Hello, Potters: Container Plants for the Tropics
In this two-part series we present plants that you can grow in pots to provide screening and even cleaner air
Living in the city definitely has its perks: shorter (or non-existent) commute to your workplace, accessibility to services, and the general conveniences of living in the modern world. It, however, has its downside, too such as exposure to pollution, noise and the lack of privacy.
While we cannot address these issues all at once, we begin by looking at improving the privacy and liveability of the outdoor space usually available in most apartments: the balcony. Landscape architect Kathleen Lacsina of Land Design One recommends professionally curated greenery that will not only grow in pots, but will also provide some privacy and improve your well-being. Here’s the first batch:
While we cannot address these issues all at once, we begin by looking at improving the privacy and liveability of the outdoor space usually available in most apartments: the balcony. Landscape architect Kathleen Lacsina of Land Design One recommends professionally curated greenery that will not only grow in pots, but will also provide some privacy and improve your well-being. Here’s the first batch:
Thyrsostachys siamensis
Common name: Monastery/Thailand Bamboo
Why you should consider it: This is a highly desirable plam for screening because it forms erect and dense clumps. Coupled with the light green leaves that are slim enough to be easily rustled by the wind, this species suits elegant and peaceful spaces like this Zen-inspired bedroom.
Common name: Monastery/Thailand Bamboo
Why you should consider it: This is a highly desirable plam for screening because it forms erect and dense clumps. Coupled with the light green leaves that are slim enough to be easily rustled by the wind, this species suits elegant and peaceful spaces like this Zen-inspired bedroom.
Beaucarnea recurvata
Common name: Bottle Palm/Ponytail Palm/Elephant’s Foot
Why you should consider it: The trunk of this palm is almost sculptural and is topped with clusters of thin, green leaves that arch upwards and cascade gracefully downwards, resembling a pony’s tail. This herbaceous shrub also grows slowly so re-potting is not an immediate issue. It works well in minimalist and unfussy rooms.
Common name: Bottle Palm/Ponytail Palm/Elephant’s Foot
Why you should consider it: The trunk of this palm is almost sculptural and is topped with clusters of thin, green leaves that arch upwards and cascade gracefully downwards, resembling a pony’s tail. This herbaceous shrub also grows slowly so re-potting is not an immediate issue. It works well in minimalist and unfussy rooms.
Dracaena fragrans
Common name: Dragon/Fortune/Iron Plant
Why you should consider it: The original of the Dracaena clan, it is effective in removing indoor pollutants and is perfect as an indoor accent plant. Its leaves are smooth, glossy deep green and are arranged in a spiral, forming lovely rosettes atop its stems.
Common name: Dragon/Fortune/Iron Plant
Why you should consider it: The original of the Dracaena clan, it is effective in removing indoor pollutants and is perfect as an indoor accent plant. Its leaves are smooth, glossy deep green and are arranged in a spiral, forming lovely rosettes atop its stems.
Dracaena fragran ‘Massangeana’
Common name: Corn Plant cultivar
Why you should consider it: This woody shrub has long, narrow green leaves, with a thin yellow stripe that runs through the centre of each leaf. It can also be used as an accent plant inside your home (it helps clean indoor air) creating a visual connection between your balcony and the living space.
Common name: Corn Plant cultivar
Why you should consider it: This woody shrub has long, narrow green leaves, with a thin yellow stripe that runs through the centre of each leaf. It can also be used as an accent plant inside your home (it helps clean indoor air) creating a visual connection between your balcony and the living space.
Bambusa lako
Common name: Timor Black Bamboo
Why you should consider it:
Its mature canes are smooth, glossy black to brown, with sporadic green stripes, and suits minimalist and Zen-like spaces. Being a bamboo, it is also fast-growing.
Common name: Timor Black Bamboo
Why you should consider it:
Its mature canes are smooth, glossy black to brown, with sporadic green stripes, and suits minimalist and Zen-like spaces. Being a bamboo, it is also fast-growing.
Codiaeum variegatum
Commonly known as: Croton/Joseph’s Coat
Why you should consider it:
Holder of the ‘most multicoloured foliage award’ on this list, Croton has large, thick and glossy leaves that display an array of colours including green, burgundy, chartreuse, pink and yellow, speckled with spots. And if this was not enough, it also has white and yellow star-shaped flowers and comes as a slow-growing species too.
Commonly known as: Croton/Joseph’s Coat
Why you should consider it:
Holder of the ‘most multicoloured foliage award’ on this list, Croton has large, thick and glossy leaves that display an array of colours including green, burgundy, chartreuse, pink and yellow, speckled with spots. And if this was not enough, it also has white and yellow star-shaped flowers and comes as a slow-growing species too.
Dypsis lutescens
Commonly known as: Areca/Yellow/Bamboo/Butterfly Palm
Why you should consider it:
Besides being ornamental (its soft, yellowish green to bright green feathery fronds arch gracefully) this plant is also effective in creating cleaner air. According to the NASA Clean Air Study, the Areca removes indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Commonly known as: Areca/Yellow/Bamboo/Butterfly Palm
Why you should consider it:
Besides being ornamental (its soft, yellowish green to bright green feathery fronds arch gracefully) this plant is also effective in creating cleaner air. According to the NASA Clean Air Study, the Areca removes indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Ficus lyrata
Commonly known as: Fiddle leaf Fig
Why you should consider it: With large, leathery leaves that are glossy green, this woody shrub is easy to grow and makes an interesting foliage screen between you and your neighbours above.
Commonly known as: Fiddle leaf Fig
Why you should consider it: With large, leathery leaves that are glossy green, this woody shrub is easy to grow and makes an interesting foliage screen between you and your neighbours above.
Rhapis excelsa
Commonly known as: Lady Palm
Why you should consider it: Like Yellow Cane Palm, this is also said to be effective in removing the pollutants formaldehyde, xylene, toluene as well as ammonia. In contrast to Areca, its fronds are stiff, segmented and amusingly fan-shaped.
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Commonly known as: Lady Palm
Why you should consider it: Like Yellow Cane Palm, this is also said to be effective in removing the pollutants formaldehyde, xylene, toluene as well as ammonia. In contrast to Areca, its fronds are stiff, segmented and amusingly fan-shaped.
TELL US
Have you tried any of these plants? Post a photo of where you have them in your home in the Comments section!
MORE
Find a landscape professional near you
Browse garden ideas
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Common name: Lipstick/Sealing-Wax Palm
Why you should consider it: It is an ornamental palm with fronds on bright red stalks. It has an attractive form, with multiple stems rising from the base, creating dense clusters.
Bonus: It has fruits that attract birds.