Tag: #houseplants

These Beautiful Bedroom Plants May Help You Get Better Sleep

 

Good for health

If you’re looking for a natural way to get better sleep, might we suggest bedroom plants? Plants don’t just add style and warmth to a room.  Research has shown that they’re good for mental and physical health too. This potentially means better sleep. In fact,studies have found that spending time in nature and being around plants can boost mental health, reduce stress, and help us feel happier. It goes without saying, then, that we’re all for welcoming nature’s peacefulness into our homes—especially our bedrooms.

When it comes to sleep, plants help us transition from a waking state to a more relaxed state of consciousness, which improves sleep quality. A recent review also concluded that indoor plants are associated with an increase in positive emotions and a reduction in negative feelings, which may help us drift off to sleep more quickly. This may explain why many designers have embraced biophilic design as a way to support our connection to nature.

Tons of choices

Persuaded? So, which plants are easiest to grow in the bedroom. We have tall stunners that will make a striking statement or petite plants sure to add a level of coziness and personality to your nightstand. Not to mention that many of them are low-maintenance, either tolerating low light levels (if you don’t have a ton of windows) or infrequent watering (if you’re super busy). We don’t know about you, but that alone helps keep us at ease.

1) Aglaonema©dropStock – Getty Images

Aglaonema tolerates very low light levels, so it’s ideal if you don’t have large windows in your bedroom. Water it when the top few inches of soil feel dry.

 

2) Snake Plant ©Yulia Naumenko – Getty Images

The snake plant doesn’t mind low light—and because it’s a succulent, it only needs to be watered every week or two.

3) Money Tree ©Polina Sergeyeva – Getty Images

Purported to bring good luck, the money tree has a nice, modern vibe—plus, it’s not fussy and grows quickly. Give it medium light, water it every week or two, and it’ll be happy.

 

4) Pothos ©jyu-akc – Getty Images

The pothos plant tolerates any light level from low to high. (That means it’s super-easy to keep alive!) Just don’t water it until the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch—overwatering is the only real way to kill this plant.

5) Lavender ©Mariya Borisova – Getty Images

Lavender has long been considered beneficial for relaxation and sleep. Although most research has studied the use of lavender essential oils specifically, having a live lavender plant in your bedroom probably can’t hurt. It needs bright light, so make sure it’s on a sunny windowsill or use a grow light. Water when the top inch or two feel dry to the touch.

Source: House Beautiful©

Photo Credit: ©Oscar Wong – Getty Images

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Adventurous Unusual Houseplants in Demand

The world of houseplants is much grander than the selection at your local home improvement store would lead you to believe, and many different varieties of unusual houseplants spruce up your collection. Thanks to online plant purveyors and the legwork of plant collectors who scour remote regions looking for new specimens and unique and rare houseplants for our homes, you can cultivate plants that are normally found only in places like Madagascar or South Africa.

Although these plants may be unusual because they have different shapes, colors, flowers, and growing habits to choose from, they are no more difficult to grow indoors than any of the other most popular plants. 

Desert Rose

The desert rose grows in the arid regions of Africa and the Middle East. True to its name, the desert rose thrives in hot, dry conditions. Although the plant resembles a bonsai tree in form, the swollen trunk is an adaptation for storing water in drought conditions. Give your desert rose high levels of light and good drainage. It’s natural for plants to enter dormancy in the winter, so don’t be alarmed if leaf drop occurs. Keep it in a cool sunny window and when outdoor temperatures rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, give it a vacation on the deck to spur new growth. Desert rose is toxic to humans and animals.

  • Name: Desert rose (Adenium obesum)
  • Light: Full sun
  • Water: Keep moist when growing, reduce to once monthly when dormant
  • Soil: Sandy, cacti soil, well-drained

Banana Shrub

The banana shrub is named for its sweet tropical scent, but it is not related to the fruiting banana tree. Michelia figo plants are a member of the magnolia family and exhibit similar cup-shaped blooms on compact shrubs that usually don’t exceed three feet in container culture. The banana shrub is a middle-of-the-road plant in all of its needs; provide it with partial sun, moderate watering, and average room temperatures, and it should thrive.

