How To Choose The Best Houseplants?
Houseplants are a great way to add life and beauty to your home. They make any room feel more welcoming and help you relax. Plants and gardening have a very positive impact on individual mental health as well.
Choosing the right house plant for your home or as a gift can be a daunting task. So many varieties and so little time!
But with a little research and attention to these basic guidelines, you should be able to find the perfect plant for your needs and space.
Here are some tips for choosing houseplants:
Consider Your Lifestyle
Are you someone who likes to be able to keep an eye on their plants all day long? Or does your schedule leave you unable to tend to your plant for long periods of time?
If you're someone who works from home or has flexible hours, then any type of plant is fine because you'll be able to take care of it and enjoy seeing it grow. But if your schedule is more hectic or if you work long hours outside the home during the week, then it's best not to get a plant that requires too much attention. Always look for plants that smell amazing and gave a pleasant look to your house.
Consider Your Space
Before you start shopping for houseplants, you need to consider the space where you'll put them. Think about how much natural light each room gets during the day and how much humidity it has. You should also consider whether there is an air conditioner or heater in the room that could dry out the plant's soil (most plants like a lot of moisture).
Light requirements
A houseplant should be chosen based on how much light it needs. Most houseplants need at least five hours of direct sunlight per day, so a window with at least five hours of morning or afternoon light is ideal. If possible, avoid placing plants near air conditioners or heaters, as this can make it difficult for them to get enough light. Also, keep in mind that during winter months, when days are shorter, your plant may need an artificial source of light, such as a to-grow lamp or supplemental fluorescent bulbs (the kind used in aquariums) to keep its leaves healthy and green.
Consider your household pets
Make sure any houseplants you purchase are safe for animals and kids! Many common houseplants are toxic when ingested by pets or children, so be sure to research what type of plants will work best in your home before committing to buying anything at all!
Watering Needs
Some plants need more water, while others need less. Some plants can even survive without any water at all! The easiest way to determine if a plant needs watering is by observing its leaves. If they are drooping, then you should water them right away. If they are still upright, it’s okay to wait until tomorrow before watering again.
Pot size
Plants can take up a lot of room, so think about the pot size you'll need before you buy. If space is limited, look for plants with smaller roots and leaves, or try growing them in containers that can be moved around. The best container plants are those that are easy to care for and don't need too much water or fertilizer.
Choose Plants That Require Little Maintenance
If you have a busy schedule or don’t have much time for gardening, look for plants that require little maintenance. Plants like spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) and peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) can thrive with little to no care. Choose smaller-sized plants, too — they’re easier to care for than larger ones.
Conclusion
In the end, choosing houseplants is all about what works with your lifestyle and your preferences. Some people love the look of air plants, but aren't willing to invest the time into caring for them. Likewise, some people adore terrariums, but may not have a suitable space in their home and lifestyle to accommodate such a container. Have fun with it and find something that you can enjoy. This can be your moment to discover an appreciation or bring an old interest back into your life!
