Even if you do not have the greenest of thumbs, these indoor plants for Hong Kong apartments are pretty simple to look after and will add a burst of life to any home or office.
If you’re a fan of outdoor activities like hiking in Hong Kong, swimming at the best beaches or experiencing forest therapy walks, then chances are you are going to want to bring some nature into your home. But ever-changing weather in The 852 can cause problems when you’re trying to keep indoor plants alive. There are some very hardy varieties though, that will survive with a little TLC, so here are five indoor plants for Hong Kong apartments, that will keep growing despite typhoons, humidity and chilly winter weather.
1. Spider Plants
Spider plants are amazing. They are practically impossible to kill and thrive in a variety of weather conditions, making them the ideal addition to any Hong Kong apartment. Available in either variegated or green varieties, spider plants – or chlorophytum comosum – are so called because of the spiderettes which grow out the plants and dangle down like spiders on a web. Make sure your spider plant has a source of natural light and that there’s adequate drainage for it to flourish. We also find that naming and talking to our spider plant on a regular basis has seen it thrive.
How often you should water it: Once a week
Plant fun fact: Spider plants are fast growers and can also produce white flowers!
Pet friendly? Yes!
2. Cacti
Who doesn’t love a cactus?! These spiny delights make perfect indoor plants for Hong Kong, and there are so many different types to choose from! Whether you like them tall and thin or round and short, once you have your cactus, simply place it in indirect light. Much like our friends the spider plants, cactus plants can become root rotten if they are overwatered, so don’t go too crazy on the hydration front. During winter these tropical beauties do appreciate some time in the light, so try and give them a few hours outside every day to make them truly happy.
How often you should water it: Once a week
Plant fun fact: The average lifespan of a cactus plant is between 10 to 200 years!
Pet-friendly? They are not toxic and the spikes can be hazardous.
3. Snake plants
Snake plants could very well be the most tolerant of all the beauties on our list, which is why they’re ideal as indoor plants in Hong Kong apartments and offices. Sansevieria, as they are otherwise known, live easily in situations with low light and can survive for many days without watering. It’s a similar situation when it comes to care as for the cacti; just use your finger to feel if the soil is dry and if it them give them some H2o.
How often you should water it: Once in 10 days
Plant fun fact: They remove toxins and purify the air (great to have by your bedside)
Pet-friendly? No, the leaves are toxic especially to dogs and cats.
4. Succulents
Beautiful succulents can do very well indoors. They love light, so make sure that they have a home close by a window. If you notice that the leaves are starting to stretch out, then they don’t have enough light, and you’ll want to move them somewhere brighter in your home. We love the different looks you get with succulents, and find that the greener they are in colour, the better they do indoors.
How often you should water it: About once in two weeks, but monitor if the soil is dry before watering. Avoid watering the leaves.
Plant fun fact: There are approximately 10,000 plant varieties that you can grow!
Pet friendly? Most of them are but do ask your florist before buying as there are varieties that can be poisonous to pets.
5. Rubber Plants
Rubber plants, or Ficus elastica, are lovely indoor plants for Hong Kong apartments. If you can, try and get a young plant, as these will adjust to living indoors much easier than the more mature types. Rubber plants do need access to light, but it can’t be too direct, so a location near-ish to a window is always good.
How often you should water it: Every one to two week (depending on how long it takes for the soil to dry up)
Plant fun fact: In the wild, the rubber tree can grow up 100 to 130 feet high, and can live up to 100 years!
Pet-friendly? No, the leaves are toxic to pets.
6. ZZ Plant
The Zanzibar Gem, Zamioculcas zamiifolia, ZZ plant – whatever you’d like to call it – has lush dark green, velvety leaves and they’re drought resistant! Not only can it thrive in low-light conditions, but also don’t be surprised if you find new baby stalks sprouting up every now and then. They may not grow very tall in height but the new stalks will definitely make your plant look fuller.
How often you should water it: Every two to three weeks, allow soil to fully dry before watering
Plant fun fact: ZZ plant’s scientific name is based on its resemblance to certain kinds of cycads, ancient plants that predate dinosaurs!
Pet friendly? No, the leaves are poisonous (to humans, as well, so keep away from children)
7. Pothos
These heart-shaped leaves are arguably one of the easiest plants to grow and the trailing vine makes your space feel like a garden! To avoid them getting tangled, you can place the stem on a hook and lead a trail for it to grow. Pothos plants can thrive in both low-light, indirect sunlight, fluorescent lights. And – BONUS POINTS – pothos plants also grow well in water. Just place them in a jar with clean water and they’re good to go! You don’t even have to worry about over- or under-watering! Just change the water every now and then and keep an eye if it looks like too much water has evaporated during the summer months.
How often you should water it: About once a week or once in 10 days if you’re keeping them in soil.
Plant fun fact: They are air-purifiers!
Pet friendly? No, they are toxic to dogs and cats.
8. Peace Lily
A lively addition to your home and workspace, peace lilies are easy to care for and they are air-purifiers. As a plant parent, few things are more satisfying than watching the specialised hooded leaves slowly turn white and expand into fully grown leaves that cradler the flower. Peace lilies can be kept in low to medium light – the more indirect sunlight, the more blooms!
How often you should water it: About once a week and spritz the leaves to keep the moisture
Plant fun fact: As per Feng Shui, this plant balances all the energies and converts negative energies to positive.
Pet friendly? No, they are toxic to dogs and cats.
9. Aloe vera
We know about the plethora of benefits aloe vera holds for our skin, but these mighty fellas also make great houseplants. Avoid placing your plant in direct sunlight as it can dry the soil quickly; your best bet is to keep it by a well-shaded window. Interestingly, you can “clone” a mature aloe vera. Oftentimes, small offsets grow in the same pot, you can easily repot them separately to have another aloe vera plant without spending extra money!
How often you should water it: Once in two weeks
Plant fun fact: Aloe vera is made up of 99.5% water! And the remaining 0.5% hold the most active nutrients in the plant.
Pet friendly? No, they are mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
10. Orchids
If you’re looking to add some colour in your workplace or home, orchids are flowering plants that will not wilt easily. If you’re waiting for all the buds to bloom, use fertilisers once a week; once they’re fully mature, you can fertilise about once a month to keep the blooms healthy. If you’re feeling doubtful about caring for a flowering plant, the easiest orchid variety to grow is Phalaenopsis (Did you know that there are 25,000 orchid varieties?!).
How often you should water it: Once a week
Plant fun fact: In the 1800s, collectors in the US and Europe paid thousands of dollars for a single orchid plant!
Pet friendly? Yes! (phew!)
Tips and tricks to keep your indoor plants alive
1. Allow the soil to dry before watering, you’ll need to push one finger in the soil to test how moist or dry it feels. Avoid watering if it’s still moist.
2. Take some time to research about your plant and its needs.
3. Name your plant and talk to it every now and then! It’s extra CO2 for them (and more oxygen for you!).
4. Re-pot your plant when you notice it’s gotten too big for its pot, plants need room to grow or they tend to rot.
5. Try out homemade fertilisers from food you’re likely to throw away; egg shells mixed with water give an instant calcium and potassium boost to keep plants healthy.
6. Prune plants every now and then. If you notice any dried leaves, cut them gently to allow fresher growth of new stalks.
