07/12/2025

ON SUNDAY December 7, 2025 VI theSunday Special

Beyond elevating the space, these plants are ideal HQT CP[QPG NGCTPKPI VQ ITQY CPF ECTG HQT VJGKT ƓTUV green companion A breath of green BY AQILAH NAJWA JAMALUDDIN

M RQH\ WUHH (Pachira aquatica) Best for: Good energy, feng shui and visual drama L LJKW Bright, indirect W DWHU Every one to two weeks

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Caring for plants isn’t just about aes thetics; it’s a form of self-care, a reminder to slow down and tend to something living. With just a little sunlight, water and patience, these houseplants bring not only beauty and oxygen but a kind of quiet energy that helps you feel more grounded in your space. Whether you’re starting with one or ¿OOLQJ HYHU\ VKHOI ZLWK OHDI\ FRPSDQLRQV these forgiving green friends are ready to meet you where you are. D LG \RX NQRZ" Plants really do clean the air. NASA’s Clean Air Study found that certain houseplants OLNH GLH̆ HQEDFKLD DQG SHDFH OLOLHV FDQ remove up to 87% of indoor air toxins within 24 hours. Plants boost productivity. A study by the University of Exeter found that adding houseplants to a room can improve concentration, memory and workplace satisfaction by up to 15%. Prayer plants move with the light. Their nightly leaf-folding ritual is driven by a process called nyctinasty, which helps reduce water loss and protect the plant. The money tree isn’t from Asia. Despite its strong connection to feng shui, Pachira aquatica is native to Central and South America; its symbolic meaning was later popularised in East Asia. Jade plants can live for decades. With proper care, they can grow for 20 years or more and some are even passed down as green family heirlooms. B LUG RI SDUDGLVH (Strelitzia reginae) Best for: Minimalist décor with bold energy L LJKW Bright, direct to indirect W DWHU When the top half of the soil is dry If your space needs a statement piece without the chaos of constant upkeep, the bird of paradise is your plant. Its tall, banana-like leaves create a clean, archi tectural silhouette that can transform even the most neutral space into a tropical escape. Native to South Africa, this plant loves sun – the more, the better. It can even SURGXFH GUDPDWLF ELUG VKDSHG ÀRZHUV indoors with the right conditions, though even without blooms, it exudes serene FRQ¿GHQFH Tip: Dust the leaves regularly to help them soak in more sunlight and photo V\QWKHVLVH PRUH Ḣ FLHQWO\ It’s easygoing: just wa ter when the topsoil dries out and give it indirect sunlight. With time, it can grow up to 8ft indoors, creating a calming, sculptural presence that uplifts the entire room. Tip: Avoid overwatering; its roots are prone to rot if left sitting in soggy soil.

Long considered a symbol of abundance and prosperity in East Asian cultures, the money tree is a favourite in feng shui practices. Its braided trunk DQG ¿YH OREHG OHDYHV UHSUHVHQW DQG ¿YH OREHG OHDYHV UHSUHVHQW

I F you ever feel stuck in a haze of stagnant energy, weighed down by the stillness of your space, a house plant might be the quiet answer. More than just interior décor, greenery brings life, improves air quality and adds a fresh, grounding presence to your home, often with just a little care in return. Scientific studies, including those by NASA and horticultural therapy

D LH̆ HQEDFKLD (Dumb cane) Best for: Lush impact with minimal H̆ RUW L LJKW Bright, indirect W DWHU Every one to two weeks Dieffenbachia is a tropical statement maker, beloved for its bold, variegated leaves streaked in creamy whites and greens. A natural air purifier, it helps remove toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from indoor air, making it not just beautiful but functional too. Ideal for low-fuss plant parents, it thrives in bright, indirect light and only needs watering when the top few inches of soil feel dry. Be cautious, though: its sap is toxic if ingested, so it’s best kept away from pets and curious little ones. Tip: Rotate the plant every few weeks to keep its growth balanced and even. experts, have long suggested that indoor plants help reduce stress, improve con centration and regulate humidity, all while reconnecting us to nature. But for beginners, the fear of a wilting leaf or a IRUJRWWHQ ZDWHULQJ GD\ FDQ EH R̆ SXWWLQJ The key lies in starting with the right plant. H HUH DUH ¿YH ORZ PDLQWHQDQFH KRXVH plants that don’t demand much but quietly give back in spades. a sign of protection, calm and spiritual energy in the home. It prefers slightly moist, well-drained soil and higher humidity, making it perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. Un like fussier tropical plants, it’s forgiving of lower light conditions and adapts well to apartment living. Tip: Mist regularly or place it near a KXPLGL¿HU WR NHHS LWV IROLDJH OXVK DQG vibrant.

J DGH SODQW (Crassula ovata) Best for: Compact beauty and long-term companionship L LJKW At least four to six hours of direct sunlight W DWHU Every two to three weeks A classic in the world of low-maintenance plants, the jade plant is a type of succulent prized for its thick, glossy leaves and slow, steady growth. In Chinese culture, it is thought to attract wealth and good luck, making it a popular gift for new homes or businesses. It stores water in its leaves, so it doesn’t mind being left alone for a while. That makes it perfect for travellers, forgetful waterers or anyone who wants beauty without burden. Tip: Let the soil dry out completely be tween waterings to prevent root rot. Also, keep it out of reach of pets, as it is mildly toxic.

R HG SUD\HU SODQW (Maranta leuconeura) Best for: Soothing presence and a touch of magic L LJKW Low to medium, indirect W DWHU Weekly or when topsoil is dry True to its name, the red prayer plant folds its leaves at night like hands in prayer, a movement called nyctinasty, driven by changes in light. In some cultures, this gentle motion is seen as