Fall and winter approaching, these colder months tend to mean more time indoors. As we recluse into the comforts of our modern homes, indoor plants provide that much-needed addition of warmth, coziness, and comfort into our lives. This is probably why indoor plants or house plants have seen such a rise in trend for interior home decoration. They not only fill a potential void during these lonelier months, but they also are a great source of stress reduction and clean air-- important for maintaining good health during these darker days.
So, where to begin? Our resident plant mama, Amanda, was able to offer some advice on how to get started.
“Almost all plants are good for you, your home and your family. That’s why we have so many beautiful plants at the Rove Concepts HQ, to keep us all healthy, happy and alive! Plants clean the air of VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), such as formaldehyde, a simple way to explain how plants clean the air. Plants also add life and beauty to any room with their fresh foliage.”
Here are 10 of the best indoor plants to introduce into your home, and how to take care of them:
Peace Lily
The Peace Lily is one of the most forgiving plants with easy care and low maintenance. She will droop when she’s thirsty, telling you exactly what she needs and when. She tolerates low light and brighter filtered light, matching most lighting environments in any home; however, does not tolerate direct sunlight. The Peace Lily is widely popular due to vibrant foliage and pretty flowers which can bloom over and again, and amazing air purifying qualities.
English Ivy
The English Ivy is another one of our favorite, most forgiving plants. With a preference towards the dry side, make sure to allow the top layer of soil to become dry to the touch before watering. Tolerant to any light and tolerant to the cold, hence English, this plant is native to the UK. Her distinctively shaped, cascading leaves that hang down are perfect for top-shelf décor.
Boston Fern
The Boston Fern is a non-toxic plant that grows best in bright indirect light. If his leaves begin to yellow, this is a good sign that he needs more humidity! Mist often, and keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant is a lengthy houseplant tolerant to any low light, bright light, or fluorescent light. Forgiving, this plant does not require a lot of water so should be watered sparingly. A good tip from plant mama, Amanda: This is the perfect plant for the bedroom, as it converts tons of CO2 to O2 at night.
Bird of Paradise
The beautiful Bird of Paradise has lush foliage, thus requiring plenty of water in summer, but less water in winter. The Bird of Paradise can grow over 5 feet tall. He prefers bright light over darker spaces.
Spider Plant
The Spider Plant is easy to care for and to propagate simply by placing separated ends in water. This lively plant is great for cleaning the air and has a preference towards bright indirect light. Watering can generally be done with regular water, but if leaf tips brown, try watering with rainwater as rainwater contains less fluoride. The Spider plant is a non-toxic houseplant but is worth noting that it does have mild hallucinogenic properties for cats-- though harmless.
Weeping Fig
The Weeping Fig is a relatively forgiving house plant that likes bright indirect light. He doesn't like to be moved nor does he enjoy changes in temperature. You will notice this as he begins to drop his leaves. Water moderately.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The Fiddle Leaf Fig begins as a bush and can grow lush foliage if properly nurtured. This vibrant, highly photogenic plant enjoys bright indirect light and moderate watering. She is considered relatively forgiving and generally tolerant. Be sure to dust her leaves often!
Rubber Plant
If leaves drop you are overwatering! The Rubber Plant likes moderate watering similar to most houseplants. This stout plant also likes bright indirect light. Other than the occasional dusting of the leaves, this plant is very easy to care for.
Monstera Plant
The Monstera Plant, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, prefers warm temperatures above 18 degrees Celsius. She requires high humidity, so it’s best to mist often and keep soil evenly moist. The abstract Monsterea likes to climb, is good for corners, and enjoys having other things to reach around and climb onto, so she will need support as she grows tall.
“Note that many trendy plants are moderately toxic to animals, so the best practice is to train pets to stay away from houseplants, or keep the plants out of reach!” The only plants listed above that are non-toxic are the Boston Fern and Spider Plant.
In general, plant mama, Amanda, recommends keeping plants in bright indirect light. Keeping leaves dust free for optimum growth. Keeping plants moderately moist, so watering 1-2 times per week depending of course on the specific plant. “A good trick is to stick your finger into the soil about 1 inch deep; if it’s dry then give it water; if it’s soggy, don’t water it.” When leaves turn yellow or brown, it is usually due to under or over watering. Which one it is should be apparent. When in doubt, google the symptoms for the best plant care results!
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