Hello World! Welcome Friends! If you want to add some new houseplants to your collection or even if this is your first indoor plant, you may be worried about whether you have enough light. Yes. Plants do need light, but houseplants are often able to do very well in low-light conditions. Look for plants that are easy care and have a reputation for success in an indoor setting. Even if you don’t have a “green thumb,” give houseplants another try. They can add so much beauty to your home. Other than light, the only care your plants will need is watering and occasional fertilizing.
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Keep in mind that more houseplants are killed by overwatering than forgetting to water. Make sure your plants are in a pot with bottom drainage so the roots aren’t sitting in water, which can cause rot. Place your pot on a tray covered with decorative stones so the water can drain from the pots and evaporate. Another solution is to double pot your plants. The plant is in a pot with drainage holes and then the entire pot is slipped into a second, more decorative pot without drainage. This way, excess water can drain away from the roots, but your furniture is protected. This method also allows you to have all your pots uniform in color or size if you prefer because only the outside has to be matching. All in all, you want to make sure you have your garden supplies ready to give your houseplants the best start and to keep your furniture safe from spills.
Houseplants generally don’t need a lot of fertilizer. Your houseplants will go dormant during the winter when the amount of light is even less than normal. It is usually better to avoid fertilizing in the winter months. When spring arrives, choose a good fertilizer made for houseplants and use half-strength to start. If your plant is a flowering houseplant, select a fertilizer made for flowering plants. Taper off fertilizing again in the fall in preparation for the winter.
When you are ready to purchase your plants, look for contrasting leaf shapes and structures for maximum interest. A vining plant would be great on a windowsill where it can drape down toward the floor. Also, mix different leaf colors. There are many different shades of green–from almost white pale green to the deepest, almost black forest green. There are also some houseplants that have leaves in purples and reds. Let the leaves take the place of colorful flowers.
Here are some great choices for your indoor plants.
1. Succulent Gasteria
Gasteria is a succulent that can tolerate lower light conditions than other succulents. Its common name is ox tongue, named for the long rough texture of its leaves. Succulents as a group are easy to grow and this one would be great if you don’t have a sunny spot.
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2. Succulent String of Pearls
This succulent is such a unique plant that it deserves a spot in your home. The stems are delicate, string-like stems covered with round beads like leaves, giving this plant its name. This plant will do well in a hanging planter or on a stand or shelf where the strings can hang.
3. Pothos
Pothos is considered by many as the plant to choose for the person who can’t keep a plant alive in their home. This is a vining plant that can take a lot of accidental abuse or neglect and still manages to survive. The plant will vine upward if given support or happily adapt to being a hanging plant with the vines draping down from a windowsill or table. Pothos foliage can be solid green or there are variegated varieties. This is a great choice for the beginner gardener.
4. Arrowhead Plant
The Arrowhead plant has been a favorite houseplant for over 100 years. This is a bushy dense plant that is very easy to grow. It will vine as it matures, but if you prefer it as a bushy form, simply prune to maintain the rounded shape. This plant gets its name from the shape of its leaves.
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5. Boston Fern
While this fern can tolerate more sun than other ferns, it prefers indirect light. This is a popular fern for houseplant use as it is a tough fern. Their long, elegant fronds are edged with small leaves and it will tolerate dry conditions. It looks spectacular standing on a plant stand or as a hanging plant. It also works well in groupings of various plants.
6. Peperomia
This plant is popular as a houseplant due to its hardiness and easy care, but it also is a beautiful plant. The heart-shaped leaves are thick and glossy green, outlined in creamy white. This is a vining plant with vines that can grow as long as 36 inches. Treat it much as you would a Pothos.
7. English Ivy
This is one of the most versatile houseplants you can grow. This easy-care plant prefers low light or full shade conditions. English Ivy can be grown alone in a pot or use it as a ground cover for a tree form houseplant. English Ivy will grow as a freeform vine, but it is very tolerant of heavy pruning to maintain a topiary shape. Provide a structure for the ivy to grow on and it will soon cover the structure, forming a living sculpture.
8. Croton
Crotons come in a wide range of colors and shapes. They can be green, yellow, purple or red, or a combination of colors. They are a fun plant to grow with a bad reputation as a difficult plant to grow. The problem with Crotons is they don’t like to be moved. So, if they are moved–as when you purchase one–they will drop some leaves. This makes the owner think the plant is sick or that they killed it. Just give it time and it will recover and regrow the leaves it dropped and start forming new growth. When you bring this plant home, give it a permanent location and allow the plant time to recover. You will be rewarded with a unique and colorful addition to your houseplant collection.
There are lots of fabulous houseplants available for all sorts of growing conditions. You may not be successful with every plant you try, but don’t give up. You will soon have a collection that is a pleasure for you and anyone who has the opportunity to enjoy them.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
8 Tips for Effortless Entertaining
5 Awesome Tricks To Brighten Your House
Ushering In The Era Of Homeowners’ Associations
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