The Benefits Of Indoor Plants
With The RHS Chelsea Flower Show starting this week, I thought I’d share some thoughts on indoor plants, their benefits and how to look after them. Below, I’ve picked 4 green plants, each of which are great for purifying the air in your home!
Spider Plants
I love the variegated leaves of spider plants and they do have a spidery quality with their long thin leaves that droop down, which mean they also work really well as a hanging plant. They shoot off spiderettes (little baby plants), which can then be propagated.
Benefits: Not only are spider plants great for purifying the air, they are also a pet friendly plant. They are low-maintenance so great if you struggle to keep on top of your plants.
Care: I tend to find these plants let you know when they need watering. They start to look a bit droopy (more than usual), and the green leaves are less bright looking almost see-through. They like to be kept moist without being overwatered, but they can cope with some neglect as the roots store water too. Spider plants prefer to be kept in bright but indirect sunlight, although they can cope with partial shade.
Asparagus ferns
Although in the same family as the edible asparagus, these plants are a different species and are not classed as true ferns. There are different varieties of asparagus fern and are great if you are looking for something a bit more unusual. They have a lovely feathery look to them and some varieties have a real tactile quality that makes you want to touch them!
Benefits: Again, these are an easy plant to look after with the added benefits of improving the humidity in the room and helping to reduce stress.
Care: Asparagus ferns like to be kept warm and enjoy bright but indirect sunlight. If they have too much direct sunlight, the leaves are in danger of scorching. They work best in a humid environment, but don’t like to be overwatered. A good way to check if your plant needs watering is by feeling the top inch of soil to see if it’s dry. If so, then it’s a good time to water it.
Parlour Palms
Palms are great for bringing a tropical vibe to your house or office and there are lots of different varieties of palms, including some outdoor ones. If you’re limited on space, then these little parlour palms are perfect!
Benefits: These plants are great for boosting the oxygen levels in the air as well as being good for allergy sufferers. They are also considered good for reducing stress levels and your overall wellbeing. These are safe for your pets.
Care: Another plant that likes the indirect sunlight and humid atmosphere. Keep well-watered without allowing it to become water logged and avoid drafty areas. Misting the plant regularly is a good way to provide humidity.
Fatsia
Fatsias can actually work indoors or outdoors and have lovely big, glossy leaves. They also provide a more tropical feel to a space.
Benefits: A great option if you’re looking for something pet friendly. They are a particularly hardy plant, coping with lower temperatures, as they can also be kept outdoors.
Care: Unlike the other plants, these are best kept in a shadier spot. I have found that in full sunlight they tend to scorch or go a lighter green/ yellow colour instead of a healthier dark green. It likes to be kept moist but well drained.
If you’re looking for indoor plants, get in touch here. I have a stock of all of the above that are waiting for a good home to go to!
