The Greener Life BLog

Looking for a plant that’s as stylish as it is easy-going?

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:02:22 GMT

Our Leafy Specialists have chosen a long-time favourite for this month’s Plant Pick — one that’s graceful, tough and totally under -rated. Meet the Ficus longifolia, also known as the Sabre or Alii Fig. ��

�� Best in Store Plant Pick: Ficus longifolia (Sabre / Alii Fig)

Meet one of our long-time leafy loves — the Ficus longifolia , also known as the Sabre Fig or Alii Fig. We’ve been working with this beauty for over 20 years, trust us — she’s tough, graceful and gloriously low-fuss.

This is the kind of plant that looks like it just woke up effortlessly elegant. Its long, slender leaves curve gently downward, giving it a graceful, almost tropical drape. The foliage is glossy and dark green, adding a lush, polished look to any space — especially when planted in tall or vertical pots.

The Sabre Fig is wonderfully adaptable — prune it to suit your space or let it stretch up tall to make a statement. You can keep it slim with a little side pruning, making it a perfect choice for tight spots, corners, or spaces that need a touch of vertical greenery.

And here’s the best part — it’s not a diva.

This plant can handle subtle shifts in temperature, a bit of neglect and even prefers things on the drier side. Give it a good drink during the warmer months and it’ll reward you with lush, rapid growth.

�� Greener Life Care Tips

Light: Bright, indirect light is best. Avoid direct sun — those beautiful leaves can scorch or pale.
Humidity: Enjoys a little extra humidity, so mist the leaves on those hot summer days (28–29°C+).
Water: Let the top few centimetres of soil dry out between waterings but when you water, water well. Less is more in the cooler months.
Feed: During late spring and summer, treat it to a balanced liquid or slow-release fertiliser like GROW liquid worm juice.
Pruning: Regular trims keep it shapely and encourage fresh new growth.
Repotting: Ficus Sabre doesn’t mind being a bit snug in its pot, but every couple of years, fresh soil or a light rootball cut (with a dose of Seasol after) will keep it happy and growing strong.

The Ficus Sabre isn’t always easy to find, but when you do, it’s worth the wait. It’s a resilient, stylish, and endlessly rewarding indoor companion — ideal for both new plant parents and seasoned collectors.

Tough, beautiful, and low-fuss — just how we like them. ��

🪰 Venus Flytraps – Funky, Fierce & a Little Bit Fussy!

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:31:15 GMT

With spring in the air these little beauties are coming back to life

They might look like something out of a sci-fi movie, but Venus flytraps are very real, very cool, and one of our favourite funky plant friends! As we ease out of the cold, don’t panic if yours looks like it’s kicked the bucket — they often die back over winter, but with a little love, they’ll bounce right back.

�� Give them light! Pop your pot in a bright, sunny spot (morning sun is perfect — skip the scorching afternoon rays).
�� Keep them moist. They hate drying out, so keep that soil damp, not dry — rainwater or distilled water only, never tap!
�� Snip those flowers! One or two blooms are fine, but more than that drains their energy and slows trap growth.
�� Hands off! Don’t poke or feed dead bugs — false alarms waste precious energy.
☀️ Morning sunshine = happy traps. It helps them rebuild energy after their winter rest.

If your traps are turning black, don’t panic — it’s usually one of these things:
�� Natural lifespan: Each trap only lives about three months before dying off naturally.
�� Dormancy: Cooler temps trigger a seasonal snooze — totally normal in our Gippsland climate.
☀️ Light or water issues: They need bright light and pure water to stay healthy.
��️ Overfeeding or stress: Too much “snacking” or sudden changes can make them sulk and blacken.

When traps do turn black, gently remove them to keep your plant tidy and thriving — tweezers work best so you don’t accidentally trigger the other traps.

Cool-climate growers — be patient! These quirky carnivores take their time waking up, but once they do, they’re ready to chomp back into action.

�� Pop into Greener Life Inverloch for your carnivorous plant fix, expert care tips and a few funky new plant friends to take home.

Rhipsalis – Our Forever Plant Pick 🌿

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 09:15:37 GMT

Rhipsalis care to ensure they thrive in South Gippsland

At Greener Life Inverloch, we always have a soft spot for Rhipsalis; better known as the Mistletoe Cactus. In fact, they’re not just our plant of the month… they’re our plant of every month. Why? Because no matter the season, there’s a Rhipsalis to suit just about every home and every plant lover.

Funky Foliage, Endless Forms

There’s a huge variety of species, each with its own personality. Some have noodle-like stems, others are flat or fleshy. Some are hairy and grey-toned, others sleek and green. And when they decide to flower (which is normally late winter - early spring), prepare to be wowed by bursts of white, red, even burgundy blooms. Collecting them can get a little addictive – so leave plenty of room on your shelves for more!

