There are few things that improve an indoor design as much as house plants. They’re incredibly versatile, and add a touch of tranquility and beauty to any interior. However, you may be skeptical about how well you’ll be able to look after them. After all, plants are not objects but living beings. They need to be taken care of in order to thrive, and that’s not always the easiest thing to do. You may have some horror stories to share about plants you’ve bought and then they withered and died under your care.
So, does it mean that if you haven’t been endowed with a green thumb you can’t bring plants into your home? Not at all. All you have to do is become more selective of the plants you purchase. If you’re not particularly adept at taking care of greenery, you need to pick plants that are low-maintenance so you don’t need to constantly fret and worry that you’re going to harm them. Here are some examples to take into consideration.
Lucky Bamboo Spiral
This type of bamboo is a great option as it doesn’t even need soil, it can grow in a vase containing water and some pebbles or rocks. These act as an anchor and help steady the plant and maintain it upright. The water only needs to be replaced once a month. It’s important to ensure the bamboo gets plenty of sunlight, but of moderate intensity. Ideally, the light that reaches it should be indirect, as placing it right in front of a window will likely leave it parched and scorch the leaves. If you notice these signs, it’s your plant’s way of signaling there’s too much sun and you have to move it somewhere with more shade. The ideal temperature range should be somewhere between 18 and 35 °C, making it the perfect house plant, since that’s within the normal temperature limits commonly found within homes.
Aloe Vera
One of the sturdiest plants out there, aloe vera doesn’t require any special treatment to flourish. Indeed, it is such a low-maintenance option it’ll feel like it’s taking care of itself. The most important thing to keep in mind is that aloe vera isn’t a low light plant. If you don’t place it in an area that’s sunny enough, the plant is going to wilt. It’s important to place it in a pot that allows the roots to breathe. If you’re looking for elegant, sustainably-produced flower pots, you can place your trust in elho. Made from recycled materials and so in turn fully recyclable when they’ve reached the end of their life, their pots are certain to brighten up your home.
And since aloe vera is a plant that needs a lot of direct sunlight, you can choose outdoor planters for the summer months. A great addition to any garden, these flower planters come in a variety of designs, such as hanging planters, ideal for smaller gardens, or planters with integrated wheels if you like to rearrange often.
Peace lily
The peace lily is well-known for its air-cleansing abilities. While it’s natural to love plants for their aesthetic qualities, it’s important to remember that plants also have a role in purifying the air in your home. One of the most common mistakes when taking care of a lily is overwatering. Giving the plant too much water can cause it to wither and die. For this reason, you shouldn’t rely on a watering schedule when looking after this plant. Instead, you should touch the soil to check. If it’s still damp, even if according to the timetable you should water your plant, don’t do it. The peace lily is drought tolerant, and even if the leaves start to droop, the moment you water it you’ll see it perk right back up.
Rubber tree
The rubber fig is the quintessential plant for minimalist interiors. This elegant, compact tree grows on hefty portions of light and plenty of empty space around it. However, you should be mindful that the light isn’t too hot, as this can do more harm than good. Ideally, you should place your rubber tree near a window covered by sheer curtains to block out some of that desiccating heat.
When it comes to watering, this plant goes through two stages. During the growing season, it must be watered at least weekly to promote the growth of new leaves. The best way to water it, however, is to spritz it rather than dump a lot of moisture in the flower pot. During the dormant season, however, you only need to water it once or twice per month.
Monstera Deliciosa
This flower is quite the trendy choice among people who collect and care for houseplants as a hobby. They give off a carefree vibe, reminiscent of vacations and faraway destinations. Another part of its allure lies in the unpretentious caring routine this plant requires. It does well in medium-intensity and indirect light. It only needs to be watered once a week, but it can also go for two weeks, depending on the amount of light it receives. As a general rule, you should try and give it filtered water. If that’s not feasible, leave the water overnight before using it on your Monstera Deliciosa. The chlorine present in water can be damaging to the plant in the long-term.
Spider Plant
This plant tends to enjoy cooler temperatures, ranging between 13 and 18°C. You should make sure the plant is getting indirect sunlight, otherwise it can burn and form brown spots. Water moderately and decide when it’s time to water again by checking the soil. Spider plants like moderation when it comes to humidity, and unlike lilies, a soil that has dried out a lot can potentially kill the plant. You can fertilize the plant up to twice a month during the warm season, but you should avoid over fertilization. Stunted growth, burned leaf margins and collapsed stems are some of the signals you’ve gone overboard with fertile;ization and should cut back on it.
If it seems like you bring bad luck to the plants you bring to your home, it may be that you just haven’t chosen the right plant. If you’re not very adept at gardening, choose sturd, resilient plants in the beginning. Seeing them grow will give you confidence to try your hand at taking care of more house plants.
