by Marta Meggiolaro.
A touch of character with warm shades, for those who don’t want to give up an indoor corner dedicated to greenery to dedicate themselves to when the cold period of the year begins, in view of the upcoming spring blooms.
The triumph of autumn colors can also be experienced at home: there are many species that in this season, thanks to the texture and colors of the foliage, liven up and illuminate the domestic space. We have selected five, suitable for all budgets and all homes, united by pinkish red shades, perfect for the period and which also prepare the way, why not, for the Christmas atmosphere.
Philodendron Pink Princess – photo courtesy Feey.
1 – PHILODENDRON PINK PRINCESS
It is one of the most fascinating varieties of Philodendron, and like the whole family it is evergreen and climbing. The leaves are large, olive green in colour, with shades so dark that they appear black, however illuminated by pink streaks. Being a climbing plant, it can be placed high up in the home, causing the branches to fall downwards, or, using guardians, it can be made to grow upwards.
It prefers positions in diffused light, but also adapts to partial shade. It should be planted in a draining and soft substrate. The soil must be kept moist, avoiding water stagnation: for this reason it is important to eliminate the drainage water after watering. It should be fertilized once a month.
Philodendron pink princess.
2 – ECHEVERIA GIBBIFLORA
It’s difficult not to fall in love with the Echeveria genus: there are hundreds of species, truly for all tastes. It is a succulent plant whose leaves are arranged in a rosette. The chromatic shades range from silver to bluish, up to red and pink. The gibbiflora in particular has rosettes with large, arched leaves jagged on the edges, with a color variation that makes this detail even more interesting.
Furthermore, like all succulents, it is easy to take care of and grows quickly, giving great satisfaction. It should be grown in a very loose and draining soil for succulents; it should be bathed once every two weeks. It loves diffused light and being in company, perhaps in composition with other echeverias of different colours.
Echeveria gibbiflora.
3 – FICUS ELASTICA VARIEGATO
A beautiful variety of ficus that gives its best when placed in full but not direct light. The leaves of the variegated Ficus elastica are large and shiny, oval, darker above and lighter below: the variegation presents the colors green and cream, which fades into a very delicate pink. Placed in a substrate for houseplants, it should be kept away from heat sources and air currents and should only be wet when the soil is completely dry. In spring and summer it should be fertilized once every two weeks.
Variegated Ficus elastica.
4 – COLEUS
There are 150 species of Coleus, which are distinguished from each other by the very rich variety of color combinations and leaf shapes. Extremely decorative and quirky, it is a beautiful touch in the home. It doesn’t like the cold, so it adapts to being grown as a houseplant.
To encourage vegetation, terracotta pots should be preferred as they allow the roots to breathe more: at the same time, however, the soil must be carefully checked so that it does not dry out too much. It is also helpful to spray the leaf surface. As for the position, it loves light and the more it receives the brighter its colors become.
Coleus.
5 – SPOTTED BEGONIA
One of nature’s little masterpieces, with its leaves perfectly covered in polka dots. The Begonia Maculata, which in English has a much more suggestive name (Angel Wing), is a houseplant that has its land of origin in Brazil. The leaves are dark red on the lower side, while on the upper side they are an intense green, dotted with white dots. From May to October it flowers, showing small white or pink flowers in clusters.
It needs temperatures around 20˚ C and loves humidity, so remember to mist its leaves and keep the soil moist. It is essential to prevent water stagnation, which is very dangerous for this plant; the best rooms to place it in are the bathroom and the kitchen, if the lighting allows it.
Spotted begonia.
On the cover, one of the 150 varieties of Coleus – photo courtesy Chris Linnett.