Perfect for Bathrooms & Hanging Pots

Rhipsalis are tough but stylish. They adapt to and cope with the changing humidity of bathrooms and thrive in hanging pots, where they’ll trail down in dramatic cascades. Not keen on a hanging look? They’re just as happy clipped back and grown neatly in pots.

Light & Positioning Tips

These quirky cactus cousins aren’t desert dwellers; they’re jungle epiphytes. That means they enjoy bright, indirect light. Pop them on top of a shelf where they can bask in filtered light rather than tucking them away in a dim corner. And if you’re placing them in a sunny, hot spot, go for the greyer, hairier foliage types – they’re much better at coping with the heat.

Budget-Friendly Care ��

Unlike that weekly grocery bill, Rhipsalis won’t drain your wallet. They only need feeding once or twice a year. Just be picky with the fertiliser: liquid (preferably organic, worm-based which you can get from Greener Life Inverloch) works best. Skip the pellets, slow release, or chemical types, their roots struggle to take nutrients up that way. Feed after flowering and at the end of summer.

Potting mix

And don’t forget – all cactus are succulents, though not all succulents are cactus. Which means when it comes to potting, they need a free-draining succulent & cactus mix so their roots never sit soggy and rot

Watering Wisdom ��

Rhipsalis are happiest with a rhythm - not a schedule. Always check to ensure the potting medium has dried out at the root zone before watering.

Summer: a deep soak once a month (or a couple of drenches in a heatwave) to plump those fleshy stems with moisture.
Winter: just the tiniest tinkle, and if temps drop below 14°C – don’t water at all. Keep as dry as the plant can cope with over winter as a cool/ dry rest period will encourage flowering
Tip: if the foliage starts to wrinkle and look like frozen peas, that’s their way of asking for a drink!

Why We Love Them in Gippsland ��

Our Gippsland climate can be a bit tricky for plants – cool winters, damp air and those occasional summer heat spikes. Rhipsalis handle it beautifully. They’re resilient, adaptable, and make indoor greenery feel easy.

✨ Whether you’re new to indoor plants or already hooked, a Rhipsalis is always a good idea. Come check out our collection at Greener Life Inverloch but fair warning: once you start, you might not stop.

Side note - Zig Zag Cactus ��

And if you’ve already fallen for rhipsalis, wait until you meet their funky cousin — the zig zag cactus ��✨. While we treat them much the same, technically they’re epiphyllums, which means they have their own special rhythm. Come spring or summer, they’ll reward you with the most exquisite, fleeting blooms ; opening at night, dazzling for a day or two or maybe even just a few hours , then gone in a flash (so don’t blink and definitely don’t sleep if yours is in bud!). They adore bright light (but not harsh, direct sun on those zig zag stems), enjoy a bit more water than rhipsalis and will thank you for a monthly splash of liquid fertiliser in the warmer mon ths. You may hear them referred to as the Fishbone Cactus. Either way we love them and reckon you will too.

Alocasias WHY ....

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 04:22:29 GMT

Can Alocasias really bring us happiness if we live in Gippsland ?

Caring for Alocasias Over Winter in Cold Climates

Alocasias, with their striking, large leaves, are a favourite among plant enthusiasts but if we live in Gippsland there are a few things we really need to do or know about them before we fill our homes with them

Firstly ; move to Darwin (that's where they will be happier)

Secondly ; Don't buy them, that way they can not torture you

Thirdly ; Understand its them, not you. Well it is you as you chose to purchase one then expect it to grow in an environment they hate.

Ask yourself - would you buy tropical fish from the pet shop and put them in your cold pond ???? Hmmmmm

Then ask yourself would you buy a tropical, big leafed plant with huge emotions such as an alocasia and put them in your cold house??

Basically , these tropical beauties are not accustomed to temperatures below 12 degrees Celsius. As the temperature drops, they often die down to protect themselves, particularly overnight when the cold is most intense. Understanding their needs during winter is crucial to ensuring they survive and thrive come spring.

Understanding Alocasia Behaviour in Winter in Gippsland

1. Temperature Sensitivity: Alocasias are sensitive to cold. When temperatures dip below 12 degrees Celsius, the plant's natural response is to die back. This dieback is a survival mechanism, allowing the plant to conserve energy and protect its core.

2. Moisture Management: One of the biggest challenges with Alocasias in winter is balancing moisture. Their large leaves need humidity, but the bulb and root ball must stay relatively dry to prevent rot. Overwatering in cold weather can be fatal.

3. Light Requirements: Lower light levels in winter mean Alocasias can't photosynthesize as efficiently. This often results in older leaves dying off as new ones try to grow, with the plant lacking enough energy to maintain all its foliage

Tips for Winter Care

1. Maximize Light Exposure: Place your Alocasia in the brightest spot available, winter sun is great BUT remember though once the sun heats up (over 25 degrees) ensure the alocasia is not in the direct sun.

