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  • Make a Simple Organic Fertilizer for Healthy Indoor Plants – Garden Therapy

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    Without access to all the goodness of outdoor soil, your indoor plants are going to need a good houseplant fertilizer to get their nutrients. 100% natural, this organic fertilizer recipe is one of the 80+ from my herbal garden recipe book, Garden Alchemy. It will keep your houseplants happy, healthy, and blooming for stunning indoor displays.

    Do houseplants need fertilizer? While outdoor plants source nutrients found in the soil and their ecosystem, houseplants don’t have the same luxury. Due to the closed system of soil they live in, houseplants are completely dependent on their human plant parents for available nutrients.

    There are times when it’s easier to use a liquid fertilizer than a granular one, such as when you are watering houseplants. In the summer, houseplants respond to warmth and light, and it stimulates their growth. Applying this liquid houseplant fertilizer will ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need for this growth period.

    Many homebrew liquid fertilizers have microorganisms that support healthy outdoor soil but are not great for indoor soil. Specifically crafted with houseplants in mind, this DIY fertilizer will help them thrive, bloom, and grow.

    There are lots of recipes in my book, Garden Alchemy, for the home gardener to apply organic methods in the home and out in the garden. Set up like a cookbook, you’ll find a ton more fertilizer recipes, as well as pest deterrents, potting mixes, and other projects and elixirs to boost your garden. This excerpt on organic fertilizer for houseplants was reprinted with permission by Cool Springs Press. Find the book in your country!

    This post will cover…

    indoor plant fertilizer in jar
    It can be much more economical (and satisfying) to create your own houseplant fertilizer blend.

    What is the Best Fertilizer for Indoor Plants?

    Organic vs Synthetic

    When it comes to choosing a fertilizer, first we must look at the key differences between organic and synthetic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are derived from minerals, plants, and animal products, while synthetic fertilizers are synthesized chemicals of nutrients.

    Synthetic fertilizer molecules are made to be readily available to plants and, therefore, can be hard to regulate. It’s easy to over-apply synthetic fertilizer and cause plants to take up too much nutrition too quickly, causing fertilizer “burn.”

    Organic fertilizers are more forgiving because, often, they are not as readily available for plants. Natural organic fertilizers are broken down more slowly and, therefore, regulate the speed at which the nutrients are available, encouraging the plant to grow stable roots and expand the area in which they collect nutrients.

    Liquid vs Granular

    You can find synthetic and organic houseplant fertilizer in both liquid and granular form. Liquid fertilizer is the easiest to use, as you can add it to your watering can while watering the plants. It does need to be done more frequently than granular, but you are minimizing the potential for fertilizer burn.

    Granular fertilizer comes in either spikes or pellet forms. You either sprinkle or push the fertilizer into the soil, and the nutrients are slowly released. You can find natural and organic granular fertilizers by checking the ingredient list. If there is none, it is a synthetic fertilizer.

    My houseplant fertilizer recipe is an organic liquid formula. In my opinion, this is the best fertilizer for indoor plants and the one I use most regularly. It is easy to make and use and provides eco-friendly, natural growth enhancement.

    four jars of fertilizers in a row out in the garden
    The key to making your own houseplant fertilizer blend is ensuring there is enough variety in your blend of N-P-K, secondary nutrients, and micronutrients.

    When Should I Fertilize My Indoor Plants?

    Plants are good at letting you know when they need water or more sunlight but not so good at letting you know when they need fertilizer. Stagnant growth is often the biggest indicator and is not as glaringly obvious as a wilted or yellowing leaf.

    I primarily use my houseplant fertilizer during the summer. While plants have different needs, these fertilizing guidelines will apply to most houseplants. The plants may live inside, but they grow most in the summer. Since we want to encourage growth, this is the best time to apply fertilizer.

    Begin fertilizing in late spring or approximately 8 weeks before the season’s last frost. Start off with smaller doses of fertilizer and work your way up to full strength for the summer. Based on the plant, I use my liquid fertilizer for my indoor plants anywhere from once a week to once a month.

    It’s also a good practice to add a slow-release dry fertilizer at planting and again annually. I do this at the beginning of summer.

    When summer comes to a close, we want to ease up on fertilizing. Slowly stop fertilizing so that by the first frost, you are no longer adding fertilizer to your indoor plants. They will remain dormant for the winter and will not require any fertilizer.

    pothos plant sitting next to watering can
    Like the plants outdoors, indoor plants do most of the growing during the summer months.

