There’s never been a better time to bring the outdoors inside. Here’s the scoop on what to buy to get your indoor garden off the ground.

BEGINNER PLANTS

It’s always good to have at least a few low maintenance indoor plants. Look for hardy varieties that will thrive year-round and don’t require constant attention, watering or pruning. Our top picks include:

• Monstera. This big leaf, palm-like plant will make your room look and feel like a tropical island.  The large leaves are richly green and have plenty of character.

• Peace lily. The peace lily is known for being a great air-purifier and a hardy indoor plant. They don’t need a lot of sunlight but do prefer warm temperatures, so keep it away from the air con.

• Devil’s Ivy. If you want a romantic, jungle look, devil’s ivy is right for you. It’s a low-light plant, making it great for an office or areas without a lot of natural light.

INTERMEDIATE PLANTS

Once you’ve graduated from taking care of a few low-maintenance plants, you can move on to these varieties.

• Calathea. This is a statement decoration in whatever space you put it in. They don’t require a lot of light, but they like humidity – warmth and some moisture. Don’t drench them with water and always ensure the pot has adequate drainage.

• Giant bird of paradise. A large palm-like plant, it loves sunlight and, if taken care of, will bloom with a dramatic blue and white flower in the warmer months.

• Ficus Audrey. More easy-going than its cousin the fiddle leaf fig, it loves lots of indirect sunlight – so pop it in a room with big windows.

• Mini monstera. A shrunken version of the (much) larger monstera, this variety is ideal for smaller spaces.

What else do I need?

You may want to decorate with beautiful pots and plant stands to make your indoor garden work with your decor. However, be sure to feed your soil down the track.  Other handy items include a good watering can and a nice pair of secateurs for pruning and propagating.