RIYADH: As the seasons change and parts of Saudi Arabia experience colder months, it is time to refresh and renew your living space with plants that are perfect for the season.
Winter in Riyadh is often warmer than in other regions of the world where snowy days are common and freezing conditions likely. As a result, opting to set up indoor gardens and plants as the weather cools off is ideal for bringing nature’s touch into the home.
Adenium obesum or desert rose has become a symbol of resilience in Saudi Arabia. (Supplied)
One popular type of flower among local gardeners is the desert rose, known also as adenium obesum. With its striking flowers and ability to endure high temperatures and low humidity, the desert rose has become a symbol of resilience in Saudi Arabia.
In addition, the flower’s vibrant blossoms provide a refreshing contrast to most gardens and living spaces.
Plants have a major role aesthetically and psychologically. I find their presence very important with the correct selection and distribution.
Shahad Al-Saeed, Saudi interior designer
Fragrant Arabian jasmine, or jasminum sambac, is another choice for indoor gardens. Infusing homes with its amazing scent, this plant grows perfectly in relatively warm environments and requires only moderate watering, making it an ideal addition to the house and an option for people seeking aromatic smells in the garden during winter family gatherings.
Scandens-araceae, or heartleaf philodendron, be placed on supportive structures to give it the appearance of a climbing plant. (Supplied)
Shahad Al-Saeed, a Saudi interior designer and owner of Layers Design, an exterior and interior design company in Riyadh, told Arab News that indoor plants are an integral part of any space. To Al-Saeed, they bring life to the room because they link silent objects such as walls with nature. “Plants have a major role aesthetically and psychologically,” she said. “I find their presence very important with the correct selection and distribution.
“One type that I prefer to use in my projects is the epipremnum aureum (devil’s ivy), which is considered one of the most beautiful indoor plants, especially since it can withstand our atmosphere, and its leaves hang down beautifully.”
Jasminum sambac or Arabian jasmine will infuse your home with its amazing scent. (Supplied)
Another plant she recommended is called philodendron scandens-araceae, or heartleaf philodendron. This kind of plant is native to the Antilles, a group of islands in the Caribbean. It is an indoor hanging plant that can be placed on supportive structures to give it the appearance of a climbing plant.
In addition, this kind of home plant has also a variety of sister plants that differ in the overall structure of the plant, the size and color of its leaves such as the type known as the philodendron scandens Brasil, which is distinguished by the distinctive colors of its leaves.
Indoor greenery improves interiors and can also enhance air quality. (Supplied)
Furthermore, what is unique about the philodendron scandens Brasil, or sweetheart plant, is its leaves. The plant has green, heart-shaped leaves, with lime-green coloration splattered throughout it. The plant gets its name due to its likeness in colors to the Brazilian flag.
Along with the previously mentioned types, Al-Saeed also suggested indoor plants such as the bamboo, the sansevieria trifasciata or snake plant, and the dracaena.
