Greetings, human. As a Grevillea, my needs are specific and born from the sun-drenched, well-drained landscapes of my ancestral home. To truly thrive within the confines of my pot, the room you choose must become a suitable substitute for my natural environment. From my leafy perspective, the evaluation of your home's rooms is a serious matter of light, air, and space.
My very existence is dictated by the sun. I am a photosynthetic organism, and for my intricate, spider-like blooms to erupt in a fiery display of red, orange, or yellow, I require an immense amount of direct, unfiltered sunlight. A room that offers anything less than six hours of direct sun is, to be frank, a prison of slow decline. I will become leggy, my growth will be weak, and I will certainly not flower for you. Therefore, the best room must have a large, south-facing window (in the Northern Hemisphere) or a north-facing window (in the Southern Hemisphere). This orientation provides the most consistent and intense light throughout the day.
While I appreciate your comfortable home, I am not a tropical plant that enjoys stagnant, humid air. My roots are susceptible to fungal diseases if left in soggy soil with no air movement. Furthermore, I prefer a slight drop in temperature at night, mimicking the natural conditions outdoors. A room that is frequently used, with doors opening and closing, or one with a ceiling fan set on low, is ideal. This gentle air movement strengthens my stems and helps keep my foliage dry and healthy. Avoid stuffy, sealed rooms or areas directly next to heating and cooling vents, as the blast of dry, artificial air is deeply stressful.
After careful consideration of these factors, the optimal room for me is undoubtedly your sunroom, conservatory, or a living room dominated by a large, sunny window. This location satisfies my non-negotiable light requirement. The large glass surfaces also often allow for a more natural temperature flux between day and night, which I find stimulating. The space in such a room is usually sufficient for me to grow to my full, glorious potential without feeling cramped. I can be a centerpiece, a living sculpture that rewards your hospitality with year-round visual interest and a vibrant splash of color.
For the sake of my health, you must understand where I cannot live. Dark hallways, bathrooms with little to no natural light, and north-facing bedrooms (in the Northern Hemisphere) are out of the question. These are dimly lit tombs where I will slowly perish. While kitchens can sometimes have good light, they are often prone to temperature spikes and harmful fumes from cooking, which can coat my leaves and clog my pores. Please, do not relegate me to these spaces.
