We knew summer couldn’t last forever, but it’s official: the seasons are changing. As we move into fall, most of us are reluctantly readjusting to the thought of spending more time in our homes. After a summer spent outdoors, the adjustment can be jarring, but it doesn’t have to be. After all, the leaves may be changing colour outside, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on all greenery. Your home is your havn, so if you want to bring the outdoors in, you can!
At the start of the pandemic, many people turned to their gardens to soothe their anxieties about the future. It felt like there wasn’t much we could control, but taking care of a small, relatively low-maintenance living thing and watching it thrive? That proved a satisfying way to stay sane amid so much uncertainty.
You don’t even need an outdoor space to show off your green thumb! Houseplants can be a low-cost, low-stress way to improve the ambiance of your home. They can even help lower stress and reduce your blood pressure. Plus, taking care of something else can be a handy reminder to also take care of yourself.
Ready to go green? BC’s mild climate is well-suited to a wide variety of indoor houseplants, so whether you’re just getting started with indoor greenery or expanding your living room jungle, we’ve got tips to help you get gardening.
Easy Houseplants for Beginners
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
You’re probably familiar with the long, variegated leaves of the snake plant. These hardy plants can thrive in all kinds of light conditions, so if you’ve got a shady corner that needs a little greenery, the snake plant might be your new best friend. They’re drought-resistant too, so you can safely err on the side of under-watering.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcuas zamiifolia or Zanzibar Gem)
ZZ plants are another practically indestructible choice. They do best in indirect light but can tolerate extremely low light—if you’ve been looking for a plant to cheer up your windowless bathroom, look no further! Water them when you remember, but not too often: ZZ plants are tough and will survive months of neglect.
Pothos Plant
These trailing beauties do well in all sorts of conditions, making them another excellent choice even if you aren’t blessed with sunny south-facing windows. Water your pothos every two weeks in the fall and winter, and it should thrive.
Monstera Deliciosa
The monstera deliciosa, or Swiss cheese plant, is an Instagram star—you’ve probably seen this tropical perennial’s distinctive split leaves before. This plant can be a bit more finicky than the others on our list, but give it some indirect light and keep up with your watering, and your monstera will be happy.
Tips to Help Your Houseplants Thrive
Don’t overwater
An overly enthusiastic watering schedule is the easiest way to kill your houseplant. Your plants should be in pots that allow for proper drainage—remember, overwatering isn’t so much about the volume of water as it is the frequency of watering. Never water a plant with wet soil, either. If you’re not sure whether your new plant needs water, just stick your finger in the soil: if it comes out dry, you’re good to go!
Assess your space
Before you drop some serious cash on a finicky plant like a fiddle leaf fig, make sure you have a location for that plant to flourish. Take some time to understand the light, humidity, and temperature of your rooms before you bring home a plant that won’t be happy there.
Don’t be afraid to prune
It may seem scary to take the clippers to your plants, but pruning can actually help them grow. Removing dead growth and leggy offshoots can encourage your plant to concentrate its energy on growing new leaves.
Be patient
Even the easiest plants won’t take care of themselves, so keep a close eye on your new purchases as they settle into your home. Some plants just won’t work out, but that’s ok! With time, you’ll discover what works best in your space.
Need a new space to start your indoor jungle?
If even new houseplants can’t make your house a home, it might be time to consider a move. A reliable Stilhavn REALTOR® can help you find the perfect place to suit your needs. If you’ve got questions about buying or selling your home, get in touch today!
Tags: Decoration, Houseplants, Interior Decorating, Interior Design, Monstera, Plants, Pothos, Snake Plant, Vancouver, Watering, ZZ Plant