Indoor Plants for Dummies

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Whether you’re lucky enough to have a garden or not, there are lots of great reasons to bring some fresh plant life into your home. 

However, for those of us who have “plant murderer” on the top of our resume, it can be nerve-wracking to bring yet another living thing into what is most likely an already-full household.

Aside from the aesthetic boost plants and flowers can bring to your space, they also increase the oxygen levels, and help clean the air you are breathing. This has positive effects on your health, and can even help you work better too. 

So if you’re looking for some tips to bring a splash of green into your home, check out the list below for some ideas. 

Tasty Herbs 

If you’re into your cooking and are a fan of fresh ingredients, why not incorporate some fresh herbs into your indoor garden for a splash of fragrant greenery? 

There are a number of potted herbs you can grow at home all year round which work great in a variety of dishes. Basil, Bay, Chives, Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Tarragon, and Sage can all thrive on window sills and will punch up any meal. 

Generally speaking, indoor herbs will need around six hours of sunlight a day to thrive, so you want to find them a south-facing window where they can make the most of the light. 

The most common reason herbs tend to die indoors is due to waterlogged soil, so make sure the pot has good drainage to let liquids escape. 

And do NOT over-water them. (This is where I always go wrong.)

You can also give them an extra boost with some fertilizer, or even better - with some artificial light. If your home doesn’t get a great deal of light in the day or if your windows are on the wrong side, you can give indoor plants an extra bit of help with a grow light bulb, which will have a positive effect on any plant life you want to grow in the home. 

Healthy Houseplants 

It’s surprising how much of a lift some healthy houseplants can bring to your space.  But it can be a little disappointing to find they’ve dried out or perished due to lack of sunlight. If this is a problem you’ve had in the past, you’ve probably invested in the wrong kind of plant.  

Some plants do better indoors than others, last longer, and do a better job of improving air purity.  One great species is the Snake Plant,  as they require very little maintenance, thrive in environments with little water and low-light and do a fantastic job purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.

Look out for a beautiful big-leaved swiss-cheese plant (so named because of its pretty leaf pattern), a fast-growing Devil’s Ivy which can live anywhere, an air-purifying Peace Lily, or a low-maintenance Maidenhair Fern. 

Spider Plants also do well without a great deal of light and are quick to propagate - meaning they quickly multiply - so really provide returns on your investment.  Whilst a Boston Fern is easy to look after and not only purifies the air by removing toxins but also helps to regulate humidity. So it’s a great option if you’re in a stuffy apartment that overheats in the summer.

Freshcut Flowers 

Another great way to bring the garden indoors - as well as a splash of color and a delightful fragrance - is with fresh flowers.

A study at the University of Florida has found that having fresh flowers in your home can help boost your mood, reduce stress, help sleep and even improve your memory. 

So get acquainted with your local florist, and look out for lilies, sunflowers, tulips, roses, peonies, or any other variety that takes your fancy, for some fresh, health-boosting home decoration. 

And there we have it! 

Use these tips to brighten your day and make for a greener home.