Interiors
Top five houseplants that will thrive in a garden room
For those craving a lush garden hideaway that brings the outdoors in, a luxury brand has shared its top five houseplants that will thrive in a shed or summerhouse.
Crane Garden Buildings is a family-run business with over 50 years of expertise in crafting high-quality timber garden buildings.
Peter Mortin, garden expert for Crane Garden Buildings, said: “One of the main reasons our customers want to invest in a shed or summerhouse is to relax surrounded by all the beauty and natural wonder of their gardens, so it’s no wonder that many of them are keeping houseplants in their spaces.
“However, it’s important to note that not all plants will thrive in this environment, so people should pick carefully when surrounding themselves with greenery.
“The health of the plant will be affected by the amount of light it will receive, so it’s important to think carefully about what type it is and where it would naturally thrive. Our summerhouses which are imbued with lots of sunshine will support plants that require more light, but darker sheds which are used for storage will be a great home to others.”
Sunshine for succulents
Peter said: “Succulents require at least four to six hours of sunlight per day, so they’re ideal plants to grow in summerhouses or outdoor offices with plenty of natural light. While they can survive in low light, they are unlikely to thrive. If the succulent is very young, it may fare better in less direct sunlight where they can grow peacefully.”
Recreate a forest with ferns
“Ferns are the perfect plant to instil a sense of peace in an outdoor room, adding an ageless atmosphere to any space. They prefer indirect sunlight so are ideal for outdoor buildings with fewer windows, in fact their delicate fronds can even burn in direct sunlight. As a general rule of thumb, ferns prefer the same kind of temperatures as humans do – not too hot and not too cold. Don’t feed indoor ferns during winter, it needs time to rest and recover from its growing season throughout summer.”
Jazz up the space with jade
“Also known as a money plant or friendship plant, a jade plant is not only said to bring luck and prosperity, they’re also the ideal choice for an outside room. It grows well in both light and shady surroundings, so is a good option for garden buildings which vary with the sunlight they receive. It’s also a very good air purifier, making it perfect for keeping in a shed or summerhouse.”
A collection of cacti
“For sunny sheds and summerhouses, cacti will add a lovely pop of colour for very little effort. The range of cacti is huge, from spiky to furry, tall to squat, flowering or plain, so whatever your taste, there should be a cacti to match. As they thrive in droughts, even the least green fingered among us can enjoy long-term plant ownership in our garden buildings.”
The perfect houseplant for the forgetful
“Another great option for the forgetful among us is the Chinese evergreen, which is characterised by its large leaves, bringing lush, tropical elegance to any summerhouse, home office or shed. They should be kept out of direct sunlight and only need to be watered every five to ten days. As they’re relatively slow growing, they only need to be re-potted every two to three years, making them ideal to enjoy in a low-maintenance way.”
For more information about Crane Garden Buildings, visit www.cranegardenbuildings.co.uk