    Should I Fertilize My Sick Plant?

    Fertilizers are necessary for indoor plants to thrive but do not solve all plant health issues. Some well-meaning plant parents over-fertilize plants because they think the plant has a nutrient deficiency.

    If you have a sick plant, there may be other reasons for their issues. Fertilizers simply enhance the nutrients, so it will only help if your plant is lacking nutrients. Specific nutrient deficiencies will show up as plant health indicators, such as disease, pests, dieback, and discoloration.

    Plants can be sick for many reasons. If you have healthy indoor soil, like this indoor soil mix from my soil recipes, then soil fertility is not likely to be the issue. If your plant has pests, yellowing leaves from over-watering, browning leaves from too much sun, or other indicators, fertilizer will not act as miracle medicine. Make sure you know what problem your plant faces before you start fertilizing it like crazy!

    dying pilea leaf
    Fertilizer won’t revive a dead plant unless the problem is not getting enough nutrients.

    How to Make Fertilizer

    Like any good recipe, it’s all about sourcing quality ingredients. These are my must-have ingredients for creating a fertilizer for indoor plants:

    Alfalfa Meal

    Alfalfa meal is a source of nitrogen and potassium, plus a broad spectrum of other minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and the growth hormone triacontanol. It helps to improve the soil structure and helps plants access nutrients.

    alfalfa fertilizer

    Blood Meal

    Blood meal is a by-product of cattle and hog farming that is very high in nitrogen and full of trace minerals. It comes in a dried powder form and can be included in certified organic soil mixes (although this doesn’t necessarily mean that the animal or farm was certified organic).

    Note: Alfalfa meal is a plant-based alternative to blood meal, so if you don’t want to use it, substitute with alfalfa meal.

    Rock Phosphate

    Rock phosphate is a slow-release mineralized source of phosphorous for amending soil. Most home gardens have adequate amounts of phosphorous in the soil and, therefore, are not needed. However, it helps fertilize plants in potting soil and encourages flowering in plants.

    Rock phosphate pile on white background
    Rock phosphate

    Kelp Meal

    Kelp meal has low levels of nitrogen and potassium but works as a soil amendment due to its multitude of readily available trace elements and over 60 naturally chelated minerals. This seaweed extract also improves soil structure, prevents nutrient leaching, and increases soil’s water-holding capacity.

    pile of kelp meal on white background
    Kelp meal

    Rainwater

    Tap water that comes from municipal sources is often treated with chlorine to remove and suppress microorganism growth. We want to encourage the growth of beneficial organisms as well as retain a plant’s herbal properties. If you don’t have a large enough supply of available rainwater, then allow water to sit in a wide-mouth bucket for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate or use boiled (then cooled) water.

    indoor plant fertilizer with hydrangea
    Avoid the use of chlorine in your organic houseplant fertilizer.

    Organic Fertilizer for Indoor Plants

    This DIY fertilizer only takes a few moments to make and will give you plenty of fertilizer to cover all your houseplants for a few months.

    Materials

    Make It!

    1. Measure the ingredients and add them to a glass bottle or jar with a lid. Stir well to combine and shake well before each use.
    2. Dilute the fertilizer by adding ½ cup (120 ml) of the liquid fertilizer blend into 4 cups (950 ml) of water in a watering can. Water houseplants with the diluted fertilizer mix monthly in spring and summer and discontinue use in fall and winter.
    3. Use the diluted fertilizer immediately. Store the prepared fertilizer in a cool, dark location for up to 3 months. Discard if the liquid shows signs of spoilage, such as discoloration, mold, or an unpleasant odor.
    bottle of homemade organic fertilizer for houseplants
    Store for up to three months. Discard if it shows signs of spoilage.

    If you’re interested in learning more fertilizer recipes, such as ones for outdoor plants or granular fertilizer blends, be sure to check out my book, Garden Alchemy. With over 80 organic gardening recipes, keep your indoor and outdoor plants thriving and natural.

    Organic Fertilizer FAQ

    Where can I find these ingredients? Do you have to buy them in bulk?

    Many of these ingredients will be available at garden centres or landscape supply stores. I’ve linked to them throughout the article for those I could find available online. It’s difficult to purchase these in small quantities, so getting them in bulk is your best option. They will last for years when stored properly, and you can make your own fertilizer more economically this way.

