Now that the cold and grey weather is here to stay, many have turned to plants to add a touch of green to their interiors. Some species of plants are just as sturdy as they are stylish, making them both beginner-friendly and perfect for the home.
Here’s a useful guide on how to select, position, and keep these green and leafy stars alive!
Tough as Nails!
Homeowners have put the following houseplants’ resilience to the test time and time again; these plants have proven they have everything it takes to survive a first winter in a heated home.
1. Golden pothos (Scindapsus or Epipremnum aureum)
- Why we love it: Very tough; will grow suspended in a pot or climbing up a trellis.
- Care: Indirect light; moderate watering (allow soil to dry a little between waterings).
- Beware: Toxic to cats and dogs!
2. Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria)
- Why we love it: Super resistant; perfect for novice indoor gardeners (and people who typically forget to water their plants).
- Care: Very little water; wide range of light conditions.
- Bonus: Modern geometric look.
If you can’t find mother-in-law’s tongue, consider the dragon tree plant which shares these same qualities.
3. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Why we love it: White flowers and elegant leaves; it prefers moist air (and so is ideal for the bathroom).
- Care: Humidity and indirect light.
- Beware: Toxic to animals.
4. Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) — See the hanging plant in this article’s main photo.
- Why we love it: Fantastic for increasing moisture in the air; abundant leaves.
- Care: Loves damp air and diffuse light; mist regularly.
5. Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) or parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- Why we love it: For its tropical effect; generally nontoxic.
- Care: Indirect light; moderate but regular watering.
6. ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Why we love it: Withstands low light levels and long periods without watering.
- Care: Low to average light; very little water.
- Beware: Toxic to children and animals — keep out of reach.
7. Chlorophytum comosum (the spider plant!)
- Why we love it: Very resilient; plantlets make it easy to propagate; nontoxic.
- Care: Indirect light; regular watering. A top choice for beginners!
Choosing the Right Spot in the House
You’ve just purchased your houseplant: now where to put it to give it the best chance of survival?
- A southwest-facing window: pothos, chlorophytum comosum or palms (they require some sunlight, but not a full day’s worth).
- Low-light areas (hallway, basement, etc.): mother-in-law’s tongue and ZZ plant.
- In the bathroom: peace lily and Boston fern (they thrive in damp conditions!).
Dry Indoor Air?
It’s quite common for the air inside our homes to be very dry in winter. This may impede plant growth.
Pro tip: place a few plants together on a tray filled with pebbles and water just below the pebbles’ surface. Or use a humidifier. Your houseplants will thank you!
Practical Care Advice (to Avoid Killing Your Plants)
- Watering: Surprisingly, less is best. Most houseplants don’t like wet roots.
- Humidity: As stated above, air humidity plays a major role. Mist (moisten the leaves with a spray bottle filled with water), group your plants, or use a humidifier.
- Cleaning: Dust the leaves; dust blocks light, hindering photosynthesis.
- Feeding: Reduce fertilizer in winter but resume during spring and summer, according to the tag’s recommendations.
- Safety: If you have curious kids or pets, stick to nontoxic plants (spider plant, palms, certain ferns) and place them out of reach.
Remember the Importance of Proper Ventilation!
It’s generally believed that plants help purify the air; however, we need to remain realistic and lower our expectations regarding our indoor gardens.
Yes, studies show that certain plants remove pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde from enclosed spaces. But in a normal home, houseplants have a very limited effect on air quality compared to good ventilation. It’s therefore important to air out your home in winter by opening the windows for at least 5 minutes a day.
You should mostly view your houseplants as stylish decor accents that contribute to visual comfort and indoor humidity levels yet only offer modest air quality benefits.
One final tip! If you’re new to houseplants, start with one or two easy-to-care-for species, observe, and adjust. And don’t lose heart if one of your plants dies: experience grows the best indoor gardeners.