Abu Dhabi: The searing summer heat can turn your plants into a crispy mess. Luckily there are some plants that can survive these tough weather conditions. XPRESS zeroes in on the most resilient indoor and outdoor options. Take your pick:
Best indoor plants
Combakta
A slow growing member of the Dracaena family, Combakta is native to South East Africa. Grows best in medium light. Keep it away from direct sunlight and fertilise moderately.
Price: Dh120 to Dh160
Zamioculcas (Zanzibar gem)
A tropical perennial plant native to eastern Africa, it requires low light and little water. Also known as ZZ Plant, it is a tough plant that can handle neglect and has air purifying qualities.
Price: Dh25 to Dh100
Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
Native of Lord Howe Island off the Eastern Australian coast. Perfect for container growing. Can tolerate low-light and low-humidity conditions as well as dust and heat. Over watering can lead to root rot.
Price: Dh120 to Dh160
Money Plant (Epipremnum Aureum)
Native of the Solomon Islands in the West Pacific, East of New Guinea. Money plants are evergreen climbers and can grow up to 30 metres high. Will grow both in soil and water filled bottles without much care.
Price: Dh30 to Dh110
Areca Palm tree (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Native of subtropical forests of Madagascar, Arec is one of the easiest indoor plants to grow. They need bright, indirect light from a south or west-facing window. Over-watering can lead to root rot.
Price: Dh110 to Dh240
Best outdoor plants
Ixora Coccinea
Ixora coccinea (also known as jungle geranium) is a native of South India and Sri Lanka. The plant grows well in moist but not excessively soggy soil.
Price: Dh8 to Dh70
Jasmine
Can be vines or shrubs and most varieties are evergreen. The plant does not thrive in cold temperatures and needs direct sunlight. Soil should remain moist.
Price: Dh20 to Dh45
Rubber Plant ( Ficus Elastica Robusta)
Native of Nepal, eastern India and Burma. The plant is easy to care for and can grow well in low light. Over watering and moving the plant around often can kill it. A brightly lit spot is ideal, without direct sunlight.
Price: Dh65 to Dh225
Ficus (Ficus Benjamina)
Native to Southwest Asia and the Mediterranean region. Ficus, popularly known as Fig trees, cannot grow in low temperatures and enjoy bright indirect or filtered light. They are rapid growers and require lots of nutrients.
Price: Dh35 to Dh600
Plumeria
Native to Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America. It needs to be grown in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Needs six hours of full sun daily.
Price: Dh45 – Dh300
Health benefits of keeping plants at home:
- Indoor plants can help remove pollutants that cause headaches, nausea, and more.
- Research shows that people with plants in homes have less stress.
- Keeping plants indoors can make you think better. The mental benefits observed during a research include improved concentration and memory and heightened attention.
- Plants boost recovery. A study has found that viewing plants during recovery from surgery leads to a significant improvement in physiologic responses.