    How do you use coffee grounds for plants?

    People will add coffee grounds as a DIY source of nutrients to their plants. Coffee grounds are not a significant source of nutrients, though they contain phosphorous and magnesium. However, many people will add them directly to the soil when it should be composted first. So add your coffee grounds to your compost pile, then once composted, sterilize your compost and add it to your houseplants for a nutrient and soil boost.

    How do you know if your houseplants need fertilizer?

    If your houseplant isn’t pushing out any new growth or stopped flowering, it’s likely a fertilizer problem. They may also have weak stems or show lighter discolouration in the leaves.

    More Tips for Growing Houseplants

    Houseplant Fertilizer for Healthy Indoor Plants

    100% natural, this DIY houseplant fertilizer recipe will keep your houseplants happy, healthy, and blooming for stunning indoor displays.

    • Measuring spoons

    • Airtight jar

    • Measure the ingredients and add them to a glass bottle or jar with a lid. Stir well to combine and shake well before each use.

    • Dilute the fertilizer by adding ½cup (120 ml) or the liquid fertilizer blend into 4 cups (950 ml) of water in a watering can. Water houseplants with the diluted fertilizer mix monthly in spring and summer and discontinue use in fall and winter.

    • Use the diluted fertilizer immediately. The prepared fertilizer can be stored in a cool, dark location for up to 3 months. Discard if the liquid shows signs of spoilage such as discoloration, mold, or an unpleasant odor.

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • How to Revive a Sick Air Plant – Garden Therapy

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    Air plants are pretty fascinating—unlike other plants, Tillandsia requires no soil to grow. This makes them a versatile and beautiful addition to any indoor space. However, just because they don’t need soil doesn’t mean they don’t require special care. If you find your plant is looking less than stellar, use this guide to troubleshoot and learn how to revive an air plant. 

    Got a dying or dead air plant? If your air plant is looking dull, a bit brown, or limp, there’s usually one culprit: watering! In fact, these signs could mean that it is very thirsty!

    To revive a sick air plant that has been a tad neglected, shipped from far, far away, or is just looking a little under the weather, this air plant care guide will show you how to perk it back up!

    This post will cover…

    Do I Have a Dead Air Plant?

    Just like anything, there is a point of no return when it comes to air plant health. That being said, people often think they have a dead air plant when in reality the plant is just struggling a bit but can easily be nursed back to health.

    A dead air plant will be completely rotten, AKA all the leaves are mushy at the base and will fall off. Or, it has already turned brown and crunchy.

    In most cases, air plants are not truly dead but instead in the process of dying. This means that with a little TLC, your Tillandsia can perk back up and even begin to thrive!

    air plant growing in a seashell white sitting on a wooden table
    Brown tips can occur from not enough water or too much sunlight, which is fairly common.

    How to Revive an Air Plant

    A healthy air plant should have leaves that range from green to gray. When you pick up the plant, it should stay intact. In other words, on a healthy air plant, leaves should not fall.

    There are several things you can do to revive a plant. Here are the steps I take to help my air plants regain their health.

    Give the Air Plant an Overnight Soak

    The first place I always start when I’m reviving an air plant is with watering. Remember, air plants don’t require soil, but that does not mean they don’t need water. Just like every other living being, water is absolutely essential to air plants!

    Since air plants do not have soil, they have to absorb moisture and that all-important water through their leaves rather than a root system. There have been too many times I have heard that garden centers recommend spritzing air plants with water a few times a week. In my experience, this is not enough water and will leave the plant thirsty. If this happens long enough, it will lead to a dead air plant, sadly!

    how to revive a dead air plant with water
    Air plants should be soaked in water, not spritzed or misted.

    How Long Should I Soak My Air Plant?

    To ensure my air plants meet their water requirements, I give them an hour-long bath. In the warmer summer months, I do this weekly, and in the winter, about every three weeks or so. I live in the rainforest, so I like to use rainwater. However, you can use tap water as well! Just leave the water out for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate.

    Then, simply remove the air plant from whatever container it is in and submerge it in a bowl of water. The bowl should be large enough that the plant can submerge totally.

    Leave it in the bath for an hour or so, then take it out. Give your air plant a few gentle shakes while upside down to make sure the water isn’t pooling in its leaves.

    Tip the air plant upside down or on its side to ensure it has fully dried out before placing it back in its container. Pooling water can rot your air plant, so don’t skip this step.

