MY GO-TO HOUSEPLANTS: PLANT SELECTION AND CARE

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Hey there, I'm Michelle!

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MY GO-TO HOUSEPLANTS: PLANT SELECTION AND CARE

I have people ask me all the time, “I wanna get some houseplants. Where do I start?”

I would begin with the two most simplest plants to care for and keep alive – Pothos and Snake Tongue.

Lady hanging plants in the house

“Hard-to-Kill” Plants:

Pothos

Pothos is a vine and impossible to kill and it grows really really well.

They do need some sunlight but I have one in my bathroom and it does just fine without much natural light.

The pothos plant is considered by many to be a great way to get started caring for houseplants.

Since pothos care is easy and undemanding, this lovely plant is an easy way to add some green to your home.

Pothos plant on a brown wooden table on a white rug

Snake Tongue

This is also known as Mother-In-Laws Tongue.

It has distinctive long upright leaves with yellow edges.

This is a very hardy plant and low maintenance houseplant.

It can pretty much live with almost no natural sunlight.

According to NASA it is one of the best plants for improving air quality, removing toxins such as formaldehyde, ammonia and carbon monoxide from the air, this makes it an ideal home and office plant.

Snake tongue plant in a bronze steel vase on a brown table

ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant can survive in VERY little light. They do well in bathrooms with no windows, or low light office spaces.

They are drought tolerant, which means you can go about 2-3 weeks without watering them!

ZZ plants are not too particular about their soil, just make sure they have a good drainage point. If i have pots that lack drainage, I add rocks to the bottom of the pot, below the soil, to have a bit of space for the water to filter.

If you’re looking for a low fail rate, ZZ plants are the way to go!

Brown cabinet with zz plant and a small globe on the top

Monstera Deliciosa

These reign from southern Mexico and Panama, and because of the holes they create their leaves as they mature, they are often referred to as Philodendron Split Leaf or the Swiss Cheese Plant. Monstera like regular watering and prefer slightly moist soil and generally like to dry out just a bit between waterings.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Native to the rain forests of western and central Africa, this plant is known for its large green leaves. Standing tall, it’ll add impact to any space. This plant does require some maintenance. It’s sensitive to new environments, so will take a little while to settle into its new home. The plant will benefit from a weekly misting and being kept warm. I give this plant 1 bottle of water per week. It also needs a gentle dust.

Rubber Plant

With their luscious leaves and unfussy nature, this plant is a great choice to elevate your home decor. Low maintenance and eye-catching, rubber plants are an effortless way to add elegance to your home. They need watering when the soil is almost completely dry and need more watering in summer than in winter.

Plant Care Tips

Watering Plants

Keep a jug of water under the kitchen sink and water your plants about once a week with about 2 cups of water. Be sure to water consistently, but avoid both overwatering and underwatering, by checking the soil moisture regularly. Adjust your watering schedule according to the plant’s specific needs and environmental conditions.

Dusting Plants

Dust your plants gently now and then with a soft cloth to keep their foliage clean and free from debris. Dust accumulation on leaves can hinder photosynthesis and promote the growth of pests and diseases. By regularly removing dust, you’ll help your plants breathe easier and maintain their vibrant appearance. Make sure you wipe both the tops and undersides of leaves, as well as any crevices or folds where dust tends to accumulate. This simple maintenance task will contribute to the overall health and beauty of your indoor garden.

Using Plant Fertilizers

Use plant fertilizers around the base of the root 2-3 times a year. Doing this can really enhance the vitality and longevity of your plants. These fertilizers provide essential nutrients that may be lacking in the soil. It’s important to follow the recommended dosage and timing instructions to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant.

Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for the health of houseplants, as it directly influences their growth and vitality. Understanding your plant’s specific lighting needs ensures they receive the optimal amount of sunlight to flourish indoors.

Trimming

Regular trimming of dead or yellowing leaves will help your houseplants to be more healthy growth by redirecting the plant’s energy towards new growth. When removing yellow bits, use a gentle tug near the base of the leaf to remove damaged portions of the plant without causing it undue stress.

Where To Shop For Plants

There are lots of great places to buy your houseplants. Some of my favorite include:

Home Depot, Lowes, your local plant shop and The Sill for gifting.

Where To Shop For Planters

For planters, there’s a great selection at affordable prices from these stores:

At Home, Target, CB2 and Amazon.

Favorite Planters for Spring 2024

Here are a few of my favorite simple planters all ranging in cost!

Whatever plants you choose for your space, enjoy the process of choosing them and transforming your home with nature.

I hope these tips help you to make your home feel more green and create your own little greenhouse.

MY GO-TO HOUSEPLANTS: PLANT SELECTION AND CARE

Hey there, I'm Michelle!

MY GO-TO HOUSEPLANTS: PLANT SELECTION AND CARE

“Hard-to-Kill” Plants:

Pothos

Snake Tongue

ZZ Plant

Monstera Deliciosa

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Rubber Plant

Plant Care Tips

Watering Plants

Dusting Plants

Using Plant Fertilizers

Lighting

Trimming

Where To Shop For Plants

Where To Shop For Planters

Favorite Planters for Spring 2024

Hey there, I'm Michelle!

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