Whether you have a green thumb in your garden or you've killed fake plants before, if you have a house, you can have a houseplant! Light, water, and care needs range across the board for houseplants. Most plants have a root system that require adequate water to stimulate growth. Although air plants can survive with humidity, and succulents prefer dry climates, the houseplant's main need is hydration. The good news is, there are plants for the chronic over-waterers, and the forgetful plant parents alike. On the whole, houseplants don't care where in the country you live, just where they live in your house or office. So exotic plants, such as citrus trees or orchids, can thrive even in places like Minnesota. From trailing green Pothos to the giant silky-smooth Monstera leaves, houseplants come in all sizes. But an important thing to remember is that the grow based on their pot size. For example, the common English Ivy can spread up stone walls and toward rooftops. But in a smaller pot, a plant will become "root-bound," meaning it will stay a manageable size so you can enjoy your plant indoors.
What Make a Good Office Plant?
Many people want to add color to their long hours behind a desk. Enter, variegated foliage: that is, leaves with reds and yellows, stripes and spots on them. For a bright pick-me-up at your desk, try a colorful Begonia, or a Polka Dot Plant with pink and green dots covering its foliage.
If you're looking for a more subtle desk plant, the variety of vibrant ferns and other deciduous plants offer a cool green option. There's a spiky Asparagus Fern, or a soft, aptly named Maidenhair Fern.
Typically, space is a concern when it comes to choosing a desk pant. Make sure your office plants grow more vertically to give you enough room at your desk.
A plant for the office may also be difficult to water regularly, so "drought-tolerant" plants, that do well in hot climates, may be the best to add to your desk. The Snake plant helps purify the air around your desk, where it will happily reside with low water and low light. When choosing an office plant, consider the growth rate and space you have so your new addition won't take over your desk.
What Makes a Good Indoor Plant at Home?
If you love to dote on your plants while you're home, ferns are perfect for taking in all that extra water you'll be tempted to give them.
The spreading Snake plant and tall Spider plant, (neither of which attract their namesakes,) can be eye-catching show-stoppers that also help to purify the air around your home. Some houseplants even have healing qualities. Grab an Aloe plant for your entryway: instead of smearing the bright green bottled aloe over a sunburn, simply break off a shoot of our houseplant to rub over the burn. The various textures of cacti and other arid plants add interest wherever you place them.
Even larger flowering plants, such as geraniums or lilies, can make great houseplants and add color and fragrance to your home.
Herbs also make great houseplants. Rosemary's long shoots are topped with small flowers, while resilient basil plants and spreading thyme are also popular choices. Often kept near a sunny kitchen window, these plants look beautiful anywhere and a handful of your own fresh herbs almost makes cooking dinner exciting.
Popular Indoor Plants
Some hardy flowering houseplants to start off with include:
- Chrysanthemums
- African Violet
- Peace Lily
- Kalanchoe
- Geraniums
Common greenery that brightens up homes and office feature:
- Spider Plant
- Pothos
- Snake Plant
- Rubber Tree (It's not actually rubber!)
Herbs and other houseplants that add an inviting touch to any space:
- Polka-Dot Plant
- Basil (variegated varieties are available)
- Lemongrass
- Chives
- Mint
From eye-catching foliage to bright flowers, air purifiers and kitchen spices, the list of houseplants is practically endless! Ultimately, the type you decide on should be based on how much time and care you're willing to give it, and the light and space limits of your office or home. The right indoor plant will transform your office or home into a comfortable, relaxing, and inviting space.