    For troubleshooting and for even more information on proper water, read this article I put together about how to water air plants.

    air plants drying on a wire rack
    Leave your air plants to fully dry after their bath.

    Make Sure Your Air Plant Has Air!

    This may seem obvious, but your air plant needs oxygen to live! There are many images floating around of air plants stored in a closed jar that make me shake my head—the plant cannot survive in an airtight environment!

    The solution is easy—you can still keep your cute jar terrarium, but make sure to leave the lid cracked or open so air can circulate freely.

    Air plants in sealed vs. unsealed terrariums. Tillandsia need air circulation.
    Make sure your air plant is getting air circulation.

    Remove Dead Leaves

    You’ll also want to remove any dead leaves from a sick air plant by gently tugging at them to see if they come off. If they remove easily, they are dead. If the whole plant falls apart when you do this, you’ve got a dead air plant that has already bit the dust, unfortunately.

    However, if only a few leaves come off and the inside leaves are green and healthy-looking, your air plant is going to make it with the proper care!

    air plant with dead leaves
    Dead leaves should easily come off.

    Look at the Tips of Your Air Plant

    If the tips of your air plant are turning brown, try using rainwater or unchlorinated water, as described above. If you are not giving them chlorine, but they are still turning brown, then your plant may not be getting enough water.

    Give them an overnight bath, then make sure that you are bathing them more often.

    air plant with brown leaves
    Brown tips occur from chlorinated water or not enough water.

    What if My Air Plant Falls Apart?

    If you have a green air plant that just falls apart, you’ve got a dead air plant on your hands. This probably occurred due to sitting in standing water too long, or it was not shaken off properly after bath time.

    Read the section about watering again, and you’ll surely have better luck with the next one!

    air plants in need of soaking and pruning
    Air plants in need of soaking and pruning.

    Sick Air Plant FAQ

    Should I soak my blooming air plant?

    First of all, congratulations! It can be hard to get an air plant to bloom, so you’re doing things right. Air plant flowers should not get wet, as it can cause them to rot. Try to water your air plant by submerging the leaves only, and not the flower.

    Can I remove a dead flower from an air plant?

    Yes, you can remove the flower. It should fall off on its own, but you can also cut it back to where it is brown. Now that the plant has flowered, it should set pups, and the mother plant will die back. Don’t be concerned when this happens because it’s all part of the life cycle.

    My air plant is changing colour. Is this normal?

    Changing colours for an air plant can mean a lot of different things, especially since there are so many varieties. If it’s brightening, it’s likely blooming or adapting to the environment; this is no cause of concern. Many tillandsias turn redish.

    If the colour is fading, it might not be getting enough light or water. If there is brown or black colouring, especially at the base, this could be a sign of rot.

    How do you water an air plant that is glued to something?

    This is one of my pet peeves about air plants because it’s difficult to take care of them once they’re permanently attached to something. If you’re able, you can try to soak the entire thing, but this can make it difficult to dry properly, so your air plant can rot. Your best bet is to spritz it regularly, every day if needed.

    I keep my air plants in these homemade wire and rock displays where I can easily remove them for their bath.

    I hope this guide helps you revive an air plant and keep your plant collection thriving! If you love air plants as much as I do, be sure to check out the articles below.

    More Tips for Growing Air Plants

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • Find Good Fortune With The Chinese Money Plant – Garden Therapy

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    The handsome Chinese Money Plant has taken the world (and internet) by storm, famous for its unique coin-shaped leaves and deep green colour. But don’t let its delicacy intimidate you! These gorgeous plants are easy to care for and, with a little patience, will make an excellent, propagation-friendly addition to your indoor jungle.

    Meet the Chinese Money Plant

    The Chinese Money Plant, or Pilea peperomioides, originates from the Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in southern China, where it loves to grow on rocky mountainsides. This flowering beauty belongs to the nettle family, but don’t worry, it won’t sting you!

    In fact, it was once believed to bring good fortune due to its distinct, coin-like leaves. It is also commonly called Pilea, Pancake Plant, UFO Plant, or Friendship Plant.

    These plants typically grow to reach 30 cm in height and in the right conditions can double in size in only a year, making them perfect and rewarding indoor companions for both home and apartment dwellers.

    If you’re willing to invest extra care into this plant, you could even see it bloom, revealing delicate white or pink flowers grown from a purple stem. Below I’ll show you how easy it is to help your pilea thrive.