  • Name: Banana shrub (Michella figo)
  • Light: Bright, direct sunlight
  • Water: Water well and let top 1-2 in. of soil dry out before watering again
  • Soil: Slightly acidic, well-draining medium such as African violet mix with peat moss

Coffee Plant

The coffee plant is indeed the same plant that keeps you in java, although you might get a caffeine headache waiting for enough berries to mature on your coffee plant for a viable harvest. Sporting attractive glossy green foliage, the coffee plant is a member of the gardenia family–and it’s often confused with the coffee tree (Polyscias guilfoyei)–so expect fragrant white flowers to precede the red berries that yield coffee beans.

Coffee plants appreciate humid conditions and moderate light. Plants may grow quite large, but if you prune them back severely, they will grow back to flowering size within a year. The coffee plant is toxic to humans.

  • Name: Coffee plant (Coffea arabica)
  • Light: Partial sunlight
  • Water: Ample watering but do not keep soil soggy
  • Soil: Acidic, peat-based potting soil, moist

Source: thespruce.com©

Photo credit: hgtv©; bhg©; The Spruce©

Palm Plants Helps Keep the Air in Your Home Free of Mold

Indoor gardeners have long appreciated the beauty of palm plants. These tropical wonders come in a variety of species, each possessing unique characteristics that make them suitable for diverse indoor environments. But did you know that these popular houseplants also help purify the air and keep it mold-free?

Palm plants have gained widespread popularity as indoor decor due to their aesthetic appeal and adaptability to different living spaces. Their ability to thrive in various lighting conditions, coupled with their air-purifying qualities make them an excellent choice for those seeking both aesthetic and health benefits in their homes. In fact, a study titled “Role of Plants in Indoor Air Remediation” revealed that palm plants can effectively eradicate indoor air pollutants like toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde.

Beyond their ornamental value, palm plants play a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality by preventing mold growth. One of their remarkable abilities lies in their capacity to absorb not only pollutants but also excess moisture from the air, thereby creating an environment hostile to mold development, and helping address the root cause of mold-related issues in the home.

Per NYBG, palm plants love humidity. If they do not get enough humidity from the air, the tips of their leaves or fronds start turning brown. Since mold thrives in damp conditions, moisture control is a key factor in preventing its growth. Palms contribute to this by effectively absorbing humidity through the tiny pores in their leaves. As the plant takes in moisture, it simultaneously releases oxygen, maintaining a balanced and healthy indoor atmosphere.

In essence, the air-purifying and moisture-absorbing qualities of palm plants work in harmony to create an environment that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your living space but also actively combats mold growth, ensuring a fresher and healthier indoor atmosphere.

To maximize the mold-preventing benefits of your indoor palm plants, proper care is paramount. Ensure they receive bright, indirect light, to replicate their natural tropical habitat. Adequate watering is crucial; palms prefer well-draining soil, and allowing the top inch to dry out before watering helps prevent waterlogged conditions that could attract mold. During the growing season, regular fertilization with a balanced plant food will maintain the vitality of your palm.

Moreover, keep an eye out for potential pest issues (such as spider mites, mealy bugs, and scale insects), as unhealthy plants are more susceptible to disease. Promptly address any concerns, and consider occasional leaf cleaning to remove dust and debris that might impede the plant’s air-purifying and moisture-absorbing capabilities. By adhering to these care tips, you not only ensure the well-being of your indoor palm plants but also create a mold-free living environment for you and your family.

This article was written by Claire Dangalan for House Digest©

The Easiest Indoor Plants to Keep Alive

Do You Have 2 Black Thumbs? Here is a recommendation from Lauren Conrad on The Easiest Houseplants to Keep Alive, very helpful. 

 

This infographic will fill you in.  These are the easiest indoor plants to keep alive.  I can speak firsthand that I have yet to kill a Jade Plant…

 

Thanks to: The Cottage Market

 

28 Apartment Garden Ideas That Will Activate Your Green Thumb

Building an apartment garden is no easy task. You’re either going to build indoors, which can be tricky due to lighting, or you’re going to do it in a backyard, on a patio, or on an even smaller balcony.

