Hey plant people, let's talk about how to cultivate your indoor jungle! There are many health benefits associated with keeping plants in your home… beyond the cool aesthetic, of course! Caring for plants is proven to lower stress and improve your focus. Many people find plant care tasks as a way to relax and unwind after a busy day or a great way to spend a slow Sunday morning. Being around plants improves your mood and according to one study, your blood pressure too! So whether you started a collection during the pandemic that you're looking to improve or you’re venturing into the world of plant parenthood for the first time, we have a few tips for you!
When keeping houseplants indoors, it’s important to remember that these tropical cuties are outdoor plants somewhere in the world! All of your favorite houseplants are thriving outdoors in their native habitat.
So, tip #1: Mimic your plants' natural environment for them to succeed! Most people keep their houses around 68 - 72 degrees, which is perfect for your houseplants. However, these tropical plants need humidity! If you live in a humid area like Charleston, this might not be a problem for you. However, there are ways to increase humidity for those needier plants. Consider investing in a humidifier and group plants together that would benefit from added humidity. Grouping like plants in one area also helps on plant care days! If all of your water loving plants are together, you don’t have to go searching for them every time they need water. It’s especially important to group plants that require similar light together.
That leads us into tip #2: Evaluate the light in your space and choose plants accordingly! Houseplants grow well indoors because in their natural environments, they are typically climbing up trees or living on the ground floor of a jungle. This means they are shaded by large tree cover most of the time! These plants don’t want direct sunlight, instead preferring bright indirect light, medium light, and some even tolerate lower lighting conditions. Low light doesn’t mean no light, so rethink getting a plant for that bathroom without a window! Check the lighting requirements of every plant you purchase and keep in mind, if you want a large statement tree like a Fiddle Leaf Fig, they need the sunniest South facing window you have!
Now that you know how to select plants that will thrive in your space, let’s talk about how to make your jungle stylish! Tip #3: Choose plants with varying heights and textures for a more interesting look. When cultivating a jungle, you need variety! If you buy six plants all with similar leaf shape, color, and growing pattern they will start to blend together. You want your eye to be able to absorb each plant individually, not get lost in a sea of green! We love utilizing trailing plants like a pothos marble queen in a hanging planter to add dimension and height to your space, without having to invest in a large tree. Or, placing a sansevieria aka a snake plant with its rigid, upright leaves near a plant with broad, leafy foliage. Pairing plants together that contrast and compliment each other is always a good idea!
Once you have your plants picked out and you know they are going to do well in your space, it’s finally time to style them! Tip #4, select planters that compliment your plants and personal style. Pairing a houseplant with a funky pot or textured basket is one of our favorites parts of the process. Use your vessels as a way to reflect your home’s style and aesthetic. Pots are great ways to incorporate color into your home, or you can opt for a woven basket for a natural element. The world is your oyster when it comes to finding a planter for your houseplants and we think the more interesting - the better! There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a vessel for your new plant baby. Always consider the size of your planter! You want to give your new plant adequate space to grow, but not so much space that roots can’t reach to soak up water in the bottom of your pot. Speaking of water, your planter needs to have a drainage hole to avoid root rot! If your decorative planter doesn’t provide drainage, keep your plant in a nursery pot and drop it into your decorative pot. This is a great way to keep your plant healthy and aesthetically pleasing.
You’re ready to cultivate your own indoor jungle now! Come by the shop and let us help you find the perfect plant for your space and a pot to pair it with!
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