Houseplants 101

Live  plants can do wonders for you and your home. Indoor plants are not only  decorative, they also help clean the environment and air around them.  From succulents to blooming houseplants, learn everything you need to  know to have your plants thriving in your home.  

Peace Lily

Peace  Lily's purify the air, provide a calming ambiance, and even neutralize  harmful indoor gases. These are perfect indoor plants because they  flourish in dark areas, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and offices.

Golden Pothos

These  are a household staple, especially if you find yourself looking at a  screen all day. Other than purifying the air, they also prevent ocular  hypertension. When you've had too much screen time, relax your eyes and  take a break with the Golden Pothos.

Cacti

Cacti  are great indoor plants for those who can't seem to keep plants alive  for long. Cacti don't require much care and grow all on their own. They  require minimal watering, so keep these beauties out of your weekly  watering routine!

Snake Plants

Snake  plants are vibrant and fun, and also require little maintenance. They  thrive on indirect sunlight, and flourish with a single touch. The best  approach when caring for snake plants is to drench and dry, which can  extend their lives significantly. Another plus: these guys absorb  benzene, xylene, toluene, and keep the system free of toxic fumes.

Weeping Fig

Don't  let the name throw you off. These plants are ones experts say must find  a place in every household. They will help filter out hidden pollutants  in common places such as carpets, curtains, furniture, sheets, etc.  Weeping figs basically act as an air purifier.

Calatheas

These  beauties not only provide colorful décor, but also facilitate a better  indoor environment by purifying the air. Don't be alarmed when their  leaves close at night, they'll open again in the morning!

How to Care for Indoor Plants

Once  you’ve decided to grow houseplants, you’ll need to know how to care for  them - especially as the season change, you’ll need to help your plants  adapt to the climate inside your home.

Re-potting:

I  bought a plant… how do I add it to my pot? Choose the right container  and potting mix. The biggest killer of plants is soggy soil you must  find a new pot that is only slightly bigger and has the proper drainage  for excess water. Choose an all-purpose potting mix for most plants or a  cactus mix for succulents that require excellent drainage. 

Climate:

In  the fall and winter, you’re most likely turning the heat up in your  home. This could be a problem for plants that favor humidity or cooler  temperatures. Be sure to keep a close eye on the changing nature of the  plant’s water consumption and what climate they prefer. If you notice  your plant leaves turning yellow or develop brown patches, consider  purchasing a humidifier and moving your plant to a warmer or cooler  location. 

Lighting:

Along  with drops in temperature, colder seasons also mean fewer hours of  sunlight. If your plant requires direct or indirect sunlight to grow,  consider placing plants in windowsills or purchasing a grow lamp if this  isn’t enough. 

Nutrients:

Some  plants need additional nutrients in the fall and winter in order to  flourish. Not to worry, as this can easily be accomplished by re-potting  your plants with nutrient-rich soil, which releases nutrients over  time. Some soil is specially formulated for indoor plants, which feature  all the basic nutrients they will need to thrive inside your home.