* This is a collaborative post.
Houseplants are a fab addition to the home. Not only do they bring life and colour into your space, but they can also help purify the air in your house. They come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s sure to be one that fits perfectly with your decorating style. Caring for houseplants may seem intimidating at first, but with some basic knowledge, you will soon find out how easy it is to keep these little gems alive and thriving! In this guide we’ll cover the basics of caring for different types of houseplants so you can create an indoor jungle of vibrant greenery that will last for years.
Succulents
Succulents are some of the most popular house plants, and for good reason! They are easy to care for, resilient, and look great in any home. Succulents come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours, and textures. Whether you like the classic cacti look or something more exotic like an Aloe plant, you are sure to find something that fits your style, and the style of your home. Succulents also give off oxygen and absorb toxins from the air, making them ideal for improving the air quality in your home. Studies have found that succulents reduce concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde.
These plants require very little maintenance, making them perfect for those with busy lifestyles who don’t have a lot of time to spend on caring for their plants. They are also well suited for urban living, as they can thrive in small spaces or low-light environments. Terrariums containing succulents are a great way to add an eye-catching centrepiece to any countertop or windowsill. They can be used to create a mini-garden in your home, and are easy to maintain thanks to their self-contained nature. Unlike traditional gardens, terrariums require little watering and, if you’re wondering “do succulents need fertilizer?”, this is only the case if you are keeping them in a large space, or outdoors, and want them to grow as big as possible.
Spider Plant
The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a member of the Asparagaceae family and originates from tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The plant gets its name from its long, thin foliage resembling the legs of a spider. Its leaves are bright green and may have white stripes, or vary in colour depending on the variety. It also has small flowers that bloom during the summertime. As with succulents, spider plants are excellent air purifiers and can remove toxins from your home environment. They can help filter out formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and toluene, which are common in many household items such as carpets, furniture, paint, and cigarette smoke.
Spider plants are very easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They need plenty of indirect sunlight, so make sure to place them in a spot with indirect sunlight or near a bright window. They also require regular watering and should be watered enough for the soil to become moist but not soggy. Spider plants can survive with low humidity, but will thrive better if kept in environments with higher levels of humidity. They can even be propagated, giving you more plants. To do this, the “spiderettes” can be plucked from their stems and placed in a moist potting soil. They should be kept in a warm and humid environment to encourage growth. The stem cuttings can also be used for propagation, but they need to have at least three leaves attached to the stem. When planting, make sure the soil is well-draining and contains plenty of organic material such as compost or peat moss.
Swiss Cheese Plant
The Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa) is a tropical evergreen species of flowering plant that originates from Central America and grows in the rainforests of southern Mexico and Guatemala. The plant produces large, leathery, heart-shaped leaves with distinctive holes or perforations and bright yellow flowers. It is an easy way to make a real statement in a room, as guests are bound to be impressed with its giant leaves. Plus, you can have real fun choosing a pot for it that will fit your home decor best.
Swiss Cheese Plants are surprisingly easy to care for, even though they can reach up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) tall when grown indoors. To keep your plant healthy, make sure it is in a bright spot but not direct sunlight and maintain consistent temperatures of about 18°C (64°F). It should be watered regularly, but make sure not to over-water it, as this will cause the roots to rot. Misting the leaves occasionally can help maintain the plant, as well as carefully wiping the leaves if they are dusty. In terms of what to plant it in, a peat-based potting mix is the best option. Peat-based potting mixes contain organic material such as coconut coir or sphagnum moss, which helps to retain moisture and provide plenty of air pockets for proper root growth.
Final Thoughts
House plants are a great way to add life and colour to your home. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also have health benefits such as removing toxins from the air and improving mental wellbeing. With so many varieties of houseplants available, you can find one that fits in with any style or space. Whether you’re looking for something low maintenance like succulents or an exotic plant like a Swiss Cheese Plant, there is sure to be something perfect for your needs. Adding some greenery into your living space will not only make it more aesthetically pleasing but healthier too!
Great information on houseplants and how to care for them. Thanks! #MMBC
We have a Swiss Cheese plant – it’s definitely a ‘Monstera’!
I love having plants in the house, we’ve just given ours a day out in the garden and repotted them :o)
#MMBC
I am rubbish when it comes to house plants. Most of mine are fake apart from the Cacti which take hardly any looking after. hehehe x
For years I struggled with keeping house plants alive but I think I finally have the hang of it. I started with spider plants and peace lilies since I was told they are hardy plants!
Houseplants add life to a house. Great post! Currently I have no houseplant and miss them. Before surgery I gave away my last plant to make life easier. I’m thinking about getting one in June to celebrate 2 months since surgery. #MMBC
It is a formula that you need to learn. Very informative x
I do well with houseplants – had some for over 20 years
I’m not good with house plants. But I’ve always liked succulents. So may buy some for my new house