Indoor plants are all the rage in décor lately and for good reasons – They help clean the air, provide a fresh feel to a room and make a statement with their architectural leaves and branches.
While keeping an indoor plant seems like a harder task than looking after an outdoor one (the indoors obviously not being a plant’s natural environment), be encouraged that most plants that are labelled as ‘indoors’ are actually extra hardy! Most indoor plants are tropical plants and can do well without as much light / fresh air / watering as they might get outside.
For some reason it seems like a plant will start to die as soon as it is in my care, so choosing the right plants and knowing how to look after them has become a big factor for me. If you’re anything like me and just can’t seem to keep a plant alive, I’ve gone ahead and gathered some tips for how to choose an indoor plant that will (hopefully) last a long time!
Take into consideration your space.
Is there a particular room or corner you feel needs brightening up? Be aware of how much light the room gets and if it is direct (sun shining directly through windows) or indirect (well lit but not in the sun). Knowing this will help pick the right plant for your space.
Choose a smaller statement.
Large plants come with a large price tag that is a bit of a risk if you are just starting out on your indoor plant-keeping journey. If you are worried about if your home has the right conditions or your ability to keep it alive, buy a smaller version that you can grow into. You may enjoy the process of watching it grow, learning its likes and dislikes, and even get a chance to prune it how you’d like to.
Hold off on changing pots.
When you first buy your plant it is temping to want to whack it out of that tacky plastic pot and into the trendy one you’ve been waiting for. But changing the plant’s environment to your home can put stress on it so it is best to wait and not re-pot it straight away. A solution is to simply place the plastic pot inside your new pot. Some pots can also make the plant cold or not have the right drainage so be sure when you do replant it that you have the right pot.
Use trial and error.
Its not always what we want to hear, but it may just take a bit of time to get used to what your plant needs. Keep an eye on it especially in the first few weeks and take note of any changes – Are the leaves changing colour or becoming limp? The stress of relocating to a new home may be the cause, but also be aware of if you are watering too much or too little. It varies from plant to plant, but if the dirt in the top layer is still damp when you water again, it may be getting too much.
Popular Indoor Plants.
Fiddle Leaf Fig: I am the new proud owner of a baby Fiddle Leaf Fig and am excited to nurture it until it reaches the ceiling! These plants are the ‘it’ plant of the decorating world and have soared in popularity lately. With waif-like trunks and large leafy heads, its easy to see why!
Rubber Plant: Rubber plants have been around for a long time and may seem a bit dated but can be jazzed up with unique pots. Also, they are great at staying alive! They are also in the same Ficus or Fig family as the Fiddle Leaf.
Orchids: Beautiful, architectural and look great in kitchens and bathrooms.
Bonsai: For the more advanced plant owner the bonsai is a great statement plant. A bonsai isn’t a type of plant per-se but more the style in which a plant is grown – pruned back to eventually appear like a mini tree. They take years of work and are a great lifelong hobby if you have the dedication!
Monstera: Very current with holes in their large leaves, their leaf pattern is now popular as a graphic design for wallpaper, fabric etc.
Succulents: Also very popular at the moment are succulents, known for their cuteness and ability to stay alive. They may not make as large a statement but when grouped together they make an ethereal mini garden. If you would like a larger version, why not try an Aloe Vera (also medicinal) or a Cactus.
What plants do you have at home? Stay tuned for an update on my indoor plants, plus info on how to care for your Fiddle Leaf Fig!
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