    This post will cover…

    chinese money plant carechinese money plant care

    Chinese Money Plant Care

    Location

    Looking to keep your Chinese Money Plant looking as beautiful as when you bought it? This plant loves a bright room kept between 13°C to 30°C—if you have an east-facing window, this little guy would love to be near it in a ceramic pot with a good drainage hole.

    Sun

    The Chinese Money plant loves bright, indirect light. It’ll love a window, but not the scorching sun! If placed in a west-facing window that gets intense afternoon sun, you’ll see the leaves burn and lighten, and in too much shade the plant could grow tall and lanky.

    If your only window options get a lot of direct sunlight, fear not! Investing in a simple, sheer curtain will do this plant a world of good.

    Chinese money plant babiesChinese money plant babies

    Water

    Year-round you can let pilea almost dry out between waterings (but not bone dry!), as it doesn’t like to be soaked. Typically you can expect to water your Chinese Money Plant once a week, but make sure to give the soil a quick touch before watering to make sure it isn’t already damp. If you lift your plant and it feels very light, you might have waited too long between waterings and it could use a good drink.

    If one day you spot some of the leaves yellowing—the worst, I know!—it’s likely due to overwatering. Try not to panic and make sure to let the soil dry out before giving it its next water. If your plant is sitting on a saucer that fills after watering, don’t let it sit in that extra water for more than a couple of hours.

    chinese money plantchinese money plant

    Soil

    Your plant will thank you if given well-drained potting soil, as it doesn’t like to be soggy. Ideally, a soil based on peat coir fiber and perlite will give your plant all the nutrients and drainage it needs to stay happy and growing.

    Fertilizer

    Though it might be tempting to generously fertilize this pretty plant in the hope of speedy growth and new daughter plants, the Chinese Money Plant only needs fertilization once a month during spring and summer when it is actively growing. It’s best not to fertilize dry soil, so try adding your diluted fertilizer a day after your usual watering.

    Common Issues

    A common problem you might face with Pilea is yellowing leaves, often due to overwatering. If you see this start to happen, don’t panic! Gently remove the yellow leaves and allow the soil to dry out before your next watering.

    If you’re noticing your plant start to droop, it’s thirsty! Give it a good drink and allow the water to drain out of the pot.

    dying pilea leafdying pilea leaf

    How to Propagate Chinese Money Plants

    Chinese Money Plants are generous propagators, hence its nickname the Friendship Plant! As your plant grows, you might start to see small daughter plants, also called offsets or pups, growing near the base of the original plant that you can separate and share with your fellow plant-lovers.

    Once these offsets grow to an inch or two tall, you’ll be able to separate them into their own pot. Dig gently into the dirt around the daughter plant to expose the roots, then snip it free from the original plant with a clean, sharp pair of scissors.

    propagating chinese money plantspropagating chinese money plants

    There should be a small number of roots attached to the new plant to be planted in its new pot with fresh soil. If you accidentally cut off all the roots of this new offset, all is not lost. Pop the cut end of the plant into a little bit of water and wait for new roots to grow, then repot into the new soil.

    chinese money plant pupchinese money plant pup

    Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Money Plants

    What is the Meaning of Chinese Money Plant?

    The Chinese Money Plant earned its name from its round, circular leaves that resemble coins. They used to be considered good luck and capable of bringing their owner’s good fortune, and with how easy it is to propagate them, I like to believe they still can!

    Why Are My Chinese Money Plant’s Leaves Curling?

    If you notice your plant’s leaves start to curl, there could be a number of causes. Most commonly this indicates too little light—your leafy friend might need a brighter spot in your home.

    It could also be due to temperatures being too low or too high (this plant’s sweet spot is typically 13°C to 20°C) or incorrect watering. Make sure to follow the care tips above and given a little time and correction, these curled leaves should unfurl.

    Note: new leaves will always grow in curled, but they should flatten out over time as they get bigger.

    Are Chinese Money Plants Safe for Cats?

    Chinese Money Plants really are a good fortune for pet lovers! These beauties are non-toxic to both cats and dogs and thus are safe to keep in your home with curious furry friends.

    Pilea PeperomioidesPilea Peperomioides

    Do you have a Chinese Money Plant at home? Let me know any other care questions you may have in the comments down below!

    More Houseplant Care Guides

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • Gorgeous Indoor Plants that LOVE the Dark

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    These are the best low light indoor plants! If you need to brighten up a dark corner or add a little life to your basement, one of these gorgeous low light plants are sure to do the trick. Here’s which plants thrive without rays, and how to care for them.

