Just as we decorate our homes with comforting personal touches like family photos and knickknacks, plants also play a big role in making our homes more beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. But before you decide that you’re incapable of keeping a plant alive and head straight to the fake plant section – Introducing our house plant guide, we are here to show you which plants are easy to keep and give you a few top tips on how to stop them ending up in the compost heap.
HOUSE PLANT GUIDE
Did you know plants clean the air around you! A fake plant won’t do that – so it’s time to bring the outside in!
Not only do plants emit oxygen into your surroundings but they also absorb toxins/pollutants such as phenols, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide which often causes symptoms ranging from allergies, headaches and fatigue through to nervous-system disorders, cancer and even death! Wow! That’s right kids. Plants are heroes!
Here are some of the best air purification plants which are also easy to care for. – There is many types of these plants but all are easy to grow and thrive with little attention, providing years of detoxifying for your home or office!
Philodendrons. These come in climbing and non-climbing varieties and are very easy to care for.
Light requirements – Bright indirect sunlight. Watering requirements – regularly check the soil moisture with your finger, to your first knuckle. If it’s dry, give it some water.
Pothos.
Light requirements – low to bright indirect sunlight. Perfect to bring life to a dark room or corner.
Watering requirements – allow soil to completely dry out before watering. Roughly every 2 weeks. This plant doesn’t like being over-watered. In winter it will require even less watering.
Peace lily.
A bit of a diva but still fairly easy to care for. It’ll let you know if it’s unhappy! Light requirements – bright indirect sunlight.
Water requirements – This is a thirty plant! It likes the soil to be kept moist. You’ll notice the leaves will droop when it wants a drink (told you it’s a diva!). It also prefers filtered water or rain water over tap water. Be warned though that this plant is toxic if ingested. So not a good choice if you have pets or children that have a habit of eating things they aren’t meant to!
Spider plant.
A fairly laid back plant.
Light requirements – bright indirect sunlight but is happy in darker areas as well. They can even be moved outside in the summer onto a warm patio.
Watering requirements – likes to be watered regularly. Allow the top of the soil to slightly dry out before watering again to avoid root rot.
Not only do plants make a dark dreary room more appealing, but they also make people happy! Taking care of your plant babies is a great way to focus on the little things to ground yourself. Small routines formed when caring for your plants provide big relief from the hectic energy of the daily grind. Having plants around the house improves your mental wellbeing, as well as your memory, your productivity and creativity. So call me a crazy plant lady all you like, but my 50+ plants probably makes me a little less crazy!
Here’s a few more things you should know about house plants:
Their survival depends on more than just your ability to remember to water it. Just like us humans, plants also need specific conditions to thrive. So when choosing your plant always do your research. Does that plant like regular fertilising? Does it like a big spacious pot, or does it pretty to be snug (pot bound)? Does it go into hibernation in winter and require less attention during the winter months?
Another thing to consider before deciding on your plant is to think about where in the house/office it will be situated. If it’s a very warm window with plenty of direct sunlight you are going to want to look into getting a plant that worships the sun. Many house plants thrive with indirect sunlight and can act out like a stroppy toddler if placed in a position that is not to their satisfaction.
Here’s a short list of some plants which thrive in bright sunny conditions, that are also great for beginners:
Money plants/Jade plants.
Aloe – Not just Vera. There’s many varieties.
Mother in laws tongue/Snake plants.
Cacti & Succulents.
There are many wonderful groups and communities online filled with novice and more experienced plant owners. So if you ever have a question about your plants seek out a group on Facebook for advice. One that we recommend is All About Plants UK, but there’s many others available.
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