for their value as decoration and endurance. 

Begonia masoniana ‘Iron Cross’ 

The chocolate brown cross pattern on rough green leaves makes this begonia remarkable. As an evergreen perennial, you can enjoy this begonia all year round in the shade in the garden or as a unique houseplant. It will grow to around 45 – 60 cm tall and produce green-white flowers in the summer. The iron cross begonia has won the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Give it plenty of rich, well-draining soil and water only when the top layer is dry. Extra humidity will be appreciated but be careful not to overwater as this could cause root rot. 

Lucky bamboo 

If you have trouble remembering to water your houseplants, then why not grow a plant in water? A lucky bamboo with a corkscrew shape on the top of the stems can grow in water with just a few stones or decorative glass to keep it upright. The number of stalks in your vase has a meaning too, one is for good fortune, three is for happiness, wealth and longevity, and five is for fortune. 

Zamioculcas zamiifolia 

Lovingly called the ZZ plant or the Zanzibar gem, this tough as-nails houseplant thrives on neglect. When you think it’s been so long and the plant must be dying by now, give it some water. It is evergreen with shiny, thick leaves that need a bit of dusting once in a while. They have large water-storing rhizomes underground, which keep them going with very little water. Plant in well-draining soil and position out of direct sunlight. It can also tolerate darker areas of the home, like the bathroom. 

Commonly called the variegated snake plant or our favourite mother-in-law’s tongue, anyone who has ever grown one of these plants knows it’s practically indestructible. It has those iconic upright leaves that are fleshy and hold plenty of water. They have the outer yellow bands with a mottled green in the centres and are well-suited as houseplants. As with the others in this list, they grow from rhizomes underground and are evergreen perennials. 

Well-draining soil is imperative; only water when the soil is completely dry. They can handle a few hours of direct sunlight daily as a houseplant. 

Look out for Draceana ‘Golden Futura’, which has broader leaves with creamy yellow margins. 

Keep all these plants away from small children and pets. 

All these plants are grown by LVG Plants and are available where houseplants are sold countrywide. www.lvgplant.co.za