2. Manage Moisture Carefully : Water sparingly during winter. Ensure the soil is well-draining, make sure the root ball below the top few inches of soil is also dry before re watering. NEVER let a potted alocasia sit in water, during winter as this can lead to root rot. Invest is a moisture metre to ensure you really know how moist it is around the root ball. Just $12 if collected from Greener Life Inverloch.

3. Humidity Control: While the roots should stay relatively dry, the leaves still appreciate some humidity. Place the plant on a tray of pebbles with water to increase the ambient moisture without soaking the soil or place damp coconut fibre around the base of the plant.

4. Handling Dieback : If your Alocasia dies back completely, don't panic, it's gone dormant. Carefully dig up the bulbs and inspect them. Store healthy bulbs in a cool, dry place until spring. This prevents rot and allows the plant to rest.

5. Check for Pests: Regularly inspect your plant and treat any infestations promptly as applicable. Chat to the team at Greener Life Inverloch for the best plant care tips for helping indoor plants thrive in cold climates

6. Temperature Control : Try to keep the indoor temperature as consistent as possible. Avoid placing the plant near drafts, heaters, or windows that get cold at night.

By understanding the unique needs of Alocasias during winter, you can help ensure their survival and encourage robust growth when the warmer months return. With careful attention to light, moisture, and temperature, your Alocasia may emerge from winter healthy and ready to thrive.

We would love to say these tips will work with all of your alocasias but remember there are currently 97 accepted species of alocasia (current at time of writing blog), most are native to tropical and subtropical Asia and Australia, some are far more cold and damp sensitive than others and some really can not deal with the fluctuations in growing conditions such as the micro climates homes in Gippsland create. When purchasing an alocasia, know what you are in for, ask the seller how cold sensitive they are and worst case - treat them like a bunch of flowers that will hopefully live for at least 3-6 months ........

PS our last piece of advice ....... if you live in Gippsland or Southern Australia only buy alocasias from Spring through to Autumn.

Winter check in on your pearls

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 04:25:51 GMT

Winter check in time for your String of Pearls

Time to think about winter care for your String of Pearls

String of pearls are one of those plants that everyone seems to kill at some point, well everyone living in a cold climate such as Gippsland that is. In most cases the coroner’s report would say over watered, especially in winter. In summer it is likely to be sunburnt and underwatered.

Understanding why they don’t need much water in winter

String of pearls are succulents and if healthy, every little pearl is full of moisture which the plant can access as needed. When the weather is cold the plant reduces its growing rates as it tries to adapt to this strange occurrence, so it does not need as much water as it would love during the hotter weather. There is a simple message for winter watering. When the pearls are plump (top pic) they are storing moisture and watering them can result in rot. If they show signs of dehydration by shriveling up then they need a drink (bottom pic).

Checking in on their light

The secondary statement of death or inability to thrive would probably note there was simply not enough light. String of pearls are silver succulents, originating from arid regions around South Africa where they have evolved to reflect light and heat and scramble over rocks and terrain looking for the best place to live and thrive. The spherical shape of their leaf structure enables them to store moisture and also reduces the amount of leaf surface that is exposed to extreme levels of blistering sunlight. So if they are put in low light environments they simple can’t function properly. When winter comes make sure your string or pearls are placed somewhere for maximum light, they need to be on top of the shelf, not inside the shelf.

A side note to consider is a plant in lower light will need even less water so reducing watering in a low light cold environment is even more crucial.

Get them out of the weather

Whilst String of pearls can happily grow outside in Gippsland once that cooler weather hits you should aim to ensure they are out of the direct line of an dew or frost as well as hail and rain. If possible over the winter you want to be in charge of their watering, you need to keep them dry as they would experience in their natural habitat.

Have your pearls gone red?

Significant colour change in the pearls is often referred to as environmental stress. This is often bought on by sudden drops or fluctuations in temperature. Don't be too concerned unless the pearls start to fall off or go mushy, in which case check the plant is not too wet.

Give them a toupee if they are balding on top

If you pearls are starting to go bald in the colder weather, its generally from lack of light or overwatering. Address both of these issues first then fold any long hanging pieces up onto the top of the pearly pot. If you can see visible aerial roots make a particular effort to fold these into the top of the plant and add a little bit of succulent potting mix so they can sucker in and start the natural regrowth of the plant.

Flowering

Have you seen your pearls flower? It really is a cool sight, have a good look at them. Did you know that they are actually distant cousins of dandelions? It will become more evident once the flowers open. Have smell as well, you should vibe cinnamon.

