There is an almost innate need for homeowners to bring the outdoors inside. House plants have long been a popular way to reconcile nature with the indoors andthey have only become more popular, withthe pandemic meaning most of us were lockedinside, creating a desire to reconnect with nature.
There are so many different types of plants to adorn your home with, each with their own advantages and drawbacks. Some have unique health benefits while others can be toxic to pets, or both.
Here at House Sales Direct, we have prepared a short guide to some of the most popular house plants, and which will work best in your home.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily has long been a popular choice for homeowners. Its large green leaves and distinctive white spathes make quite the feature,and you can find these plants in a range of sizes from small to large. They are well-known for their air-purifying qualities and are great at breaking down and neutralising toxic gases like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.
They are easy to maintain, preferring low, indirect light and moist soil, meaning you should try to position them away from windows. You should bear in mind that these plants are mildly toxic to pets if chewed, being one of the most common reasons poison control is called out for.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
These plants, with their long, slender, arching leaves, have been a common feature in homes for decades. They are ideal for hanging baskets or pedestals, so if you have shelves from which you can install hanging baskets, the spider plant is a great choice.
They are low maintenance and help purify the air. They prefer indirect light and prefer slightly drier soil. They also have no record of toxicity.
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomiodes)
Having distinctive, round leaves that pop out at the end of stems, the Chinese money plant is at home in a minimalist environment. As they grow older, they can develop a cascading effect, making them great for hanging baskets. According to Chinese legend, the plant can bring wealth and good fortune, so are a great option if you’re into myth and superstition.
Also being easy to care for, they want watering approximately once a week and like indirect, natural light. A key benefit of these plants is that they are not considered toxic to animals.
Ivy (Hedera helix)
This Northern European native plant thrives in cooler environments and love humidity, meaning they make a great addition to a kitchen or bathroom where they may be water vapour.
They require medium to bright light, so make sure to position them close to a window. Be aware that they are toxic to pets, so it’s best to not get an ivy plant if you have furry companions roaming around the house.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Apart from being a great herb, basil also makes a terrific houseplant. You can trim off flowers to ensure those tasty leaves keep growing. Aside from the usual green variety, you can find ‘dark opal’ and ‘purple ruffle’ versions which feature purple foliage.
They like bright light, warm temperatures and moist soil.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Comprising of thick, succulent leaves, the jade plant works well in a bright room, as it loves plenty of light.
They don’t need much water, so you can leave them be for long periods and not have to worry. They are unfortunately toxic to pets, however.
This article was written by an online estate agent House Sales Direct. If you wish to sell your house fast and for free, then head over to the House Sales Direct website for more property related information and enquiries.