Luckily for us, there’s been plenty of people who’ve already figured out all of the clever methods of maximizing your garden space.

If you know you’ll rent your apartment for quite some time you can get really creative for some more permanent solutions that you can even leave for the next tenant.

1. Using Shelfs, Ladders, & Pots for a Wall Display

By using simple board shelves and a small ladder, you can create a very attractive cactus and succulent garden. Place it in front of a brick wall with clay pots and the entire scene will pop.

4. Apartment Balcony Railing Hangers for Herbs & Vegetables

Sometimes you just want to grow some herbs or vegetables without worrying about the decorative aspect. Containers that ride the railings of your balcony is a great way to use your space effectively.

This is only 26 ideas. Copy and paste the link to see all 28.

Source: 28 Apartment Garden Ideas That Will Activate Your Green Thumb | WR (worstroom.com)

Tiger Jaws-A Sweet Succulent

Tiger Jaws: despite the ferocious name, Tiger jaws is a unique, low-maintenance plant that is revered among amateurs and serious houseplant collectors alike. Take a look!

If you have experience growing other succulents like aloe or haworthia, you will have no problem growing tiger jaws. Generally speaking, the same best practices in terms of light, water, and propagation apply.

Courtesy Midwest Tropicals©

Red Maranta (Prayer Plant)

2021 Plant of the Year “Red Maranta” also known as “Prayer Plant”.
A tropical plant native to Brazil, Red Prayer plant is a popular and attractive houseplant. In warm climates, it forms a ground cover while in cooler regions it is used as a hanging indoor plant.

Courtesy of midwest tropicals

The best thing about the plant is its ability to “pray.” This is called a nastic movement and is the plant’s response to light. During the day the leaves are flat, but at night they move upward as if praying to the heavens. This also allows the plant to conserve moisture at night.

Caring for a Red Prayer Plant

Maranta species are tropical and live in understory areas of the forest. They need moist soil and dappled light to shade. They thrive in temperatures of 70-80 F. (21-27 C.). In cooler temperatures, the plant will refuse to pray, the colors will not be vibrant, and some leaves may even wither, brown, or fall off. Very bright light will also affect the colors of the foliage. A northern window or in the middle of a semi-bright room will provide enough light without reducing leaf color. The plant’s water needs are very specific. The soil must be consistently wet but never soggy. A moisture meter is an essential part of red prayer plant care. Fertilize with a diluted houseplant food in spring.

5 Common Mistakes When Moving Indoor Plants Outside

The warmer seasons are the time to get outdoors and enjoy everything you’ve been missing while the world froze over. Your flowers, ferns, and figs feel the very same way. Since we’ve domesticated our plants, it’s easy to forget that they once, too, thrived in the great outdoors. So, if you’re thinking of moving your indoor plants outside for the warmer months, here’s a plant doctor’s step-by-step guide for doing it correctly.

Although moving your plants outside sounds easy in theory (you just pick up the pots and put them on your porch, right?), the process is a little more complicated than that. Outdoor conditions are tricky for your plants to adapt to at first, so you’ll need to choose an ideal spot in your garden and coddle them for a couple weeks after their relocation. Below, Chris Satch, plant doctor with Horti, walks you through sending your plants on a summer vacay (to the backyard).

Photo: Getty Images/Thana Prasongsin

Which indoor plants you should move outside and when

All your plants can take a trip outside, but there is a caveat: You need to survey your garden and make sure the conditions are right. If you don’t have any shade, for example, you plants will probably live their best lives inside. “For all plants, ensure that they are moved into full shade for two weeks when first brought outdoors,” says Satch.

If your yard gets hours and hours of sunshine, consider moving them to a covered porch or simply keeping them indoors. Remember: we ultimately want your plants to live to see next spring, so don’t put them outside if there’s no ideal spot for them.