As summer approaches

As spring hits and summer approaches, reconsider everything noted here and switch into summer mode. Your pearls will love to be watered well, provided they are well drained an in plenty of light. Take note of their position and move them out of harsh suns once it really starts to heat up. Sudden discolouration of your pearls without them shrivelling or collapsing is generally a sign of too much direct sun.

Need to know more ?

If you want to talk more about COLD CLIMATE winter plant care pop in and have a chat with us at 60 Wallis Rd Inverloch and follow us on Insta or Facebook for more plant love and to check opening hours.

@greenerlifeinverloch #greenerlifeinverloch #inverloch #inverlochplants

Let's talk gnats

grlife@live.com.au (Monique Wilson) — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 11:06:04 GMT

Why do these pesky critters come?

We understand the only thing you really want to know about fungus gnats is “how do I get rid of them?” but here at Greener Life Inverloch we want to try and teach you a little bit of bug science so you can understand them a little bit more. WHY do you ask – because it may help you to change your plant care routines a little and actually stop them coming back. You know; stop the spread, flatten the curve , eradicate not just get rid of the ones you can see.

The role fungus gnats play in nature (yes there is a role) is to assist the decomposition process on the forest floor. They feed on rotting wood, fungi, organic matter and plant roots of weakened or diseased plant SO when they decide to infiltrate your home you will find them infesting areas where water pools and there is enough moisture for fungi to grow; think leaky pipes, damp compost, mould and mildew spots, underneath pots and of course ; overwatered plants!

Initial preventative action is to find the breeding site/s and remove the source by eliminating the issue causing the excess moisture to form. Remembering that these fruit fly sized insects are one of the most common of all the flies species so they are not going to go away easily.

Tackle all phases of the lifecycle

It’s a pretty simple life if you are a fungus gnat. The adult looks for moist soil and research tells us lays up to 200 or so eggs, near the soil surface. We have about three days to remove the eggs before they hatch into larvae that will then burrow deeper into the soil to feed on fungi, decaying matter or in the absence of this your plant’s roots. Adults will emerge from the soil in about two weeks, repeat the egg laying process and die within a week. Although we will see the adults flying, generally it’s in short bursts as they do not tend to be strong fliers. Most will spend their time jumping around the soil surface of their host plant before and after laying their eggs.

Do fungus gnats harm us or the plants?

Adult gnats don’t bite, they are really just annoying and are not known to carry disease problematic to humans. They can however spread pathogens which may cause fungal problems which can be fatal to emerging, young or weakened plants. It’s the translucent/white bodied and black headed fungus gnat larvae which is most problematic to plants as they can push pathogens deeper into the root zones of plants and they will feed on weakened and/ or decaying root systems causing more intense visible damage such as yellowing lower leaves, significant leaf drop, slow plant growth, plant wilting and plant death.

Clearly prevention is the best method of control

Moisture, moisture, moisture is what will bring the fungus gnats so keeping your indoor plants on the drier side is your best defence in preventing the initial appearance of the fungus gnats.

Adult gnats will be deterred from laying eggs if the top soil is dry. Allow the top 5cm of the soil to dry out before you consider re watering, particularly in the cooler months when the gnats seem to be more prevalent inside; despite being active all year they don’t like a cold winter.
Go as long as you can between waterings to dry the soil out even more closer to the root ball, invest $12 in a moisture metre to help you decided when to water
Gnats are attracted to bright light so if possible, provided it is suitable for the plant species move any troublesome plants short term into a darker spot
Pot your plants lower and add a top layer of bark, pebbles or use coir mats or coconut fibre which will make it harder for the adult gnats to get to the moist soil to lay eggs and then make it harder for the emerging adults to get out. NOTE during cooler months add top layer after the soil is dry to touch and if practical remove it when watering (coir mats and coconut fibre as the easiest to do this with) so it does not slow the drying out process.
If suitable for the plant species place it in a cooler part of the house during times of infestation

So prevention did not work and now we need to control them ?

Adult control

Place yellow sticky paper around the troublesome plants (fungus gnats are attracted to yellow so don’t get the blue sticky paper). Be creative and cut them into smaller funky shapes and simply place on top soil or skewer them just above the soil line. Greener Life sells them in packs of 5.
Use an organic insecticide such as Neem oil as a contact spray, hitting as many bugs as you see flying around as well as spraying around the foliage
Create a little trap by placing saucers of a Neem oil mix or try an apple cider vinegar / water mix (1:4 with a couple of shots of dish washing liquid) on the top soil, buried in the soil a little.
Spray with other insecticides registered to treat fungus gnats
Sometimes adults find their way into your plants via the bottom drainage holes, check entry points for signs of action and if need be place coir mats, Chux wipes, shade cloth pieces or any other coverings over the holes that will still allow the water to drain but stop gnats getting in or out.
Dry out any infected self watering pots, make sure no water is pooling in saucers or under plants.
If suitable for the plant bottom water them for the short term to allow top soil to dry out (only do this if you know the roots are to the bottom of the pot or during hot weather). Check with us that the plant is suited to bottom watering.
Do not pot up your plants into bigger pots unless it is truly needed to be done for the health of the plant or you are sure they won’t be over watered. Bigger pots mean more potting mix which means a great risk of it staying too wet. If possible add extra bark to improve drainage and only use premium potting mediums.
Home remedies have also included sprinkling cinnamon or pepper, spraying diluted methylated spirits, placing fresh mint or mint tea bags around the base of your plants ……… see what works!

