By Andrea Pavee
It is now almost 6 months since we have moved back into our new (old) home and I can say we are now fully settled in.
The plants have settled in, too and just a few days ago, I noticed new blooms poking their heads out of their buds. I reckon, that plants, like us, burst into glory when they are happy and healthy.
Sun, water, soil and fertilizer help plants thrive. However, I also found a 5th factor: place.
With the scorching weather we have been having these past few months, even the sun-happy plants have suffered from overexposure. To help them weather the weather, I have been engaged in a game of musical plants, moving them hither and yon, hoping to find the perfect place for them to bloom and thrive.
In hindsight, I realise now, how beneficial the airwell has been for me.
Airwells, for the longest time have been on the wane as developers sought to build more compact homes. However, with its recent resurgence, airwells have been making a welcome comeback, and it is about time!
Plants in airwells are not only beautiful to look at, but they help reduce the heat inside the home on sweltering days, and on rainy ones, they provide an opportunity for us to be up close to nature, safe from the onslaught of the sleeting rains, so common in our tropical climate.
My airwell served as a hospital for the tired, scorched plants and thankfully, many have thrived, and some have bloomed.
The first to bloom was the peace lily. I got her about 2 years ago and she first bloomed Easter 2021. Then, the bloom died.
Last month, she bloomed again, and this time, her bloom is still standing high although it’s colour has changed from pure white to a forest green.
I also brought in all my rose plants after noticing their leaves were scorching under the hot sun. Within a week, I saw new shoots break forth, and last week, a bloom. What a gift!
And finally, a few days ago, when I went to water my Calocasia, or the Elephant Leaf plant, I noticed a bud peeking out through the stems. This bud is my first for this plant.
By the way, if you would like an exotic looking plant at home, the Calocasia is just what the doctor ordered!
Happy homes bring about happy families, and also, it seems, happy plants!
Posted by Chayo, HomSkil Editor 1, 28 July 2022
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