Zen Plants

 Ginseng in a pot

Relaxing and admiring the plants in the garden is always a delight. What about when we go indoors though?

We can always look out of the window but in the evening when the soft lights are on, having some easy to look after, compact, serene looking plants is a lovely addition to the home. Even through (speaking for myself) I’ll probably be looking at a computer screen. The plants are there for me to admire when I do lift my head up occasionally.

This time of year prompts really fast growth from a lot of houseplants and it’s not long before they are out of hand, taking up too much room, going leggy and dropping old leaves and petals everywhere. Busy Lizzies and begonias are just two that spring to mind.

I think wholesale growers are realising this and this year some of the larger Dutch companies such as Van der Plas are promoting bonsai, dracaena and fiscus type plants to retailers for the consumer to enjoy and have as a relaxing meditative focal point in a room. To make things more marketable for us the consumer, these types of plants will be going under the banner of “Zen Plants” which instantly gives us waves of relaxation. The types of plants under the “Zen “banner are generally easy to look after, don’t drop too many leaves and are attractive to look at and blessed with a serene look that really impacts on their surroundings. There are exceptions to the rule though and some really hot, centrally heated houses might not be suitable so if you are thinking in investing in a €200 bonsai tree, I’d start with something a bit cheaper first to test the conditions.

Zen Plants

Zen plants as a phenomenon before the advertisers decided to use the phrase as a selling point, dates back from the end of the 14th century, when Zen Buddhists created stylised gardens of exceptional beauty in order to meditate and contemplate the world. Respect for nature was key part of the overall design. They would pay a lot of attention to the finer details of the plants, maybe more than most of us would so the types of plants we will be seeing should be tidy and compact for us to ignore for long periods

Some of the plants have a calming effect and can look a lot older than they actually are as their trunks mature, which adds to the look. Bonsai, Ficus Ginseng and Dracaena lucky bamboo all have powerful shapes, natural strength, and a stylised appearance. “All three species fit well with the growing interest in bringing more calm and meaning to our lives.” Boldly claim van der Plas the plant wholesalers.

Bonsai in Japanese means ‘tree in pot’. Woody plants are transformed into miniature trees by pruning and trimming whereby the appearance is determined by the plant’s essence.

Examples of plants that are particularly suitable for bonsai are Chamaecyparis, pomegranate and Crassula ovata, Ficus species are currently the most popular. 

The Ficus ginseng is cultivated in southern China and Malaysia. A small-leafed Ficus microcarpa is grafted onto the distinctive trunk, which is then pruned into a bonsai shape.

It can be narrow and tall or broad and low, depending on the pruning. To achieve the best aesthetic effect, the pot usually takes up less than one third of the total height of plant.

Dracaena lucky bamboo is an eye-catching feature plant, and is available with straight and twisted branches, woven, as a mini bamboo forest or as a solo statement plant.

All shapes need a lot of water, which is why they’re often sold in a glass bowl, vase or other vessel where the water is visible. This also contributes to the plant’s Zen look.

What to look for when buying Zen plants

• Bonsai and Ficus ginseng need to be well-rooted. The trunk and foliage must also be attractively in proportion.
• A lack of light can cause leaf shedding. Check that the leaves are sturdy and the plant has been hardened.
• Check for mealybug and scale insects.
• Dracaena lucky bamboo should not have any yellow stems, and must be sold ‘on water’.

Care tips

• All “Zen plants” like a light spot with no direct sunlight.
• Bonsai and Ficus Ginseng like having slightly damp soil but not wet feet.
• Dracaena lucky bamboo should always be standing in a layer of water.
• Some plant food every 3 to 4 weeks is sufficient.
• If Zen plants grow too big, they can be pruned back.
• If the temperature remains above 15°C, these plants can also be placed on the patio.