Egg and larvae control

Conduct top soil inspection looking for eggs, remove and replace as necessary
Prepare a Neem oil dunk to drench the plants and water it through, ensure the water comes out of drainage holes. Only subject the plant to a dunk if the weather and soil conditions are favourable for heavy watering.
Keep potted plants clean of mouldy potting mix, fungi growth, leaf litter
Conduct root ball/ potting mix inspection looking for larvae if you are comfortable doing it for troublesome plants (or bring it in and we can do this for you). Do ensure your plant does not have overly sensitive roots before doing it though. Ficus family will not love this process. Replace infected potting medium and give the plants a couple of doses of Natrasol/ Seaweed based plant nutrient.
Dry the plants out, use a moisture metre to see how far you can push out watering. Remember the adults are looking for damp spots to lay eggs, remember overwatering is not only bad for the plant itself but the resulting root, stem or collar rot will provide an pantry of decaying matter for the larvae to feed on.

Final thoughts…….

Keeping your plants healthy and strong will help them to fight off fungus gnat and other pesky infestations;
Cluster plants with similar growing and watering conditions together
Know which plants require more water and which can be dried out a bit more
Find the right spot for every plant to thrive in- talk to us that’s our specialty
Ensure your plants are in an appropriately sized pots
Conduct routine pest inspections, including drainage hole and top soil check
Do not over water your plants
Keep plants well fed with appropriate fertilisers and plant health tonics, given consistently at appropriate times during the year.

Failing all this get yourself some chopsticks and start practicing because as Mr Miyagi said………

“If you can catch a fly with chopsticks, you can achieve anything”.

Rosemary - An ANZAC tradition

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 08:38:32 GMT

Rosemary- As a symbol of respect, gratitude and in remembrance many will pin a sprig of rosemary to their lapels, near their breast or hold it in place by their medals.

“Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important national commemorative occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.” On the 25th April everywhere across Australia we stop to remember those who gave their lives serving and protecting our wonderful country.

Some will attend morning services, some will march, some will just sit quietly, many will shed a tear and we will all remember.

Why is rosemary worn on ANZAC day in Australia?

Through ancient history to modern times; across cultures and countries, folklore and science rosemary has been a symbol of love, trust, friendship and loyalty. What’s more it has always been believed that rosemary has properties that improve and boost memory. Greek scholars wore rosemary garlands to help them remember and now, according to Robert Tisserand (consultant on the science and benefits of essential oils) modern research is illuminating its potential to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease due to properties which can potentially inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine; a compound that plays a role in sections of the brain responsible for memory and reasoning:

https://roberttisserand.com/2012/03/rosemary-boosts-brain-power/

Of most significance rosemary directly links us Australians to Gallipoli where rosemary grew wild across the peninsula. In 1915 a wounded digger returned to SA with a small rosemary bush he had dug up from ANZAC Cove and it was planted in the grounds at Keswick Army hospital. Over the years cuttings were taken and more shrubs were planted. For decades small sprigs from this original plant were worn to honour the fallen on both ANZAC and Armistice Day. In the 1980’s Landscaper and Director of Avenues of Honour, David Lawry took and grew cuttings to ensure conservation of this historic plant. He later provided cuttings to the nursery industry, official Gallipoli Rosemary labels were designed and the plant is now available for purchase through retail garden centres across Australia. A royalty of 50 cents per plant is paid to the Avenue of Honour project.

To read more head to http://www.avenuesofhonour.org/leafy-legends/gallipolirosemary/

On April 25th – remember to wear a sprig of rosemary in honour of those who served and fell for our country.

Lest we forget.

Written by Monique Wilson for Garden Centres Association of Australia 0421054667 www.gardenreleaf.com.au

Begonia winter check up

grlife@live.com.au (Monique Wilson) — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 01:33:28 GMT

How is Dotty and your other begonias going Gippsland?

Thought we would start the week with a begonia check up. Many of us fell in love with Dotty over the warmer months and for some it was the first begonia you have taken home. In mid climates these begonias will thrive all year round, in cold coastal Gippsland I know some of you are experiencing some challenges with leaf loss and powdery mildew.

