Gardening with Wilson

On the same day that my interview was published on Straits Times Life! last Saturday, there was another article that was published that focussed much on the use of so-called indoor plants for interior decor, which contained bits of my input. People who love the company of plants would want to have them inside their homes. Plants help to brighten and liven up a living space. There are reports that mentioned plants can help to cleanse the indoor atmosphere.

Cover Page of the Feature Article on Straits Times Life!

Larger version – http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v139/kuehlapis/?action=view&current=houseplant29nov081.jpg

I believe a large number of members of the public in Singapore who are novices have a misconception of about what are called indoor plants. Because the common name used to describe them is called ‘indoor plant’, individuals may have regarded these plants are those that are able to thrive indoors, away from the balcony or corridor.

This belief is tragically wrong as indoor plants being green plants that contain chlorophyll, need sunshine to grow. Many plants sold as indoor plants are those that have been found to be more forgiving towards low-light growing conditions. It is important to note that the light intensity inside most homes (not at the balcony or corridor) is too dim and it is insufficient for the growing of these indoor plants on the long term.

In fact, the lighting conditions inside the home are classified as ‘shade’ and if plants are required to be put there for decor, they can only be put there on a temporary basis. After being displayed for a week or two, these plants should be moved to a brighter area to recuperate and rejuvenate. New plants can be moved into the area to take the place of those taken away.

First Page of the Feature Article on Straits Times Life!

Larger version – http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v139/kuehlapis/?action=view&current=houseplant29nov082.jpg

This plant rotation practice is carried out by commercial nursery contractors in public areas like hotels and various commercial buildings that have engaged their services. Because the changing of plants is often not done during hours with high human traffic, people may not be aware of it being practised. It is important to realise that these plants that are on display look good all the time because they have been changed regularly and not because they love and thrive under the low light conditions there.

Second Page of the Feature Article on Straits Times Life! that contains a plant list.

Larger version – http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v139/kuehlapis/?action=view&current=houseplant29nov083.jpg

(Note – The first eight plants were contributed by myself).

Last but not least, as mentioned in the article, it is alright to have plants in the bedroom. There is this fear that plants will compete with us for oxygen during the night but the amount plants take in is generally been regarded as negigible enough to not cause any harm.

So far, we have not heard of any reports of anyone dying during sleep at night with the company of plants. On hindsight, if plants can really compete with us for oxygen at night and cause harm, then the inhabitants, as well as, our National Servicemen (army personnel) who are doing their training in the forests and jungles would have largely perished by now due to the lack of oxygen?