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House plants are a great décor accessory. They add a touch of green (and whatever other colour you choose if they flower), they help clean the air, and they’re good feng shui – plants are said to encourage prosperity. All it takes to grow most plants indoors is water, sunshine, and a little bit of TLC. One thing that people need to be really careful about, however, is over-watering.  In fact, more often than not, house plants are killed by it. It’s key to find a balance between too much and too little. Make sure the soil is soft and moist, and only re-water when the compost is dry.

Watering and light

More often than not, house plants are killed by over-watering. It’s key to find a balance between too much and too little. Make sure the soil is soft and moist, and only re-water when the compost is dry. For most plants, tap water is fine, but there are those more difficult plants like orchids who prefer rain water. Remember that terracotta pots absorb water, so if you like the look of a natural pot, be sure to be liberal with watering.

Plants are dependent on light, particularly flowering plants. Different plants like different amount of sunlight, but the majority would do well on a bright windowsill. Ferns are one of the exceptions to the rule, and prefer a darker place, where they will thrive. Just be sure to find out how much sunlight your plants need.

Pests and cleaning

Photo: varun_mukthi

Keeping house plants clean is important, not just because it looks bad when dirty, but also because dust stunts plants’ growth. Gently remove dust with a piece of cotton wool to keep them healthy and green.

Pests are one of the main concerns when it comes to house plants, and being able to identifying them is important for the survival of your plant. If wooly fluff starts to grow on the foliage, this means there is either a mealy bug or wooly aphid invading the plant. These pests like to suck the sap from a house plant, so get some organic soft soap spray and gently, but effectively, get rid of them. Tiny webs on the tips of leaves and a yellow speckling are a sign of tiny red spider mites. Make sure to cut off the affected part then mist down the rest of the plant, getting rid of the pests.

Kinds of house plants

A house plant has the tendency to make a place look warm and lived in. There is a huge variety of plants out there that can spruce up your house. The Spineless Yucca is a popular plant. Looking almost like a miniature palm tree, it gives a tropical look, and it’s also easy to care for. A rather unconventional house plant is the Elephant’s Ear plant. It has dark green leaves with bold white veins and is certain to attract attention. Orchids are always a favourite and have a very exotic look. The Cycad/Sago Palm is probably one of the oldest plants still alive, and this ‘prehistoric’ plant is easy to grow and has a great historic appeal to it.

Which one

Photo: jesse k.

It’s always difficult to pick one plant above the rest. It’s important to choose house plants that will liven up a room, and give it atmosphere and character. Also choose one that will do well in your home. If you don’t have lots of natural light, don’t pick a flowering plant. If you don’t have much time to devote to caring for your plants, choose something that’s easy to grow. Finally, consider putting your plant in an attractive pot that complements the colour of its leaves and flowers.

Think about what you want from a house plant, and you’ll be sure to choose one that matches your home and lifestyle. Just give it a little love, and you’ll have a beautiful, green, addition to your décor.

Tags: plants