Let’s Talk Plants!
Indoor starter plants for those that struggle with their green thumb.
With Earth Day on April 22 and Arbor Day on April 29, what better month to explore some of the easiest indoor plants to incorporate into your home? We’ll tell you why these indoor plants are a simple addition and some of the benefits to having them in your home.
Tropical Snow Plant (Dieffenbachia seguine)
Hailing from the Caribbean and South America, Tropical Snow Plants (also known as Dumb Canes) are broad-leafed plants typically grown indoors. With large green and white leaves, these plant friends do best in bright, indirect sunlight and need a pot that has draining holes and like to be misted in the winter. When watering your tropical snow plant, the top two inches of soil need to be dry before you give the plant more water. This plant is toxic when ingested by people, cats, and dogs. Please keep out of reach of children and pets.
Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Native to West Africa, the snake plant is one of the most versatile indoor plants you can own. Snake plants come in many colors, but most of them are deep greens with yellow bordering pieces. Just like our other plant friends on the list, the snake plant is hardy and has simple care instructions. This ideal start for beginners, this plant doesn’t like the cold and is resistant to drought. These plants only need water if your soil is completely dry – about 1-2 waterings per month, depending on your plant size. Indirect light is the best for these plants, but they occasionally appreciate direct sun. Even in dim and dark lighting, snake plants can thrive! Please remember, these plants are toxic to cats and dogs. Place away from their reach.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Originally from tropical climates, spider plants are hardy and can survive not-so-great conditions (which you wouldn’t put them in, we know!). These plants are green and white and do have small blooms! Caring for a spider plant is quite simple. Make sure you regularly water; you’re looking for moist soil, not soggy! Keep your spider plant in light shade (heavy shade is okay too, your leaves just won’t be as big and bright!) Avoid direct light, as it will kill your leaves. Fun Fact: In studies, spider plants have been shown to remove indoor pollutants from the air. Multiple plants in one space are shown to improve air quality even more!
Bamboo Plant (Bambusoideae)
This trainable, lucky plant is one of the most common houseplants and office plants! Primarily grown in Africa, Bamboo (or Lucky Bamboo) is said to bring good fortune to its caretaker, especially if it’s given as a gift. The number of stalks on your bamboo plants also can signify certain meanings – three stalks are seen to being health and happiness! This plant is perfect for you if you forget to water for a while and suddenly remember, as they are *nearly* indestructible. Bamboo loves bright, filtered light – this can be achieved by placing sheer curtains on your windows! You will need a draining pot to keep the soil moist and never soaking. It’s suggested to water your bamboo with tap or filtered water, as this plant is highly sensitive to chlorine. This plant is toxic to animals, so make sure it’s out of their reach!
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
This gorgeous vined Southern Pacific plant is one of our favorites – many of our offices have a Golden Pothos (or four!) The pothos can grow up to 30 feet long, but trimming and propagating, or creating new plants from the current plant) are recommended over time. These plant friends like bright, indirect light, but are happy in low light as well. When looking at a planter, grab a pot with drain holes to keep your pothos above water. Watering should happen when the soil is completely dried out; if not, your green leaves can turn brown quickly and develop root rot. All parts of this plant are toxic to animals. Please keep them away from their chompers!
Nothing quite adds to your apartment home like a well taken care of plant in a nice pot! Besides adding extra oxygen to your spaces, many plants are air purifying secret agents!