Aroid advice

On a quiet suburban street in Rockdale in Sydney’s south, on Bidjigal land, lives a thriving, chaotic collection of greenery. Variegated monsteras and large philodendrons climb moss poles, alocasias, ferns and begonias crowd in trays, while rhipsalis and lipstick plants hang like chandeliers, and hoyas weave through it all, forming a living tapestry. This glorious tangle belongs to Aj Crane, whose passion for plants has transformed her home into a luxuriant jungle and her hobby into a flourishing business, Growing Grounds Australia.

AJ’S TIPS FOR GROWING AROIDS

Use the right mix
Many aroids are epiphytes, naturally growing on tree trunks in leaf litter, or bark. Replicate this with an open, airy mix to support healthy root growth.
Water carefully
Only water when the potting mix is near-dry. If you’re not sure, and you have a clear pot, use the ‘paper towel’ method to check. Gently slide a strip of paper towel between the pot wall and the mix. If it dries quickly, water more often; if it stays damp, hold off. Over time, the paper towel will break down, but by then you’ll know how fast your mix dries and when to water.
Fertilise regularly
Feed weekly during the active growing season using a diluted liquid fertiliser. Synthetic fertilisers can be applied at a low concentration each week, while organic liquid feeds are best applied every two weeks or monthly in cooler months.

For Aj’s full aroid journey, and more of her tips and advice, get your copy of the September ABC Gardening Australia magazine, it’s on sale now!

Image: Brent Wilson

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