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.
