Episode: #13 9/12/06
Presenter: Kim Syrus

Christmas is only days away and working out those last minute gifts can be a real bind, however, one of the best presents you can give is a living one and an indoor plant is ideal. Here is a few that will not only do really well but are also incredibly easy to grow.

Choosing your indoor plant is simple, select the healthiest one. Look on the undersides of leaves and the base of stems for insects. Watch out for leaves that look gnawed or chewed and check for signs of disease like yellowing leaves, discoloured foliage or brown leaf tips. Remember, if it starts off looking good it has a better chance of staying like that.

Syngoniums, Devils Ivy (Scindapsus aureus) and Philodendrons are all strong trailing plants ideal to grow on a trellis or hanging basket. Incredibly tough, their attractively marked and shaped leaves will create colour and interest in many indoor positions.

Easy to look after Phalaenopsis orchids with their beautiful, long-lasting flowers are really popular. Phalaenopsis need bright, indirect light to do their best so place near a sunny window. The amazing blooms last for nearly 2 months and will quickly produce a new flower spike in no time.

Practically indestructible, Mother in Laws Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) is very striking with blue green banded markings on upright, sword shaped leaves. While Rhoeo (Tradescantia spathacea cv.), a very popular, hardy evergreen will produce an unusual colour variation in clumps of attractive dark green leaves with purple undersides.

Most indoor plants thrive in a light airy room. Avoid direct sunlight to stop leaves burning. The sun really has a sting, so it is best to move any plants straight away.

As for watering, keep the mix moist but not over wet. To test, place your finger into the potting mix, if it feels damp then leave and if it feels dry then water. How simple!

Hoyas or Wax Plants are climbing vines with very thick, fleshy leaves. They are incredibly hardy once mature and their succulent stems and leaves are extremely drought tolerant. Producing clusters of fragrant umbrella shaped bloom; it is a great gift for the ?black thumb? in the family.

While it may look delicate, the native Leather Fern (Rumorha adriantiformis) with its large spreading fronds is great for filling an area and so easy to grow. Another excellent choice for indoors are Bromeliads and Crotons. Renowned for their colourful foliage they will grow beautifully indoors.

So, if you have been stuck with what to give someone this Christmas, now is the time to visit your local garden centre and select a fantastic indoor plant. It is a brilliant gift idea that will grow on and on and on.