The most common mistakes

1. Taking your plants outside too early in the season

As Satch has already warned, toting your plants outdoors too early in spring could lead to their early demise. Be patient and wait for weather upwards of 55°F, okay?

2. Choosing a spot that’s too windy

“Indoor plants haven’t been hardened enough to handle windy conditions, so you will need to put them in a location where they will not be battered by the wind, like near the house or close to some other wind-blocking obstacle,” Satch explains. If one day is going to be extra, extra windy, consider moving them inside until the air stills again.

3. Not checking for pests

Pests are a huge nuisance to your plants, according to Satch. “Insects will always be a problem when you put your plants outdoors, so let go of the perfectionist mindset that the leaves will always stay flawless,” he says. “Pests are expected, but an infestation is not. Usually, the beneficial insects in your yard ought to keep the pests in check, but occasionally, you will need to treat any largely infested plant with an insecticide of your choice.”

Despite potential infestations, relocating your plants outdoors is still worthwhile, says Satch. Remember that your plants will grow way faster and get to enjoy a new habitat for a while. (Plus, they’ll make your garden parties and backyard barbecues with friends so much prettier.)

4. Under-watering your plants

While your plants are calling the great outdoors their home, they will need a lot more water. The good news? You can depend on spring and summer showers to help you out. The not-so-great news? You’ll have to make sure to get out there with your watering can if it’s a hot, cloudless day. Make sure to check on your plants every other day to see how they’re doing, and read up on how often your specific plant varieties require some H2O.

5. Failing to monitor the temperatures in summer

Summer heatwaves are another threat to the health and well-being of your outdoor garden—so be on the lookout for unideal conditions. “You don’t have to pay attention to the highs until summertime, when it starts to get above 95°F,” says Satch. “During a heatwave, you will need to water [your plants] daily to help offset the heat getting water on the leaves will help cool them if applied in the early morning.” (Make sure you’re keeping yourself extra hydrated during the heatwave, too.)

Kells McPhillips for Well+Good©

Source: Move Indoor Plants Outside, According to a Plant Doctor | Well+Good (wellandgood.com)

Low-Maintenance House Plants That Purify the Air

Houseplants instantly add color and texture to any space — whether they’re used to decorate your bedroom, spruce up an office or add some pizzazz to a bookshelf.

It’s no secret that being surrounded by greenery does wonders for our physical and mental health. Certain greens have been found to not only purify the air, but provide allergy relief, improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels.

 

frontdoor.furniturerow.com

Photo credit:  per magnus person//getty images

10 Houseplants that clean indoor air

 

  1. Plants: There are several great plants that can help your air to be cleaned of toxins.  One caveat to adding plants is that you have to be sure to control the water and not create a mold or mildew problem!  Also, if you have children or pets, be sure to know what plants are poisonous before bringing them into your home.   Great air filtering plants include:

  • Orchids: may seem like a hard to plant to care for, but they actually thrive on neglect.  Don’t kill them with kindness (too much water and sunlight).  They filter  xylene , a pollutant found in many glues and paints.  Orchids respire and give off oxygen at night – so they’re great for the bedroom!  And they just look so good in decor which is win/win!

  • Palms:  hardy, exotic-looking, and easy to grow, palms filter formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide

  • Philodendrons need very little attention. They filter xylene, a toxin found in glues and leathers. But, Philodendron, one of the most common house plants, is also one of the poisonous house plants. Eating philodendron usually may cause slight side effects such as a dermatitis reaction as well as the swelling of the digestive tract and mouth.  Philodendron has also more effects on pets such as dogs and cats. They include pain, seizures, swelling and spasms.  Careful.

  • Aloe Vera – Aloe is mostly known for medical uses like relieving burns, but it’s also easy to keep alive, and sculptural-looking. Also, aloe filters formaldehyde!  However, the outer skin of this plant is slightly toxic. Likewise, it is extremely irritable to your skin along with your intestinal system. Even though this plant will not kill  animals,  it will make them become queasy a little bit.

If you don’t have kids or pets, no problem.  If you do, then take necessary precautions.

vkool.com/poisonous-houseplants