Indoor Plants: The Perfect Guide for Picking the Best Indoor Plants
DOORS & WINDOWS: Improve the look and performance of your house.
October 25, 2022
Your Guide to Composting at Home, Sustainability Made Easy.
December 21, 2022
Let’s get prepared for your indoor plants! Indoor plants are the easiest way to bring a more lived-in feel to your home. Most indoor plants are low maintenance. However, there are more things to consider when choosing a plant. What is the best plant for you? The answer to this question depends on how much free time you have and your knowledge about plants. It also helps if you have a green thumb.
The benefits of getting an indoor plant outweigh the cons. Here is a guide so you can decide for yourself.
Benefits of Indoor Plants
Natural air purifier- Plants naturally remove toxins like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide from the air.
Easy Decor- Plants are a year-round decor option that brings color and fragrance to any room
Improves Quality of Life - Cleaner air means healthier living. Caring for plants as part of your daily routine is also therapeutic.
Cons:
Insects/pests – Plants can attract pests and insects. Home-friendly pesticides and wiping leaves will keep them away.
Poisonous to cats/dogs – Some plants are not good for pets. There are several plants to pick from that are pet-friendly if that is a concern for you.
Best Low Maintenance Plants
Snake Plant
This plant gives a prehistoric look with its big leaves. It is a classic.
Peace Lily
Has beautiful white flowers that bloom year-round. It doesn't need direct sunlight or a lot of water, just be sure to clean its leaves to ensure longevity.
Aloe Vera
This plant provides many benefits, like a quick home remedy for sunburn. This is a common favorite indoor plant.
Spider Plant
This is a cool looking plant, with its white and green striped pattern. It also has thick roots making it perfect for those inconsistent waterings. You should note is is*not pet friendly
How to Care for Them
Indoor plants are generally low maintenance, so caring for them is basically fool proof. There are only a few things to consider:
Monitor exposure to the Sun: Plants like Monstera, Spider plants, and Aloe Vera plants need indirect sunlight and will dry out quicker if placed too close to windows. You should place them in cool corners facing toward the windows.
Don’t over water: Less is more. You want to have the plant water itself, try watering the plant from the bottom. Put the potted plant on a plate and put water on the plate, allowing the plant to suck the water from the holes at the bottom.
Keep pests away: Bugs like mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids damage the leaves and soil of your plants. They slowly kill your plants and without proper maintenance you will have to frequently replace them. The simplest solution of soap and water will keep these pests away.
Consider pets: Curious cats, dogs or other household pets can make caring for an indoor plant a challenge. If you have a pet that will want to nibble around your plant, consider hanging them high off the ground or in pet-free areas of the home.
Picture Credits:
- "Mother-in-law / Snake plant" by madaise is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
- "Peace lily (Spathiphylium)" by ali eminov is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
- "Aloe Vera Plant" by brykmantra is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
- “Spider Plant” by madaise is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.
- "Large and Small Aphids" by Thomas Shahan is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
- "Mealybugs" by Brissy Girl- Jan Anderson is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
