Indoor plants bring in a lot more to a room than most people might realize. Aside from being a welcome contrast of cheerful greenery within the confines of concrete walls, a potted plant or two in a room also gives the room a whiff of oxygen and purified air.
Also, indoor plants carry an aesthetic benefit: the right plant at the right part of the right room of any kind can go from a subtle thematic accent, to the main centrepiece.
PICKING YOUR PLANT POISON
A range of indoor plants are available to choose from. Plants of almost any kind today litter residential spaces, offices, corridors, hotel lounges, and almost any other type of establishment.
Despite the virtually endless list of possible options, some points must be considered before deciding which plant to grace your space with:
- Consider the room’s overall interior design
Regardless of how attractive or interesting a plant may look like on its own, remember that the main point is to find a plant to complement your space. Therefore, avoid plants that look too cluttered, stand-offish or distracting. At the same time, complement a more daring indoor theme with a plant that adds to the pleasantly offbeat feel.
For example, the elegant Kentia palm or the Areca palm blends well with classic, sleek interiors. The pony tail palm, on the other hand, is an excellent addition to the more minimalistic motif steadily becoming an interior design trend today.
Click here for help in picking a plant for each room.
- Make room for space
A plant that goes well with the interior décor won’t mean anything if it can’t even fit in the room. In the same sense, unless you’re going for a particular look that demands the combination, plants that are too small would look awkwardly out of place when positioned in a large space.
The Dracaena plant is known for its huge, green, fleshy leaves – a perfect filler for a room with extra space.
- Think of the little ones
When picking a houseplant, another thing to consider is your fellow residents – in this case, your pets. There are some house plants that may prove poisonous to animals. Whether you already have a pet, or are planning on getting one, pick plants that will not endanger your animal housemates.
Click here for a guide on picking pet-friendly houseplants.
- Make a note: plants are not just for decoration
Something that not many people realize about indoor plants is that they can serve more purposes than aesthetic embellishment. Use this as another factor when choosing your house plant.
For instance, several types of ficus trees such as the Benjamina and its respective varieties (like Monique, Amstel, Spearmint and Midnight) have dark, dense foliage and, when placed side by side in a line around an audio system or computer can help diffuse and dampen the sound.
Also, the right types of indoor plants can be strategically positioned in areas, in the process hiding elements such as stray electric wires, protruding pipes, peeled wall paint, and any other imperfection.
Click here for the results of a study on houseplants’ acoustic benefits.
- Pick the best kind to get high and happy with
Some indoor plants have just the right amount of vivid color to lift your spirits and become a natural mood pickerupper. Furthermore, psychologists have confirmed that people tend to become more relaxed and less stressed when plants are present.
Knowing this, opt to go with the kind that will best help you in this department: psychologically, emotionally, even physiologically.
As an example, the snake plant is said to be an ideal bedroom plant because of its natural tendency to release oxygen overnight, providing you with much-needed, precious fresh air during the night, and upon waking.
[Side note: the snake plant’s name is derived from its long, stiff leaves that protrude in a wavy snake-like style – amusingly the same reason for its other name, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue.]
Click here for a list of health-related benefits of having a houseplant.
For a list of plant suggestions, click here.
KEEPING THEM GREEN
Although indoor plants, with all their varied qualities, can be considered a near-essential part of interior design, remember that these plants are still living organisms that depend on proper nourishment in order to remain healthy.
- Water them. Properly.
Watering your indoor plants is a no-question reminder. However, giving them the right amount of water is as important as actually giving them water. Inadequate water will deprive the plant of needed nourishment and much-needed moisture; at the same time, giving it excess water will cause its roots to rot, its leaves to fall off, and its flowers to become mouldy.
A good way to get an idea of how much water the plant needs is to stick your finger one inch into the soil. If your finger is dry upon pulling it out means the plant needs water.
Know, however, that some plants thrive in conditions, compared to others. Doing your research on the plant of your choice can do you, and your house green, a world of good.
Also, watch the water temperature. Avoid watering your plant with water that is either too hot or too cold.
Click here for tips on watering your houseplant.
- Check the soil
The ready availability of potting soil in gardening supply stores, finding the right mixture of elements becomes one less thing for you to worry about. In fact, some ready-to-use plant soils do not have soil at all: some are peat moss or decomposed plant parts, like bark. Other ingredients are usually sand, perlite (white volcanic rock with air pockets), and vermiculite, gold-like flakes capable of absorbing and containing large amounts of water and minerals, and gradually releasing them for the plant’s use.
With the mixture concern out of the way, the main priority would go back to giving the plant just the right amount of water. Also, ensure that the soil is not too compact as to restrict root growth and hold too much water that will lead to overdehydration.
Click here for an article on soil preparation and care.
- Feed them
One essential element to good plant growth is manure – organic or inorganic. Organic manure is made from vegetable waste, decomposed leaves and animal excreta. Inorganic manure is made from chemicals. Add the manure to the soil about three or four times in a year – usually added before the onset of summer and the rainy season.
Dig a space in the center of the soil, and afterwards dump in the manure. Water it the next day. Allow ample intervals between aeration and water absorption.
You may also consider using liquid fertilizers to augment plant growth. Mix the fertilizer with water, and add it to the compost approximately once every two weeks. Remember to apply the fertilizer to wet soil; adding it to dry soil will lead to root damage.
Click here to find out which manure fertilizer is best for your plant.
To find out how to make your own liquid fertilizer, click here. - Give them room to grow
Observe the growth of your plant: transfer it to a bigger pot when it grows significantly larger. Keep the surface soil.
Maintain a space between the rim of the pot, and the surface of the soil in order to prevent overflowing.
Also, place the plant in an area with good air circulation; a good location would be near windows.
And finally, check whether the plant of your choice would thrive better in sunlight or in shade. As mentioned, doing research can be the key to good plant growth.
For a guide to repotting your houseplant, click here.
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