Best bets for hardy house plants
Flowers and foliage can do wonders to transform the outer areas of the home. That is why many real estate professionals will tell you to renovate your landscape to improve curb appeal and promote a better chance for sale. Just as plants can make for an inviting space outdoors, so, too, can they revitalize the inside of a home.
House plants have several advantages. They can impart a cozy feel to a home, filling in bare areas of rooms where furniture or other furnishings would be too much. Plants are also good for the environment. They use the carbon dioxide people and animals respire and give off the oxygen we need. This makes them an environmentally friendly addition to the home and one that can help promote healthy indoor air.
Plants can also be mood boosters. Caring for them can be a relaxing hobby, one that offers a feeling of accomplishment. Plus, looking at vibrant, healthy plants can bring a smile to the face.
House plants can be cultivated by just about anyone, even if they don’t possess a green thumb.
They’re generally easy to care for, provided you begin with some of the hardier varieties. Here are some to consider.
•1. Philodendron: This plant is easily identified by its glossy, heart-shaped leaves. There are many different species and these plants are some of the most tolerant as house plants. Philodendrons grow naturally in tropical jungles and prefer medium light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Even if you forget about it for a few days, simply watering the plant can revive it.
•2. Wandering jew: This plant quickly produces a large amount of foliage. However, in containers leaves tend to grow toward the end of the stems, creating a sparse look. The plant comes with dark or variegated leaves. It prefers shady areas.
•3. Spider plant: Also known as the airplane plant, this is another easy-to-care-for variety. Spider plants prefer bright natural light, but will burn in direct sunlight. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. And if leaves tend to brown, it could be due to the water you use. Chemicals in municipal water supplies can damage the plant.
•4. Ficus: This plant loves a filtered sunny spot, so place it in a bright area of the home, but not one that gets sunlight all day. Its leaves will fall off if left in the shade all the time or if it is overwatered. It also cares for high humidity, so mist the plant twice daily.
•5. Pothos: With variegated leaves, this plant is both attractive and simple to maintain. It leads the way as one of the most popular house plants. Natural, bright, indirect light is best. The leaves and stems will get smaller gradually if not enough light is present. A plant that is underwatered will eventually feature leaves that turn yellow then fall off.
General House Plant Care
Correct light and water is generally all that is needed to keep house plants healthy, particularly these hardy varieties. In terms of watering, place your finger one inch into the soil. If the soil sticks to your finger upon removal, it’s not yet time to water. If the soil is dry and falls off, it’s time to water. House plants do not need much in the terms of fertilization.