Shopping for Houseplants
Shopping for houseplants is a great idea, because houseplants have a number of uses such as brightening up a room, making the house , and providing better air quality. Since there are so many sizes, colors, and living conditions of houseplants, you are bound to find some that fit your room and lifestyle. Even if you have never gardened before, there is nothing easier than choosing a resilient plant, an attractive plant pot, and some suitable potting soil. This guide will give you some information on the living conditions necessary for certain houseplants.
Choosing a Plant for You
Before buying, think about the room where you want to keep the plant. Does it get a lot of natural sunlight? Is there a shady place to put the plant? If you travel a lot, think about how often the plant will need watering. A small plant that doesn’t grow much will be more suited to small spaces, such as a guest bedroom, whereas a plant with long leaves, or something that grows a lot, can easily fill a large empty space such as a corner of a living room.
Low Light
The Cast Iron Plant has glossy green leaves with pointed tips. This plant does well in almost any temperature, has medium water requirements, and can be left in low light. This is a very durable plant.
The Heart Leaf Philodendron does indeed have heart shaped leaves. It requires low light, being away from drafts or cold temperatures, and fairly frequent watering.
The Peace Lily is a very popular houseplant thanks to its dark green lives and bright white flowers (the flowers bloom occasionally). The soil must be kept moist and if the plant is in direct sunlight it will burn. This plant is known for its air purifying qualities.
Low Water
The Baby Rubber Plant has oblong waxy leaves. Light conditions are moderate to slightly low, and it only needs to be watered infrequently. This plant also helps to remove impurities from the air.
The Corn Plant has wide oblong leaves with pointed tips, and flowers that have a beautiful scent. It grows well in full light, and can go two weeks between watering.
The Stripped Dracaena can go about two weeks without watering and also prefers low light. When it does flower, the flowers are pink. This is a good air purifying plant.
Other
The Aloe plant is not only a pretty light green color but will provide you with aloe gel if you tear open the leaves (perfect for soothing a minor burn, bite, or sunburn). It needs a lot of sun and the soil should be moist but never sitting in water.
Your local garden center will not only have most of these basic houseplants but also a great deal of expert advice should you have any questions. If you have children, take them along as they'll enjoy helping you plant the houseplants in the dirty soil!
