Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail
11th June 2022
Perfect Pollen-free Plants
Chelsea Flower Show had a new House Plant Studio section dedicated to houseplants this year. With a wide range of plants being displayed in an even wider range of methods, the aim was to showcase the numerous benefits they bring to an indoor environment. Houseplants can have a soothing impact on wellbeing, can be enjoyed through all weathers and even as the winter nights draw in (all too soon).
We are probably aware of these aesthetic and environmental benefits, but one huge benefit that I had never realised is that most houseplants can be a great way for people with allergies and hay fever to still be able to enjoy lots of leafy loveliness.
I recently spoke to Lorri Reed who has set up her own business supplying the more unusual and rarer houseplants.
Riot Rare Houseplants was created as Lorri has always loved plants but various pollen allergies have always restricted her ability to do much gardening outdoors.
She started collecting and growing houseplants instead and realised that a lot of them are reluctant to flower (unless the conditions are perfect), or they have rather insignificant flowers. This means they pose far fewer problems to hay fever and allergy sufferers.
It fascinates me. People who find a way around a problem like this and then stumble into a business are just so inspiring. It’s all about having the courage to follow your passion.
Lorri now sources and propagates (‘chop and prop’, as she calls it) the more unusual and rarer houseplants and has found a real niche for herself. She warns that, unfortunately like a lot of things, you have to be wary about the countless fakes and various scams, even in the world of houseplants. Apparently some plants were on the market from Thailand recently and much sought-after as they had beautiful bright pink leaves. Shockingly, they were chemically enhanced and within a few weeks the leaves would revert back to their organic green colour. These weren’t cheap plants.
Got To Repot
Like us, houseplants need the right care to thrive. Sadly we seem to be a ‘buy and let-it-die’ nation, with most of us actually expecting our houseplant to die – and they do. I suspected a lack of watering to be the main culprit but apparently over watering and too much sunlight are common killers too. Most houseplants are also potted up in unsuitable compost, which is susceptible to water logging – so it’s not always your fault. Entirely. What your plant is grown in is important, so be prepared to repot your plant as soon as you get it home to give it a good chance.
Peat-free multipurpose compost is usually used for indoor plants, but due to its high organic matter content, the compost sinks into the bottom of the pot as it breaks down, collapsing essential air pockets around the roots. This will restrict the growth of the root system, and contribute to water-logging, which will eventually kill the plant. Despite being ‘underground,’ roots also need oxygen, so must have space, or little air pockets, for them to breathe.
The simplest way to improve the compost is by adding a drainage material like horticultural sand, which will improve water draining and also loosen compacted compost. For most houseplants, a 1:4 sand-to-compost ratio is sufficient, but for cacti or succulents, a 1:2 ratio is better.
I remember being told years ago that a lot of the houseplants on sale from large DIY stores have actually been in ‘stressful’ conditions for a lot of their journey and will therefore already be dying when you buy them, although not showing the signs yet. We seem to think they are as hardy as most of our outdoor plants. That’s not the case. Even more disappointing was the trolley of ‘dried out’, dead and dying houseplants that I saw at a supermarket. I asked to speak to the manager about it and was told that they couldn’t be watered by staff, as any spilled water would pose a Health and Safety risk.
Sigh. As Carlos Mencia pointed out, ‘The problem with the world is there’s too many stupid people and nobody to eat them.’
Not Just For Christmas
Houseplants seemed to be out of style for years – often being considered messy and difficult to keep as homes have become more minimalistic. During COVID, the interest in houseplants was revived as people spent more time indoors, but you can’t look after them with an ‘app’ – they still need the same amount of care. That care differs from plant to plant, and ‘right plant, right place’ is essential knowledge. I think most people are still put off by ‘panic watering’ which, as the compost has inevitably been allowed to dry out, tends to result in the water running off the surface and onto the floor. It’s enough for most people to dump their relationship with houseplants. I remember Mum having lots of houseplants when we were kids and although their care was quite time-consuming, it was part of the pleasure of having them. The cheese plant used to have it’s leaves wiped, spider plants would be regularly divided and given to friends and the huge, old Easter and Christmas cacti were treated with the love and care you would give to a small child! And they always repaid Mum with the most prolific blooms at the given times of year.
Lorri’s rarer plants require very specific conditions and often 20% higher humidity than your average house would provide. So they have their own room and some have their own ‘containers’ so their environmental needs can be met. Whilst she is building up a good range of plants for resale, as she pointed out, it is a slow journey. Rare plants are obviously limited and you can often only divide ‘parent’ plants into two each time.
With love, common sense, patience and the right care – or professional advice and guidance – houseplants can be a really lovely way of bringing the outdoors in – and without any pollen problems too. Lorri is happy to advise and can provide a consultancy service for larger buildings and schemes. It’s a fabulous way to improve an indoor environment for workers and visitors, as well as in your own home.
For more information and details about her Esty shop please call her on 07903 980413.
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