Thinking of joining the houseplant craze? Let me tell you, once you start with one you won't go back. Houseplants are the real life tamagotchis us millennials were missing in our lives.
Don't know where to start? Here are the top 5 houseplants I recommend based on my experiences with them.
Spider plants are not only beautiful, but hardy. Put them near any window, or in a corner and it will adapt to survive. When the plant is really happy, it will grow spiderettes!
The split leaf Philodendron and Monstera deliciosa are often inter-changed plants. They are different, but are often mislabeled. But your in luck, both are fantastic plants to have. They will grow even in not great conditions, and will grow back if you chop it down. If your plant is in a great spot, it will have bigger leaves, fenestrations or splits, and will grow at a faster rate.
The Pothos is going to be on any introduction to houseplant list. It is a very quick grower, easily propagated, and comes in many varieties. You can let the vines grow along a shelf, or hang down to impressive lengths. This plant will look droopy when it is thirsty, making it easy to know when you need to water it.
The peace lily is another plant that will let you know when it is thirsty. Be aware - it is a very thirsty plant. But bounces back up within hours. I personally love the domino peace lily - it has white variegation in the leaves. This plant can come within seconds of being pronounced dead, and will come back to life with a little water. Truly a hardy plant that looks impressive.
Another vine plant I suggest is the Philodendron Brazil. Other Philodendron vines that are great include the cordatum and the heart leaf. You can collect all 3 Philodendron vines as they all have a different leaf colour and slight leaf shape differences. The Philodendron in general is a great beginner plant and comes in so many types and varieties. Just like the Pothos, it will droop when it is thirsty, is a great propagator, and will grow in almost any condition.
Ok, so now you know what to shop for. But there are so many pretty ones you see at the store. Here are my top 5 to stay away from as a beginner houseplant parent. (Actually 6 because once I started I couldn't stop).
The African violets are seen in every grocery store. I don't know why.
My grandma always had them in her house and they thrived! But honestly I find them difficult. They don't like their leaves getting wet, and I have yet to get them to flower in my home. You've been warned.
Alocasia plants are often seen at big box stores. They are mesmerizing with their huge leaves, and their unique shape. Here is the deal - they almost always have spider mites and need a high humidity environment. They will not stay the way they looked the day you picked it up at the store.
Everyone wants a fiddle leaf Ficus. I get it, I really do. They are THE statement plant. But any change in their environment and they drop their leaves - you may be left with one or two if you're lucky. This plant is not for the faint hearted, you need patience and time for this plant to grow and thrive.
Beware of all Calathea plants. They require a high humidity environment and specific light requirements.
Palms are another plant I see at all major box stores. Again, they are impressive but require the perfect lighting and high humidity. For a large statement plant that is easy to maintain I would pick a dracaena or yucca tree (dracaena in picture below).
I had to add this one too. Caladiums are gorgeous with their multi coloured varieties and near see through leaves. But these delicate leaves are so hard to maintain. Again, they need high humidity and lots of light but not too much because they easily burn.
There you go! My top 5 best and worst plants for beginner houseplant parents. This list is short, and many more plants could be added to either list. I hope this helps you start your houseplant journey on a good note!
留言