Begonias are susceptible to fungal problems which is why when you purchased one from Greener Life that was to live in Gippsland we would have explained that you don’t mist spray the leaves of begonias, they don’t like to live in bathrooms as the humidity can encourage mildew growth in cooler weather and its best to water as they dry out a little, keeping them on the dryer side in winter.

Begonias indoor enjoy indirect but bright light and are best away from other plants to ensure good air circulation, they love to be fed regularly to encourage strong growth and flowering and of course must never sit in water or be planted in pots with no drainage holes.

If you find your begonia is showing signs of mildew attack or is loosing leaves some quick action will help its recovery process, mildew does not tend to be fatal unless the plant is young and extremely unwell or living in a very low light, dark and musty position. Although over watering begonias in the cooler moths is a sure fire way to encourage mildew (as well as fungus gnats) your plant does not need to be over watered or wet for mildew to grow, just cold air is enough if the foliage stays damp for extended periods.

Steps to help with a begonia recovery ........

Snip off as many of the affected leaves as you are happy to do so (bin or burn them, although the pathogen only survives on living tissue culture composting these leaves is not recommended)
Place the plant into direct winter sun if possible- note sun up to about 22 degrees is fine for the plant in your attempt to kill off the mildew. Direct sun can kill the pathogens but remember to get it out of direct sun if it becomes too hot. Note direct sun or overly bright light can also fade the dots but this will improve once the plant is healthy again.
Ensure the plant is not touching any other plants. Often the begonia mildew strain is unique only to begonias and does not spread to other plant species but it is best to separate them just in case. Ensure all other begonias are socially distanced from each other. If the plant is badly infected or you want to take further action we sell a couple of easy to apply fungal control products that will help. Bring a photo of the affected area in to us or bag up and bring in some affected leaves and we will ensure you purchase the correct product.
Dose your begonias up on seaweed products to increase their disease resilience and feed the plant consistently all year with a low nitrogen based plant or soil food (we recommend the pink fertiliser sticks and our worm based organic plant foods). The objective with feeding your begonia these lower nitrogen based products is to encourage stronger, healthier stem and tissue structure and encourage mass flowerings.
Be prepared to prune the begonia late winter, early spring to really encourage new season strong growth, a healthy plant will produce those amazing long dotty leaves much faster than a sad, straggly underfed one.
NOTE : Always water the soil of your begonia and keep water away from the leaves.

If you want to talk more about begonias pop in and have a chat with us at the rear of 60 Wallis Rd Inverloch and follow us on Insta or Facebook for regular plant love and to check our opening hours.

Snake plant check up

Sat, 11 Apr 2020 16:41:47 GMT

How to help your snake plant through a Gippsland winter

Time to check in on your snake plants as we head towards winter in Gippsland so we can ensure they emerge from the cold strong and ready for some spring growth and maybe -just maybe some spring flowers. Yep they do flower, albeit very randomly but when they do it is quite a treat- long stems of tiny little slightly fragrant flowers that stand proud against the plant’s upright rigid leaves.

Firstly a couple of fun facts about this intriguing plant (whose botanical name is sansevieria) to help understand some of the tricks to keeping it thriving. It originated in tropical West Africa where is has been said to provide spiritual protection; protecting you from the malevolent stare of the “evil eye” which casts a curse on its victims. Perhaps this is the origins which lead to its nickname of Mother in Laws tongue, or perhaps this came about when people realised the plant could survive being neglected and asked to thrive in the toughest of growing conditions; who knows.

What we do know is the plant has learnt to adapt to long periods of receiving little or no additional water and has learnt to store moisture in its large fleshy leaves as well as its rhizome root system so watering is not the biggest priority for helping it to thrive. In fact, if you are planning on killing your snake plant the quickest way is to over water it and not allow it to dry out. We can also assume that originating from tropical West Africa the snake plant is not a lover of cold conditions and given that putting a jumper on them would not really blend in with our home décor we need to protect them from the cold. The bottom line is a cold and wet snake plant is likely to quickly become a dead one. So when we read all about Snake plants being on the indestructible plant list – remember whoever wrote that probably did not live in Gippsland.

Here are some tips to keep your snake plants thriving through the seasons in Gippsland

Planting medium

Make sure they are planted in a fast draining, gritty planting mix. A good quality cactus mix is the easiest to find and use. If you have purchased a sansevieria that is in peat moss re pot as soon as you can. Never plant into pots that do not have holes- unless you only plan to have it around for a short period of time.

Position

Snake plants prefer steady light on their foliage and can adapt to living in a sunny position, they will certainly enjoy autumn, winter and spring sunshine. Having said that they will also learn to cope in a lower light spot. In Gippsland they will generally be happy outside until winter comes and the night air is cold and moist. A good trigger point is to bring them inside once the nights drop below ten degrees. Snake plants outside during a Gippsland winter will generally be dead by spring- unless you are lucky!

