At
first plants and boating don't seem to go together, but when you stop
and think, it's a perfect environment for plants! Lots of sunlight, a
breeze, and plenty of water! Alright, maybe not salt water, but you get
the idea. Plants are enjoyable and easy to keep on a boat.
Aesthetically they are a beautiful addition to the decor in the cabin or on the
helm deck. We use a lot of American cherry at Back
Cove
Yachts, and lush green plants look beautiful against the rich wood
finish. Here is a list of plants that are hearty and easy to keep on
board your boat (click the name for a picture):
Christmas
cactus: A very hardy cactus with a pink flower needs good sun and
little water.
Orchids:
Orchids are bit on the delicate side, but beautiful and colorful, orchids need to
have plenty of light and moderate water.
Aloe:
Aloe is a very hardy plant and will grow well in sun, needs little water and
it's great to break off a piece and rub on a burn or bug bite. Also can
be used in cooking!
English Ivy:
Works well as a hanging plant in the cabin. Does not need to much light,
moderate water. This is a fast growing plant; it should be trimmed back
if it gets too big.
Bamboo:
Bamboo is fun and it grows fast, however it needs to be very moist to thrive and
requires moderate light. This plant is often known as lucky bamboo and
should be kept in odd numbers of stocks, for no other reason than to avoid bad
luck!
African
violet: This is a very hardy plant with beautiful purple
flowers. It is nearly impossible to kill. Put it next to an east facing
window and water moderately. The violets like the humidity and can often
have a wonderful aroma that will make your boat smell delightful.
Spider
Plant: These plants are fun and crazy, they often do well hanging and will
have shoots with babies hanging off the ends. They need a little
sunlight and water once a week.
Venus
Fly Trap: "FEED ME!!!" This little
plant is fun and wild! It is a carnivorous and also very easy to care for. It needs moderate
light and moderate water. Have a pesky fly problem? Let this little
guy take care of it for you. If you are void of bugs it will need bits of uncooked meat
now and again to keep it happy.
Heart
leafed philodendron: If you think you have the black thumb and are hopeless
at keeping plants, this one is for you. Easy to take care of and will
look beautiful wherever you put it on the boat.
Mint:
There are many varieties of this herb available. Mint will need plenty of
light and moist soil. Mint is a fast grower, and can be used in cooking,
chewed for fresh breath, or steeped to make tea. It has a great aroma and
it will make your boat smell fresh and inviting.
What you call bamboo isn't bamboo. Its dracaena, more commonly known as 'lucky bamboo'. You have obviously never had it because it doesn't grow fast, if anything it's the slowest growing plant I have ever had.
Posted by: Ben | July 04, 2010 at 02:37 PM