Healthy House Plants
I do not claim to be an expert on plants, but I have about 60 houseplants and they each bring me such joy!! I definitely didn’t start out with a green thumb naturally though.
In college, I got my first plant and I thought it would be a good idea to place it on top of my tv, and then water it. Little did I know there was a hole in the bottom of the planter and well, I not only ruined the tv, I also eventually killed the plant because I over watered it.
Since then, I have moved states/houses six times and with each move, I would start over with a plant or two…trying my best to keep it alive. Before I had kids, I decided that if I could keep a plant alive, I might be ready for the responsibility of rearing children.
The good news is that caring for houseplants is much simpler than caring for kids. They just need some water, some sun and some TLC.
So, don’t overthink it - a green thumb might be in your future too!
In this blog, I will share the health benefits of house plants as well as my TOP 5 Plant Tips/Tools.
Here are just a few of the ways that houseplants can improve your well-being:
Reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that simply being around plants can help to lower stress levels and reduce anxiety. This is because plants have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Boost mood and happiness. Plants can also help to improve mood and promote feelings of happiness. This is likely due to the fact that plants release phytoncides, which are chemicals that have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Phytoncides have also been shown to have mood-boosting effects.
Enhance creativity and productivity. Research has shown that working in an environment with plants can lead to increased creativity and productivity. This is because plants can help to improve focus and concentration.
Promote recovery and healing. Studies have shown that patients who have plants in their hospital rooms recover faster from surgery and experience less pain. This is likely due to the fact that plants can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Improve air quality. Houseplants can also help to improve the air quality in your home. This is because they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
In addition to these mental health benefits, houseplants can also have a number of physical health benefits. For example, they can help to reduce dust and pollen levels in the air, which can be beneficial for people with allergies and asthma.
If you are looking for a way to improve your mental health, consider adding some houseplants to your home. Even a few plants can make a big difference.
Here are a few tips for choosing and caring for houseplants:
Choose plants that you find attractive and that will fit your space. Hanging plants are so pretty, but a real pain to water - sometimes I incorporate artificial plants in my hanging pots so I still get the aesthetic I desire without the hassle.
Consider the amount of sunlight and water that different plants require. The less attention the plants demand, the easier your job!
Water your plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. I like a bi-monthly cycle for my indoor plants - but I keep an eye on them regularly and if they look thirsty between waterings, I give them extra. Overwatering is the most common cause of houseplant death.
Fertilize your plants from time to time. I typically set aside two days out of the year to repot and fertilize my plant babies. I take every plant and pot outside, take plans out of pots and break up the roots and add new soil. Sometimes if a plant has outgrown its pot, I will re-home it into a new bigger pot. Sometimes I will split plants from one pot into two.
Here are my top 4 starter houseplants:
If you are new to houseplants, start with a few easy-care plants. Once you get the hang of caring for these plants, you can experiment with more challenging varieties.
Dracaena
I have several of these that I have kept alive for years and years. Low maintenance and so pretty.
Snake Plant
The easiest plant to keep alive!! I have 15 of these around my house and they require very little care - overall great plants!
Spider Plant
These are my favorite for hanging or placing on a tall surface so they drape down. The little spider babies are just the cutest.
Monstera
My most favorite house plant. I get SO excited each time a new leaf starts to grow. They’re so pretty!
With a little care and attention, your houseplants will thrive and provide you with many years of enjoyment and mental health benefits.
Here are my top Recommendations for houseplant tools:
I have tried countless watering cans and finally found the one(s) that work for me! We have three different sizes of this same can and use all of them depending on the plants’ size and location.
I love the long handle on top which makes carrying the heavy can easier and fewer spills
While I wouldn’t rely soley on these bulbs, they are a great addition to your houseplant arsenal. Whenever I go out of town, I make sure to fill these glass bulbs before I go. I also use them for my large plants and those that are located in hard-to-reach places since they might need some extra water.
Depending on how to angle the bulb, you can control how quickly the water dispenses. Straight up and down is quick release and at a side angle is slower.
I have tried a bunch of indoor soil options for my houseplants, but this one is my favorite. Again, I don’t know much about this stuff, and maybe potting mix is potting mix, but this is what I use.
This is easy to add to your watering can every few times you water in order to provide the plant with more nutrients, thus helping them to thrive.
Do you love house plants? What are your favorites? What tips do you have? Like I said, I am no expert just a fun hobby with health benefits. I would love to hear from you! Email Me