The best indoor plants are those that require little to no care. After all, with a full-time job or a house full of kids, the plants don’t always take priority. However, some of the most beautiful plants are not that easy to care for.
Keeping common house plants alive and well requires some diligence and a bit of insight into each type. Plant owners must understand how sunlight, temperature and water affect the growth of their plants. For some indoor plants, low light is the way to go. Other plants require that you place them on a windowsill for the best success.
Indoor house plants aren’t just for show. In fact, some plants purify the air and remove harmful toxins. The health effects of having plants inside the home can be seen in your skin, hair and nails.
Aside from water and sunlight, there are a few other things that plants need to survive. They require protection from certain diseases, as well as a barrier from house pets. Continue reading the topics discussed below to learn how to keep your plants healthy and blossoming.
About the Best Indoor Plants to Have
Choosing the best indoor plants truly depends on the person. Some homeowners enjoy the challenge of balancing water and sunlight to keep their plans alive. Others prefer a durable plant that can last through a few forgetful days without it.
One of the most common house plants for those who tend to forget their green friends is the ZZ plant. Short for Zanzibar gem, this low-light loving house plant is made to withstand drought. In fact, it can go months on end without water. To play it safe, however, it’s best to water it every two weeks.
Another of the most popular types of indoor plants is the snake plant. Like the ZZ, it doesn’t require much water and can thrive in any light conditions. Some homeowners stick it in the bathroom and allow it to soak up humidity. Its leaves grow upward, making it an ideal plant for those who live in small spaces.
For those who want to see immediate growth, the Pothos jade is the best fit. This type of vine grows extremely fast and doesn’t require too much water. Gardeners recommend watering it only when the soil is dry. You can hang it from the ceiling or let it drape over a table, as it’s one of the most beautiful indoor vines out there.
Looking for plant decoration in living room spaces? Look no further than the Monstera Deliciosa, sometimes known simply as Monstera. Its mid-century aesthetics are hard to miss. It grows quickly and spreads its large leaves outward, making it a great accent piece next to the couch.
A cactus is one of the best indoor plants for bright and sunny spaces. They come in all shapes and sizes and can last a few weeks without water. Be sure to place it next to a sunny window for the best chances of success.
Common House Plants Disease
In learning how to take care of a plant indoors, homeowners must understand common diseases. Unfortunately, many house plants die due to common diseases and fungi. However, those who know what to look for can often save the plant by nursing it back to life.
To prevent common house plants from developing a disease in the first place, homeowners should ensure it has suitable growing conditions. This means providing the right type and amount of light as well as making sure it is getting the proper amount of water.
One of the most common diseases that affect indoor house plants is gray mold, which is a type of fungal disease. Gray mold can affect every part of the plant. The signs of this disease include fuzzy gray patches. Homeowners can prevent it by removing dead leaves and flowers frequently.
Leaf spot occurs when a plant is subjected to temperatures too high for it to grow. Plants begin to show yellow, brown, black or water-soaked spots on its leaves and feature a coating of brown dust. In some cases, leaf spot develops when plants have poor air circulation.
Even the best indoor plants are subject to root rot when they are overwatered. If a plant has poor drainage and is exposed to too much water, the roots begin to die. When the roots rot, the entire plant suffocates and begins to wilt.
Know When to Water Indoor House Plants
Indoor house plants need water, just like outdoor plants and flowers. However, the amount and frequency of water depends on the family to which the plant belongs. The best way to determine when to water plants is to know which type of plant it is.
Succulents, one of the best indoor plants for durability, can go weeks without water. Other plants, like cyperus, need water every day and require damp soil. A general rule of thumb is to watch plants closely to study how they interact with water.
One sign that common house plants need some more water is when the soil pulls away from the sides of the planter. Before watering it, be sure to push the soil back into place. This prevents the water from pouring down the gap and straight into the bottom of the pot.
Protect Indoor House Plants from Pets
Matching wall décor with plants and flowers is beautiful, but it may not be ideal in homes that have pets. Dogs and cats are notorious plant enemies. Whether chewing, eating or knocking plants over, they can be a true menace for plant owners.
Some indoor house plants can be deadly to dogs and cats. It is important to choose pet-friendly plants that do not contain harmful nutrients. These include spider plants, ferns and bamboo palms.
However, you also need to protect indoor plants from pets from time to time. One way to prevent your four-legged friends from ruining your plants is to keep them out of reach. Hang plant holders from the ceiling or perch your pots on high shelves.
