We’ve all been indoors for a long time, and summer can’t come soon enough. Many of us are embracing indoor plants to get a little of that tropical feel, or maybe just to have something living in our spaces. If you’re in the market for a good indoor plant, we’ve got you covered with this list.
#1 Pink Princess Philodendron
This is a beautiful plants with a speckled pink and green pattern. The odd pattern is due to a lack of chlorophyll in some areas, since chlorophyll makes leaves turn green! This plant grows well in pots or in hanging baskets, and thrives in sunlight. The best location in your home for this plant is in an east or west-facing room, so that it can capitalize on the increased amount of sunlight!
#2 Succulents
Everyone knows this type of plant, but not many know how incredibly varied it is. There are actually over 10,000 varieties of succulents on Earth! Succulents store water in their leaves, giving them that plump look that we associate with them. They thrive in dry conditions and need a lot of sunlight – about six hours a day!
#3 Bonsai
Bonsai trees are often described as a “never-ending sculpture” where the owner continues pruning it into shapes as it grows. Contrary to common belief, these famous mini trees aren’t small because of some genetic glitch, but are kept miniature due to regular pruning. The excess energy that would normally go to making the tree larger is instead used to regrow it’s leaves. Go figure!
#4 Fig Tree
Though fig trees are a traditionally an outdoor plant, they can actually be grown inside as well! They need a lot of sunlight and to be watered once a week or more, but they’re worth the maintenance with their beautiful, full leaves. In the winter, it loses all of it’s leaves and goes dormant, an won’t need any sunlight at all. Don’t worry though, it will bounce back next spring!
#5 Snake Plant
This plant, amusingly dubbed the “mother-in-laws tongue” is one of the most popular and hardy of houseplants. It prefers warm and low-light spaces, but is highly drought resistant. Avoiding drafts is also preferable for this striped oddity.
So now that we know what plants are in vogue this year, let’s take a look at how to best care for plants. Here are some of the key things to keep in mind while caring for your greenery.
#1: Light
Knowing what type of light your plant needs can help your plant not only survive, but also thrive and blossom. Generally, there are three different forms of light: direct, low and moderate. Direct light is light that is in an area for 5-6 hours every day, at least. This type of light is easiest to find in rooms with lots of windows, or windows that face east and west. Low light is exactly what it sounds like: light that is dim in nature. If you have shades or a north-facing window, it’s a safe bet that your room is in low light. Moderate light is he happy medium, with lots of light for 3-4 hours a day. A window that faces east or west (but not both), is a good bet for this type of light.
#2: Heat Source and Room Drafts
The temperature and draftiness of your room is also important for the health of your plants. Research the ideal temperature for your plant and try to match it. Take note of radiators and vents and place your plants accordingly. Drafty windows can also be a huge problem if you aren’t careful of your plant placement. Keep plants away from windows if they’re sensitive to cold or heat. Lastly, be sure to avoid placing delicate plants near exterior doors, as the changing climate coming in and out can be detrimental.
#3: Your Level of Experience
One thing that people don’t often consider is their own skill level in caring for their plants. It’s important to be honest about how often you kill your plants, and pick a plant that you’re sure you can take care of. Succulents are great for beginners, as they’re very hardy and don’t require much maintenance. If that’s too easy, you can move on to more high maintenance plants. If you can’t keep a succulent alive, just know that there’s no shame in faux plants.