Feeding and health care

You can spoil your snake plant with a fertiliser safe for potted succulents during the warmer months. For Gippsland we recommend some Munash organic soil food into the pots every two months Sept through to May and a dose of liquid plant food monthly Sept- Feb. Ideally a dose of Seaweed extract at the change of the seasons will help increase the plants immunity and encourage root activity. Don’t feed during winter – like us the plants want to hibernate, reward them with a couple of good feeds or liquid fertiliser and seaweed extract once spring hits (eg Natrasol or Seasol).

AND now the big one – Watering

Cold and wet snake plants are likely to rot and die! They may cope with being a little cold, they may cope with being a little wet but not both so watering addicts need to be strong and put the watering cans away. The amount of light the plant receives will influence how quickly it dries out so if the plant is in a lower light position you will need to water even less and in winter when the natural light is shorter every day you may not water at all. A general guideline – water weekly during summer if they are in a bright light or sunny position, fortnightly in autumn and spring and once the nights are under 10 degrees stop watering snake plants until spring warmth arrives. This may mean no water at all during winter. Even if your home is well heated in winter consider if you turn the heaters off at night and does the room go cold whilst you are asleep, also remember house plants appreciate a time of dormancy.

If your snake plant is in a low light position and tends to dry out slowly only water monthly (don’t water in winter). Pick a nice warm day to water them and water in the morning so they have all day to dry out.

A final word on watering; don’t water them if they fill wet even if it has been weeks since the last water. IF a snake plant is desperate for a drink it will typically bend slightly at the top of the leaf and / or the leaf will take on a slightly shriveled appearance like a frozen pea. If in doubt err on the side of under watering.

Grrrrrrrr - Root rot

It is a good habit to regularly gently squeeze the bottom of the leaves near the soil level. If at any stage these feel soft or mushy root rot may be creeping in and it is time to pull those leaves out.

Why I love snake plants

Snake plants appeal to my sensory love of plants. They are a smooth textural plant that I do enjoy touching and visually their architectural appearance makes them stand out amongst a cluster of other plants. They work as a mass grouping of like varieties or you can mix them up for more interest. A large snake plant on its own is also an eye catching statement plant. They are also a powerful air purification plant, as consistently proven by NASA studies helping people understand the power of plants in improving people’s health and well being and combating sick building syndrome. Don’t go eating them or feeding them to your kids, dogs, cats, although their toxicity is minor it may make you feel a little ill.

What’s more – the snake plant was first cultivated and used as a treasured house plant centuries ago by the Chinese as they believed their Gods had bestowed them with powerful virtues and that those who kept snake plants inside their homes would be blessed with long life, prosperity, intelligence, health and strength (amongst other things). We are told to keep them at the entrance to our rooms and homes so the virtues can circulate amongst everyone living in the home.

Perhaps then the panic buying should be for Snake Plants because all toilet paper can do is wipe your bum !

#30greenminutes

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 07:53:32 GMT

Will you take the 30 green minutes challenge ?

Are you a garden, gardening or plant lover already? Then you probably know there has always been a deep seated human need for contact with nature to enrich our lives, alleviate stress and improve overall wellbeing. Sadly with the onset of modern technologies, urban movement closer to cities, smaller home block sizes with limited garden spaces and time-poor busy lifestyles it seems people have never been more disassociated with plants and gardens and the age-old joy of gardening. It is possible that many of us, including children can go for days without any real interaction with plants and gardens, all at a time when research continues to show significant benefits plants and gardens can have on improving our physical and mental health and well-being.

Have you wondered how much green time can help?

Recent research published in the journal, Scientific Reports*, found that people getting 30 ‘green’ minutes a week in one session are likely to have healthier emotional, physical, social and mental well-being than those who don’t. The research also tells us that more regular contact with nature will have an even greater effect- so the more greenery, the better off you are! According to Beyond Blue’s “Beyond Blue to Green” report “Well being relates to good psychological and physical health and encourages favourable thoughts and feelings, satisfaction with life, ability to be self sufficient and proactive , possessing a sense of happiness and a positive evaluation of one’s life in a general sense”.

The Australia Bureau of Statistics have noted there are several factors underpinning well-being, one of which is exposure to the natural environment. Contact with nature however does not only mean digging and toiling in the garden. You can engage with and gain benefits by viewing nature (eg, through windows, books, photography ); you can be in the presence of nature (eg reading, talking with friends or just sitting in the garden, surrounding your home in house plants), active participation in nature (such as gardening, tending to indoor plants, camping, trekking, horse riding, walking the dog)

YES we did just say “You can gain wellness benefits by viewing, being in the presence of and tending to INDOOR PLANTS………..”

Time For An Autumn Checkup?

