My dream is to have a household filled with plants. Not just for the aesthetics, but for my health as well! The problem is, I’ve never owned one — let alone cared for several for an extended period of time. When it comes to the greenhouse arena, I consider myself a beginner before the beginning — a wannabe gardener waiting to start.
Every single summer, I think about all of the pretty plants I can pot around my home, and every single year I am thwarted by the time, money and effort I’ll need to invest to keep them alive.
This past summer came and went in a hot flash, and my goals to make a beautiful, natural home stayed within the confines of my dreams and my Pinterest board. I consider this a real shame since there are so many benefits to filling your home with plants.
Studies have shown that indoor plants can help purify the air quality of your home by absorbing toxins through a process called phytoremediation. Through phytoremediation, plants are able to remove pollutants in the air, soil and water. Indoor plants circulate the air and absorb airborne toxins into their leaves, to filter fresh, clean air into your home and your lungs.
Studies have also shown that indoor plants can reduce stress, increase energy and alleviate itchy, sore throats. They can also aid in productivity and concentration, while boosting your mood and making you happy!
If you’re anything like me — a plant caregiver wannabe — worry not. There is still time to transform your home into the oasis you’ve always dreamed of.
While it doesn’t seem like it, the fall and winter months are actually the perfect time to embark on your plant journey.
Here are a few indoor lovelies that require minimal care and are perfect for the beginner plant parent.
Philodendrons
Philodendrons are beautiful, tropical plants with so many different varieties to choose from that it’s nearly impossible not to find one that fits perfectly in your home. The best part? These plants don’t require a lot of work. The soil should be kept most (not over-watered) and prefer indirect sunlight in a moderately lit room.
Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese Evergreen is a beautiful, resilient plant, perfect for the fall and winter months. This plant does well in low lighting, which means it will still prosper on dark, gloomy days. If you are a forgetful individual, this plant will also look fresh and lively despite inconsistent watering. Let the plant dry out in-between waterings. Chinese Evergreen hates to be over watered, so being a little forgetful might be exactly what it needs.
Moth Orchid
The moth orchid is a tall, gorgeous flower that will happily live on the shelf of your window sill. This plant loves sunlight but it holds up well to low lighting, which means you won’t have to worry too much if you come across a rainy week. The moth orchid should be watered every seven to ten days when the soil is dry.
Snake Plants
Snake plants are the toughest of the tough. If you are a notorious plant killer, this might be your perfect match. Snake plants are sturdy and thrive best with minimal care. Snake plants can be watered every two weeks in the warmer months and then every eight weeks in the colder ones. If you want all of the benefits of having an indoor plant and none of the work, this is the plant for you.
Succulents
Succulents are pretty, little things perfect for mixing and matching your home decor. Succulents love direct sunlight but also do well in bright, indirect light. In the warmer months, succulents can be watered once every two to three weeks. While in the colder months, they thrive well under less attention. The key to a happy succulent is to make sure the soil is dry before choosing to water it again.
Take a chance on yourself this season and bring home one of these plant babies. The worst thing you could do is smother them with too much love. Be a good caregiver by allowing them the space to flourish nearly all on their own.
Born and raised on the island of Puerto Rico, Kaylee is a college graduate navigating the ebb and flow of this world. She loves yoga, snorkeling and falling off of paddle boards. She has too many favorite movies. And you can always find her procrastinating with a good show, a murder mystery novel or eating dates with too much peanut butter.
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