Zone Zero

A new friend

Coming out the winter hibernation period, I've had a wave of ideas to sort through. Because normally this time of year, is our dry Spring. We occasionally get a wet one, but more likely, they're dry. Actually, since 2017 rainy season, it's been dry all round. Every season! Which presents the dilemma, of what to grow? Especially, when there isn't much water to spare.

Enter zone zero. Or in permaculture terms; where the most human activity is. In our case, it's inside the home. Especially when it's dry and little is growing in the garden. It occurred to me recently, through all these waves of ideas, I haven't really researched other options to grow plants inside. Other than the traditional potted plants, that is.

I'll tell you more about what I learned through my research soon, but first, the new plant.

Roots covered in Java Moss

When I saw the "My Desk Rocks" indoors plants range, in the ALDI catalogue, this week, I simply had to try one. This is labelled a Mini Umbrella plant (green) or Schefflera arboricola. If you know anything about this species, it's hardy! Plus, you should never grow it in your garden, near plumbing. As it's roots are extremely invasive.

Propped up, on a volcanic rock though, sitting in a dish of water, it should do well. Which is pretty much, all this plant requires. Constant water, in the shallow bowl. It does say the occasional liquid fertiliser, will help keep it green. Frankly though, I was thrilled to find such a low maintenance, zero soil option, I could keep inside the home.

Back to zone zero, in permaculture terms...

Lives on the dining table

This article, from the Permaculture Research Institute, gives a great overview of what zone zero can mean. I particularly appreciated the focus, on the need to consider people (and what they do) as part of the design process. If you're someone who has to spend a great deal of time in an office, the plant like the one above, can help centre that process. So it's actually more enjoyable to BE at your desk.

For me though, it's more about placing little green reminders inside my home. As I spend a great deal of time, working there. When making from scratch food, cleaning and doing general maintenance, what would help centre that environment, to make it more enjoyable?

Well, the answer for me, is a two-prong approach. Firstly, I love plants, so it's purely an aesthetic to have them around. Secondly though, indoor plants serve as a motivational touchstone, for when the garden isn't growing well, outside. You've heard about keeping your love tank, full. Well greenery does that for keeping my gardening tank, full. If it's not around, it makes me feel kinda flat.

Oops...

Whoa there, Chris. Remember the plant saga, in the bathroom? Finding the right kind of plant to grow successfully, was proving challenging. This is where I have to be practical, and take small steps into the unknown. Because I did eventually learn from the bathroom plant saga, and found a variety that did well.

I'll share that particular success story, in another post. It's a cautionary tale nonetheless, about finding what works, BEFORE going out to get more plants. No-one wants to make a rod for their back, and end up doing more work. Therefore, the plants you choose, have to be relatively forgiving, if you're busy working in the home. Sometimes you're going to be absent minded.

I have a few survivors that have made it to my shortlist. But it hasn't been all smooth sailing, either. You have to take into consideration, the location of the plant, and the tricks to do with containers too. On that note, I want to share a way of keeping plants which is relatively new to me...

Youtube video, care of SerpaDesign

It's called a riparium, and in this case, a Nano (or small) version. I don't imagine you have to make the container, as demonstrated in this video, but the plant and substrate set-up, is very informative. Notice, the air plants on top of the wood? By incorporating "water" in the container as a feature, you're effectively reducing the dead plant syndrome, which often occurs when you forget to water!

The biggest problem I have found with keeping indoors plants (apart from forgetting to water) is the air inside the house, can get quite dry. Especially during summer. Dry air, means death to air plants, or anything with fragile, twiggy branches. So having water as a feature, in the container, gives an extra buffer of protection.

Will I build a riparium? Not sure. I have a lot more projects, requiring my time. It remains in the back of my mind, though. I actually have a really large vase in the cupboard, I've been meaning to do something with. I'll probably experiment with something, eventually. I do have a couple of success stories to update on, soon. In the meantime, are there any mentionable indoors plants, you've had ongoing success with?