Surprise – I’m a plant mom! Instead of grabbing more knick knacks and wall photos, I was inspired by @thesill to go green. Not only do houseplants add color and life to your space, but they truly do put you in a good mood. Houseplants have even been proven to improve health by purifying the air, increase your concentration, and reduce stress. (source).
On top of the health benefits, the variety of houseplants is almost endless. Whether you need something simple that won’t die in a week, or your ready to put in major work for ultimate plant growth, there is a plant that will work for you. What makes it even more fun is finding the perfect pot and planters to really make your plant collection pop.
With all of these benefits, how can you not become a plant parent?
My houseplant journey began two months ago when I decided to pick up a basil plant from my local Wholefoods. Today, I have a total of six growing plants which I may or may not have spent hours researching (s/o Planterina and The Spruce!). Keep reading to check out my plants:
First up is the ZZ plant, AKA the plant of steel. The ZZ plant is great for beginners because it can survive with little sunlight or water. Forget to water it for a week? It will stand strong. I keep my plant positioned away from the window and give it a good soak once a month. On a weekly basis, I dust of the leaves to keep the dark, glossy foliage shiny. My ZZ plant sits in a gold modern planter that I picked up from Target.
Another beginner friendly plant is aloe vera. Aloe vera is a succulent which means they only need a good soak of water about every three weeks. If the leaves droop, you’re overwatering! Once your plant has grown, you can also use the gel in the leaves for skin and hair care.
Alert: Not Beginner Friendly
The Alocasia Polly is one of my plant pride and joys. On my many trips to the plant nursery, I never had the intention to purchase a tropical plant. However, the leaf variation, mixes of purples and greens and elephant ear shape captivated me. Typically tropical plants have a hard time surviving in homes, but this has not been the case for me. Within weeks, my Alocasia has grown two new leaves with another on the way! My tip is to keep the soil moist and create humidity.
Basil was my very first houseplant. All it needs is weekly watering and indirect sunlight. Instead of buying it at the store, I’ve even been able to use my basil leaves for spaghetti and dry it out for future meals.
The Jade plant is a beautiful succulent with full and rounded dark green leaves. It’s also my newest plant baby. Unlike the aloe vera succulent, the Jade requires a biweekly watering and indirect sunlight.
The Golden Pothos is a rapid grower and one of my favorite houseplants. After an initial trim and repotting, my pothos is rapidly growing and vining. I am patiently waiting for the plant to vine across the coffee table and reach the floor. The pothos is positioned about five feet from the window and is rotated daily to ensure all parts receive sunlight. I suggest allowing the soil to completely dry out between watering to prevent root rot.
My houseplants continue to bring more life into my living space, a big change from my first apartment tour. The ppt and planters featured were purchased from Target, Marshall’s and Bed Bath and Beyond and plants are from Home Depot, Lowe’s and Calloway Nursery.
What are your favorite houseplants?
You’re doing a great job with your houseplants from what I can see! I really need some in my home. I see and hear how they bring people a lot of joy.