House Plants 101
Now I’m not claiming to be a botany expert by any means, but I’ve purchased and flourished quite a few plants in my day (and maybe even killed one or two). and after years of apartment potting and some watering trial and error, I can confidently tell you that determining where your plant will go and knowing what that specific environment can support is one of the most important things to determine before heading to the nursery - it will either set you up for success or some sad dried up leaves. here are a few things to consider when starting the process of choosing a new sprout:
Where do you plan on keeping your plant and how much direct sunlight does that spot receive?
Whether you’re looking to grow your plant in a super sunny bedroom or a shady bathroom, the amount of sunlight in each space should direct your selection. If you don’t get much direct sunlight, opting for low light plants such as ZZ Plants, Calathea Rattlesnakes or Pothos are your best bet. If your room is flooded with light each day then you can go for things like String of Pearls, Pilea Peperomioides, or a Ponytail Palm. One thing is for sure, if your room has no windows at all… I suggest another spot for your plant!
The humidity in your space
Your home may be better suited for certain types of plants strictly based on the climate you live in, the heating and cooling system in your space, and your humidifier usage. Tropical plants, for instance, love moisture in the air, while succulents, can tolerate dry air. if your home is airing on the drier side, but you’re dying for a humid loving tropical plant (like Bird’s Nest Fern, Peace Lilies, and Philodendrons), you can try misting the plant often or investing in a humidifier or dehumidifier. or for a low maintenance option, Jade Plants, Devil’s Ivy and Rubber Trees all fair well in dry spaces.
How committed are you to your plants' needs?
If this isn’t your first plant or you’re used to keeping something alive (aka a child or pet) you can maybe go for a more finicky plant that needs frequent misting and consistent soil checks. But if you’re iffy on if you’ll remember to water your new plant more than once a month, I’d suggest you stick to succulent plants like Snake Plants, Spider Plants, and Red Aglaonema - they’re a good started plant that can thrive in neglect ;)
Do you have a pet?
Make sure to do your research on toxicity before bringing home a plant if you have a dog or cat, especially if they like to chew on greens! Depending upon the toxicity, even a small nibble could harm your pet. Some non toxic plants include Boston Ferns, Spider Plants, Parlor Palms, Donkey’s tail and Blue Echeveria.
still stumped on what to get? I highly recommend you ask questions at your local nursery anytime you’re purchasing a new plant - the people there should know exactly how to care for each plant they are selling. just make sure you have answers to the above questions to help them guide you to the right greens.
And once you have your plant picked out don’t forget to get a beautiful planter! You can get a classic clay pot (think terracotta planters) in an array of colors for under $20 even for larger sizes or if you’re feeling fancy some of my favorite indoor planter brands include, Capra Designs, Ferm Living, Franca, Revival Ceramics, and Claystreet. Just make sure to get a planter that's a few inches larger than the nursery grow pot your plant came in - you want to give those roots room to grow!