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 01:40:05 GMT

Are your indoor plants ready for the season change?

As we switch over to a new season it is always the perfect time to stop and take a breath and see what our priorities should be for the months ahead. If you are into housework you may love a good spring clean, but if you are into houseplants or gardening you may be keen for an Autumn check up.

Even when we experience relatively mild Summers your houseplants will love for you to take some time and give them a little freshen up. Hopefully they have been growing really well for you, putting on lush new leaves and filling you home with lovely clean air so now is the time to reward them with an autumn check up to help ensure they continue to thrive as the weather cools and their growth slows down as and we head towards winter dormancy.

Have you noticed some leaves are going a bit yellow, some are a bit limp, some are a bit patchy? Is your plant looking tired from all the hard work of growing and may need some additional nutrients, a potting mix re-fresh or even a bigger pot?

Perhaps you have some browning on the leaves from a bit of excess sun or light exposure or the tips have dried out from a bit of under watering on the warmer days or over the warmer nights. Do some leaf stems feel a bit mushy, is there a funny smell around the base, have they been sitting in too much water as their pots do not have drainage holes?

Do you have signs that the summer loving pests have decided to call your indoor plant home? There may be traces of fluffy white egg sacks from mealy bug, trails of sticky excrement from scale, ants coming in looking to feast on left overs of bug poo or you may notice foliage starting to have a mottled, rashy appearance. You may be able to see the bugs themselves; scale stuck to foliage like little black or white dots, mealy bugs floating around looking like tiny white elongated stings rays or fine webbing not quite thick enough for a normal house spiders as it is home to little red spider mites.

All of these issues are normal and natural as plants are alive and were not told when they were bred they would have to live in artificial conditions, inside people’s homes so sometimes they need time and a little help to ensure they can adjust to and live in the conditions you are subjecting them to.

If you would like to help your plants to thrive and not just survive come in and have a chat to us about what autumn re-freshing they may appreciate. You can bring plants that you are concerned about in if they are a manageable size or we can try to deal with issues from photos. Just double check our opening hours before popping out or feel free to contact us to make an in store appointment time. Follow us on Insta or Facebook for plenty of timely hints and tips as well.

What's Involved In A Home Plant Consult?

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 01:26:34 GMT

Don't know which plant to put where? We come to you ......

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Trudy Talks About Her Experience

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Let's Talk Indoor Plants

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 13:52:47 GMT

Filling your home with living greenery is not a new thing to those of us who have been loving, growing, nurturing and selling indoor plants since we can remember. Your locally owned garden centre has always had a dedicated area well stocked with indoor plants, pots and plant care products as well as passionate plant people who can tell you which plant to put where for it to thrive.

What is new is that plants inside the home have now become a real passion for many, almost an obsession for some and an ever increasing trending topic on social media as more and more of us realise that plants can genuinely make us happy. In days gone by we would purchase a plant and put it on our desk or in our bathroom, now we are using hashtags and words like #plantstyling #plantinspo, #junglevibes and #plantscaping whilst keeping a #houseplantjournal and calling ourselves #plantparents.

Keeping Up With The Kardashians

Whether we are trying to “keep up with the Kardashians”, we simply love plants or we have just realised the numerous health and wellbeing benefits of having plants inside the home, what we should know is that statistics quoted by the Australian Government Department of Environment and Energy has found that we spend on average 90% of our time inside the house . That is a lot of time inside! This is quite an alarming statistic for many reasons but more so when you consider the concentrations of some pollutants inside our homes, building and work spaces are up to 10 times higher than the typical outdoor concentration. The USEPA in fact quoted in 1993 that indoor air pollution is amongst the top five environmental risks to public health and experts suggest that in 2019 it is potentially even higher .

Formaldehyde Benzene & Trichloroethylene!

There are so many big, confusing and hard to spell words associated with the toxins and pollutants in our indoor air such as VOC’s, formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, there are issues such as electro-magnetic radiation, air-borne mould spores and conditions such as sick building syndrome and other illnesses caused by inhaling particulate matter.

Improving The Air We Breathe

In talking with a friend about how to simplify everything to encourage people to put more plants inside their homes and work spaces she said, “Just tell people; We are inside a lot, the air inside is often bad but the good news is plants can improve the air inside”.

Plants in fact have been shown to remove 75-90% of airborne pollutants depending on the specie and size of the plants and the types of pollutants . It really does make sense to fill your home with living, breathing greenery and bringing some of the goodness from nature and the outdoors in.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if we had an instant hotline of qualified experts who love plants and could help us choose the right plants for our homes and workspaces? Well the good news is now you do. Greener Life Inverloch is here to provide ideas, inspiration and expert advice on all things indoor plants. Finally - for the record fake indoor plants are not plants, they are plastic ornaments. Don’t you agree ? ☺