Foliage Plants: Growing and Care Guide for Leafy Plants in NZ

Growing Foliage Plants In NZ

This guide will provide practical tips on selecting, growing, and caring for foliage plants, tailored specifically for New Zealand.

10 Best Cut Foliage Plants in NZ

Foliage plants can also serve as excellent cut greenery for floral arrangements. The most popular foliage plants are as follows:

1. Eucalyptus – Known for its aromatic leaves and silvery-blue tones, great for bouquets.
2. Pittosporum – Versatile, glossy leaves in green or variegated varieties add texture.
3. Leatherleaf Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis) – Classic fern with sturdy, dark green fronds.
4. Silver Dollar Eucalyptus – Round, silvery leaves with a soft, muted colour palette.
5. Cordyline – Bold, colourful foliage in reds, purples, and greens for dramatic effect.
6. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus) – Fine, feathery foliage that adds a delicate touch.
7. Ruscus – Glossy, dark green leaves that last long in arrangements.
8. Magnolia Leaves – Large, glossy leaves with a rich green top and rusty undersides.
9. Salal (Gaultheria shallon) – Durable, shiny leaves that provide great filler.
10. Leucadendron – Textured leaves with unique colours and shapes for contrast.

Colourful Foliage Plants

For those looking to add a splash of colour, consider these vibrant options:

Purple Foliage Plants

• Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyeriana): Offers iridescent purple leaves that stand out in any garden.
• Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida purpurea): Known for its deep purple stems and leaves, perfect for hanging baskets.

Red Foliage Plants

• Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides): Available in a variety of red shades, ideal for adding colour to shady areas.
• Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): Known for its stunning red foliage, particularly in autumn.

Green Foliage Plants

Green foliage plants are the backbone of any garden, providing a lush backdrop for more colourful plants.

• Ferns: Various species thrive in New Zealand, offering a range of textures and shades of green.
• Kawakawa (Piper excelsum): Native to New Zealand, this plant is known for its heart-shaped leaves and traditional medicinal uses.

Foliage Plant Care in NZ

Caring for foliage plants involves understanding their specific needs, including light, water, and soil requirements.

Light Requirements

• Indoor Foliage Plants: Most indoor foliage plants prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
• Outdoor Foliage Plants: Consider the plant’s native environment. Shade-tolerant foliage plants like Hostas thrive in dappled light, while others may require full sun.
• The light requirements for all of our plants are included with the product descriptions.

How Often to Water Foliage Plants

Watering needs vary depending on the type of plant and the season:

• Indoor Plants: Generally, water indoor plants once the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot and browning leaves.
• Outdoor Plants: Outdoor foliage plants generally need more water, especially during dry spells. Again, avoid over-watering plants.

Soil and Fertilizer

• Always use well-draining soil or nursery grade-growing media with the plants. This is key to keeping the plants actively growing.
• Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) with the correct fertiliser. Use garden fertiliser for outdoor plants, and indoor plant fertiliser for potted plants. Reduce feeding in the autumn and winter months.

Low Maintenance Leafy Plants

For those who prefer easy-care options, several foliage plants require minimal attention while still providing lush greenery.

Easy Care Foliage Plants

• Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Tolerates neglect and low light.
• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Thrives in a variety of light conditions and is forgiving of irregular watering.
• [Spider Plants] (Chlorophytum comosum): Known for its air-purifying qualities and resilience.

Popular Foliage Plants in NZ

Popular foliage plants in New Zealand add year-round texture and colour to gardens and indoor spaces. From lush ferns and vibrant begonias to hardy Cordylines and elegant Hostas, these plants thrive in NZ’s diverse climates. Here are some popular foliage choices for different zones:

Indoor Foliage Plants

• Monstera deliciosa: Known for its iconic split leaves, Monstera thrives in bright, indirect light.
• ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): A hardy plant perfect for low-light conditions.
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Requires minimal care and produces beautiful white flowers.

Outdoor Foliage Plants

• New Zealand Flax (Phormium): Known for its tall, sword-like leaves and vibrant colours.
• Hostas: These shade-tolerant plants are perfect for garden borders.
• Pittosporum: Offers dense foliage and can be used for hedging.

The Plant Company has a wide range of plants available with foliage of all different types. If you are after a plant with a specific foliage colour, use our plant finder tool and select the leaf colour you are after. More filters can be turned on to make the searches more specific to your requirements.