Real talk- spring is coming up and I know your home isn’t looking as lively as you had planned. Plants aren’t necessarily your “forte,” and you have no idea where to start, but don’t sweat it! Here are some tips on how to liven up your home with plants that anyone can manage.
Bringing more greenery into your home has many benefits. It opens up your space and makes it more inviting, it can also reduce stress and increase air circulation, promoting overall immunity and health. Not to mention plant decor is very hot this spring and an easy way to lighten up a dark space so let’s give a shot at having a green thumb!
Air Purifying Plants
Consider purchasing plants that purify the air around you. Stagnant indoor spaces are ranked one of the highest environmental risks for public health and this year has been brutal for flu and cold outbreaks. Air purifying plants can clean and improve the air quality of your home, in result making you feel happier with a clearer mind and healthier because of the reduced toxins in the air. Some low maintenance air purifying plants to consider are Spider plants, Dracaena, Weeping Fig, Peace Lily, Boston Fern, Aloe Vera and Snake Plants.
Pay Attention to Your Pots
The pots that your plants are living in can make or break their survival. So, you should be aware of how to tell when your plants need to be re-potted. Some signs of this are:
- Roots are growing out of drainage holes or above the surface of the soil.
- Soil dries out quickly and the water runs down the inside of the pot without sinking into the soil.
- Roots are tightly coiled, so you see almost no soil and all roots.
- New leaves appear slowly and are much smaller compared to older ones.
Pots are also a great way to get creative with decorating your place. Try using all white pots with different textures to not overwhelm if you have many pops of colour in your space already. Or go shopping for interesting pots at vintage stores and markets. Consider using hand me down china and succulents to create a quirky vintage vibe in your kitchen (these also make great gifts).
Good Chives Only!
Are herbs a big part of your kitchen but you hate buying them? Easy, plant your own! They are easy to grow and are a great way to add a bit of green to your kitchen.
If you are looking to avoid taking up counter space, plant them in mason jars and mount them to a piece of metal or wood on your walls. This method is plastered all over Pinterest for your inspiration and creativity to do with it as you will.
Some herbs that are great to grow indoors are chives, mint, parsley, and basil.
Height & Texture
Looking to add a bit of texture and height to your space? Spikey Potted plants in different sizes and textures are perfect for this and easy to keep happy. Snake Plants and Ferns are also great for decor in tricky empty spaces, they bring height and require little attention as long as they get sunlight.
Happy Plants, Happy Space
Some important tricks to keeping your plants happy indoors:
- If you find your soil is drying out quickly, try placing a damp sponge at the bottom of your pot. This keeps soil moist longer and helps you from preventing overwatering (the #1 killer of indoor plants).
- Orchids love humidity and thrive in it, so if you have an orchid and have problems keeping it alive put it in a sunny bathroom.
- Variegated plants often need more sunlight than their green friends.
- Plants climatize slowly in different surroundings by changing their leaf orientation and structure, so once you have a good spot for them try not to move them around too much.
- Mist your plants leaves with a bit of water for better looking, fuller leaves.
Are you ‘greening’ your space in time for spring?
