Houseplants 101
/“I’ve got all my life to live.
I’ve got all my love to give.
And I’ll survive,
I will survive, hey, hey.”
If you take three steps into our apartment, you will quickly realize one of us has a thing for plants. This slight obsession started a few years ago and our collection has continued to grow. So keep reading and you will discover a few of our favorite houseplants and care tips to make life a little easier on you:
Monsteria
Looks department- 8
Ease of care- 7.8
Sunny spot- 7.5
These big boys who are pretty easy to manage. They love a good window spot and multiply like crazy. They are poisonous to people and animals, so make sure to place high or away from dogs, babies, and my 25 year old brother who ate a leaf to see what it would do to him. Hint- A call to Poison Control was placed and the operator asked how old the child was who ate the leaf.
Mother-In-Laws Tongue (Snake plant)
Looks department- 7.2
Ease of care- 9
Sunny spot- 4
Talk about laid back. If you start looking around the waiting room at doctor's offices, you will notice these Snake plants. They are very easy and basically live anywhere. The only thing they don't like is to be overwatered, so pace yourself.
Aloe Vera
Looks department- 7
Ease of care- 6
Sunny spot-6
For some reason, these fellows are so tricky for me but I love the way they look. And remember that time as a child you burnt your arm on a cookie sheet? Well, I bet your mom clipped off a small piece of this plant and rubbed it on there! They are a win win!
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Looks department- Shawty is a ten
Ease of care- 3
Sunny spot- 8
These are those trendy plants you see in hipster restaurants, Fixer Upper episodes, and probably every Mom blogger posts. Rumor has it Walmart and Lowes do occasionally carry these guys BUT worst case scenario, swing by your local garden nursery and ask for one!
Devil's Ivy
Looks department- 5
Ease of care- 7
Sunny spot- 5
If you need a nice, easy houseplant that trails, these are a very safe bet. You can place them on top of your cupboards, counters, and in hanging pots. I am basically attempting to kill on that I have had for 4 years and they do not go down easily. Trust me.
Fern
Looks department- 9
Ease of care- 7
Sunny spot- 6
Yes, I know this isn't your typical houseplant but don't be afraid to think outside of the box! I love ferns but do not have a good outdoor space, so I brought one inside!
A couple hints:
- Name your plants. It helps you remember to take care of them.
- For plants that don't need a lot of water (like a succulent), just pop an ice cube on top.
- If your plant starts to turn yellow, gut reaction is too much water.
- Try watering a little less and talking to it a little more.
If you are struggling with getting started on your houseplant game, my favorite spot to head is Lowes. They usually have great selections and some funky plants. Just remember to read the tag correctly and pick one that goes best for where you image it being (aka low sun or high sun). Don't fall in love with a cactus and just plop it no where near a window...give that fellow a chance!
Good luck to you and your houseplant!
With Love,
The Lavenders
