Skylights and Indoor Plants: Creating Your Own Kiwi Rainforest
Gone are the days when Kiwis settled for a lone pothos in the corner. Today, we’re bringing the lush outdoors inside, transforming our homes into veritable urban jungles. But how do we keep our leafy mates thriving in a country where sunshine can be as unpredictable as a rugby match outcome? Enter skylights – your secret weapon for cultivating an indoor oasis that would make even the Waitākere Ranges jealous.
The Green Revolution: Why Kiwis are Going Gaga for Indoor Plants
- Combatting our damp, mouldy home epidemic
- Bringing nature into increasingly urban lives
- Improving air quality (goodbye, VOCs!)
- Creating Instagram-worthy interior spaces
But First, Let’s Talk Light
Not all plant light is created equal. Understanding the unique qualities of New Zealand’s natural light is crucial:
- High UV levels (hello, ozone hole)
- Seasonal extremes (looking at you, Invercargill winters)
- Rapidly changing conditions (four seasons in one day, anyone?)
Skylight Strategies for Happy Plants
- North-facing skylights: Ideal for sun-loving plants like succulents and citrus trees Pro tip: Use in Auckland conservatories for year-round growing
- South-facing skylights: Perfect for shade-lovers like ferns and peace lilies Great for Wellington homes battling the ‘winter blues’
- East-facing skylights: Morning sun for orchids and bromeliads Christchurch gardeners, take note!
- West-facing skylights: Afternoon warmth for tropical beauties Caution: May need shading in scorching Nelson summers
Skylight Innovations for the Plant Obsessed
- Smart skylights that adjust based on your plants’ light needs
- UV-filtering options to protect sensitive species
- Vented skylights for temperature and humidity control
Regional Plant Picks for Skylit Spaces
Northland:
- Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) – Thrives in high-light conservatories
- Monstera deliciosa – A nod to our Pacific neighbours
Central North Island:
- Kentia Palm – Tolerates lower light and cooler temps
- Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ – Compact for smaller Tauranga homes
Wellington:
- Boston Fern – Loves the humidity from your morning shower
- Aspidistra – Tough as old boots, perfect for windy day neglect
Canterbury:
- Dracaena marginata – Tolerates dry air from nor’westers
- Spathiphyllum – Purifies air in newer, well-sealed homes
Otago/Southland:
- ZZ Plant – Thrives even in Dunedin’s limited winter light
- Sansevieria – Hardy enough for Highland air
DIY: Maximising Your Skylight-Plant Synergy
- Create a living wall: Use vertical space to bring plants closer to skylights
- Rotate regularly: Give all your plants a turn in the prime light spots
- Use reflective surfaces: Mirrors can bounce light to darker corners
- Consider hydroponics: Perfect for herb gardens under kitchen skylights
The Dark Side of the Leaf: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Sunburn: Yes, plants can get it too (especially under Kiwi skies)
- Overwatering: More light doesn’t always mean more water
- Drafts: Vented skylights are great, but beware of cold snaps
Expert Corner: Q&A with Aroha Greenthumb, NZ’s Plant Whisperer
Q: Can I grow natives under skylights? A: “Absolutely! Many NZ natives like Astelia and Coprosma thrive indoors. They’re used to dappled forest light, so skylights are perfect.”
Future Growth: What’s Next for Kiwi Indoor Gardeners?
- AI-powered plant care systems linked to smart skylights
- Skylight-integrated grow lights for gloomy days
- ‘Plantscaping’ services for curated, skylit indoor ecosystems
The Green Bottom Line
Skylights aren’t just windows to the sky – they’re gateways to your own slice of Aotearoa paradise. By harnessing New Zealand’s unique natural light, we can create thriving indoor ecosystems that nourish both body and soul. So go on, let the light in and watch your urban jungle flourish. Your indoor Kiwi rainforest awaits!