3 Easy to Care for Houseplants

February 23, 2017
by Gloribell

Indoor plants are always a great option when trying to incorporate natural elements into your decor. They will bring life and beauty to your surroundings and with the right set of planters, they’re a showstopper wherever you place them. If you are new to the indoor plant world, here are my favorite low-maintanence plants for your home.

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Pothos plant
These are the easiest plants to grow. If you are new to houseplants, I would suggest starting with this one. They do well if planted in soil or if left in water (just remember to change it once it starts to get cloudy).

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From bright, indirect light to low light, pothos plants adapt quite well to different lighting. You can place them in your office or near a window in your home, and cuttings can be turned into another plant since they will easily root. For those with sensitivities, this plant can be toxic if digested or its sap may induce a skin rash. (While it is not fatal, it can be uncomfortable.) Pathos plants are considered toxic for pets and children, so keep it away from them.

Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus Lyrata)
This is a sculptural tree that can grow to be 6 feet or taller. This plant loves light, so always try to keep it near a window, but out of direct sunlight. Once you find the right spot, try not to move the tree around, as they don’t like constant change.

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Fiddle-leaf figs don’t need tons of water; watering once a week will do, or you can test the soil to see if it feels dry to the touch. Keep in mind that if new leaves turn brown and drop, the plant may not be getting enough water. But if the oldest leaves are the ones that turn brown and fall off then the plant may suffer from overwatering.

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You can also use a water soluble fertilizer and apply it during the growing season of the plant, but not in winter. Try to use planters that measure 8–14 inches in diameter.

Ferns
These can be found in a variety of leaf textures and forms, but the most common ones are: Crocodile Fern, Lemon Button Fern and the Staghorn Fern.

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These plants love humid conditions (coming from tropical climates), so pay extra attention to their watering needs. If their fronds turn brown or die, it may be that the air is too dry for them.

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Try misting the plant (not its foliage) with room temperature water. They also prefer medium and indirect light, so avoid placing these close to windows that may receive strong sunlight. Bathroom or kitchen sinks are great areas to use them for decoration.

As you can see, these plants are easy to take care of, and beautiful, too. Always remember to ask your plant nursery for specific details concerning your favorite ones — and to visit your local HomeGoods for the perfect planter.

Gloribell Lebron is paid blogger. She’s an interior stylist and designer with a strong background and knowledge in graphic design. View more of her work at Know How She Does It. (Find her on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook.)

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