Don’t worry crazy cat people – we aren’t trying to replace your lovely feline friends…but isn’t it time a new mom-type went viral? As of now, plant mom life has taken over our newsfeeds and personal lives, meaning it’s about time we unveil a complete guide to being the best plant mom you can be!
Keep reading to find out which foliage is best for your home and why you should make your house a greenhouse this autumn.
Let’s bring the outside in!
The benefits of having plants
Just as there are proven benefits to owning pets, there are also benefits to owning plants. Keep reading to find out why your body craves plants.
- Having plants can reduce stress levels, helping you stay happy and healthy!
- Science backs up the fact that people in nature are happier, so why not bring nature indoors to brighten up your life?
- Plants can purify your home as they remove airborne chemicals from things like cigarettes!
Tips for new plant owners
Before venturing to your local nursery, make sure to do your research. If you are a new owner, find out which plants are easiest to thrive with the least amount of attention and purchase those first, then move onto foliage that is more difficult to sustain once you’re a pro!
Keep reading to discover more helpful tips to owning your first plant!
- Avoid a plant funeral by knowing how much or how little attention your plant needs from you. For example, if you travel a lot, consider purchasing a Snake Plant which needs very little light and water to survive and thrive!
- Speaking of, know how much light your plant needs so that you can properly place it in your home.
- Identify a proper label so you know exactly the type of plant you’re purchasing.
- Look at the roots and leaves before you purchase a plant. Remember, a plant gets water from the soil via its roots and sunlight through its leaves, so if either of these is damaged, it likely won’t last long.
How to pick the right plant for you
It’s time to select your new plant friend, but where do you even begin to start when there are so many varieties of houseplants?
- First, you must decide if you want a flowering or non-flowering plant. A flowering plant is one that does just that – bloom! These are typically plants like sunflowers. Ferns, for example, are non-flowering plants. It’s an easy and simplistic way to start your journey as a plant mom!
- Next, pick a plant that works in your climate. A plant that will thrive in California won’t necessarily be able to do so in Michigan, for example. Be sure to do your research first!
- Decide on a location for your plant. This will help you better understand what size of plant you will be able to accommodate!
- Consider how committed a plant parent you will (or won’t) be. Avoid high maintenance plants if you’re always on-the-go!
If you want to know the exact type of plant that will work best in your home, be sure to take Bloomscape’s plant mom quiz!
How to keep your plants alive
Here are our top tricks and tips for keeping your new plant alive! With every one of these tips, a bit of research is required prior to purchasing, as well.
One of the best resources out there is Veronica Peerless’ book, “How Not to Kill Your Houseplant: Survival Tips for the Horticulturally Challenged.” Check out more tips below!
- Know what type of pot drainage system you need.
- Water your plant just the right amount, which is usually sparingly!
- Give your plant the amount of light or shade that it needs – remember, every plant is different!
- If you have tropical plants, give them some fake humidity by putting them in the bathroom every now and then to soak up the humidity of your shower.
- If you go on vacation, be sure to ask a friend or family member to water your plants.
The best plants for beginners
If you are unsure about which plant to purchase, we suggest starting with the easiest ones to keep alive:
- Snake Plants
- Spider Plants
- Pothos
- Aloe Plants
- Ponytail Palms
- Fittonia
- Chinese Evergreens
Happy planting, first-timers!
Did you love this article about being a plant mom? Do you want even more information about how to create a more eco-friendly and greener home? Then check out these other posts:
