Go Big & Go Home - Indoor Statement Plants

Rubber Plant

Robust glossy leaves and the capacity to get nice and big quickly, the Rubber Plant is an easy-care beauty and one of the best natural air-cleaners out there. Place near your favourite seating area to enjoy fresh air. There are some great varieties available with burgundy, creamy green or mottled foliage. 

• Position for bright indirect light. 
• Water once a week or when soil is feeling dry. Allow to dry out between watering.
• Regularly gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
  
• To promote bushier growth, trim off the stem tips. 
  
• Plants are quick growing, re-pot into a larger pot every few years with fresh, quality potting mix like Baileys Premium Indoor Potting Mix.
  
• Feed in Spring, Summer and Autumn with a quality all purpose slow release fertiliser.
  
• Avoid contact with the white sap, which can cause skin irritation.

Monstera Deliciosa

An all-time favourite for its stunning, graphical leaves and low maintenance, the Swiss cheese plant can grow big so allow plenty of room to stretch out. If you've managed to keep your fiddle-leaf alive, then looking after a Monstera will be a breeze. 

• Enjoys bright indirect light.
• Let the top 4cm of soil dry out between watering as over watering may lead to root rot, signs of this are yellowing or wilting leaves.
• For best results avoid areas with direct artificial heating and cooling or give them the occasional misting as they like moist, humid conditions. 
  
• Once the plant reaches heights of 80cm it will need the support of a moss pole or stake as its natural tendency is to grow up.
• Leaves appreciate an occasional wipe down to remove dust. Cleaning the leaves will also help keep pests under control as they can get mealybugs on the undersides of leaves.
• Feed in spring and summer with a quality all purpose slow release fertiliser.
• Re-pot into a larger pot every few years with fresh, quality potting mix like Baileys Premium Indoor Potting Mix.

Giant Bird of Paradise

With its incredible paddle-shaped, large glossy leaves, this statement plant brings the jungle vibes inside. Give it enough sunshine and you may be rewarded with one of its spectacular blooms.

• Position near a window in a bright, sunny spot and it will prosper.
• When soil is completely dry, water enough to saturate the soil then not again until completely dried out. Avoid over-watering and reduce watering during the cooler months.
• Fertilise in spring and summer to encourage growth. 
• Usually requires re-potting every 2-3 years. Use a top quality potting mix.  
  

Umbrella Tree

Alocasia (Elephant Ear)

If you are searching for a dramatic, very different looking plant that can be as small as 20cm or as tall as a tree, an Alocasia plant is a great choice. Elephant ear plants are named after their super-sized heart-shaped (or elephant ear-shaped) leaves. During warm summer months, they can produce a new leaf every week and each new leaf may be twice the size of the previous.

• Need moderately bright light, but avoid direct sunlight on their leaves in summer as this can cause foliage burn.
  
• Like warmer, humid spots, so avoid areas with cold drafts or under air conditioning. Increase humidity by placing plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water, placing a small humidifier near the plant or grouping plants together. 
• Like the soil to be constantly moist. Check the soil moisture with your finger, and water when the top couple of cm feel dry.
  
• Feed in spring and summer with a quality slow or controlled release fertiliser. 
  
• It's common for leaves to die back periodically, especially during winter. Cut them off at the base, with secateurs.
• Wipe their large leaves with a damp cloth from time to time to keep healthy.