    Adding plants to the house is my favorite way to bring a little lift to any room. Having plants around makes everything feel lighter, brighter, and more alive. Whether you are new plant parents or seasoned plant owners, houseplants add color and texture to a room, purify the air, and just look nice.

    In this post, we will cover:

    The Best Houseplants for Low LightThe Best Houseplants for Low Light
    Jade, pothos, and a peace lily.

    The Biology of Low Light Indoor Plants

    But what about when you have lighting conditions that are less than ideal? Often people think you can only have house plants in bright spaces that receive plenty of nutrients from the sun. Thankfully, that isn’t always the case.

    A handful of tropical, broad-leaf plants are primed for low-light conditions through basic biology: large leaves that soak up as much light as possible. Some also have a waxy outer layer that helps to retain moisture and makes them double-duty crowd-pleasers and low-maintenance indoor plants as well.

    How to Care for Low Light Plants Indoors

    I often get asked about the care of indoor plants that prefer low light, and my answer is always the same: it depends on the type of plant.

    That being said, it is generally true that low light plants don’t require much water, so caring for them can be as simple as planting them in well-drained soil and watering on a monthly basis.

    Great Read: Grow in the Dark

    Grow in the dark - cover of a book about low light plant careGrow in the dark - cover of a book about low light plant care

    I originally wrote this post years ago, but I wanted to update this to include a bit of info about a fantastic resource for growing plants in the darker areas of your home. Grow in the Dark is written by the houseplant guru, Lisa Eldfred Steinbkopf.

    I had the chance to meet Lisa at an event in Dallas last year after being a long time fan of her as a houseplant expert. She has another book that I refer to all the time for houseplant care, Houseplants: The Complete Guide to Choosing, Growing, and Caring for Indoor Plants.

    If you’re interested in diving deep into the fascinating world of low light plants, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Grow in the Dark. I’m including some quotes and info from Lisa throughout this post.

    9 Houseplants to Grow in Low-Light Areas

    Here are a few of my favorite low-light houseplants. I hope they bring as much cheer to your home as they have to mine!

    1. Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)

    Aglaonema has striking variegated leaves in shades of red, pink, yellow, and green. Pop this plant in a space that needs some color and you won’t have any need for flowers.

    Chinese evergreens thrive in low-light areas and they are also very drought tolerant, so if you forget to water it for a while there will be no harm done. Perfect for people new to houseplants or those who consider themselves “black thumb gardeners.”

    When choosing a Chinese evergreen, pay close attention to the color of the plant, says Steinbkopf. “The older hybrids, mostly green colored, can take low light and grow well. The newer colorful hybrids need medium light and do well in an east or west window. If placed in low light, they will lose their bright coloration.” – Grow in the Dark

    Chinese evergreen with variegated red and green leavesChinese evergreen with variegated red and green leaves

    2. Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant)

    Spider plants love low light and do not require much attention other than occasional watering when the soil feels dry. They send out long spindly green foliage and small white flowers that will cascade down the edge of their container, making them a great choice for an indoor hanging basket.

    Spider plant with low light settingSpider plant with low light setting

    3. Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant)

    These low-maintenance houseplants look like small tropical palms, so they will bring a ray of sunshine to that dim, drab area you’ve been meaning to spruce up. Place it somewhere that doesn’t get any direct sunlight and water occasionally, being careful not to overwater. Here’s a bit more info about watering this plant:

    “It is important to water evenly over the whole potting medium to avoid rotting the corn plant’s canes. These canes can have small root systems and may need to be straightened after traveling home as well as later as they settle in. Be careful when straightening the canes not to firm the medium too much, which will compact it and force the oxygen out. As they grow, the root systems will get larger and be better able to support the canes.” – Grow in the Dark

    Keep in mind that corn plant is toxic to a pet such as a cat or dog, so if you have a furry friend that likes to chew on the houseplants, skip this one.

    Corn plant thriving in low light.Corn plant thriving in low light.

    4. Epipremnum aureum (Pothos / Devil’s Ivy)

    If you want a plant that can lend itself to a hanging basket in a low-light spot, this one’s for you! Plant it in a basket or up on a pedestal and watch the variegated green vines trail down in an elegant display.

    pothos hanging from picture framepothos hanging from picture frame

    5. Maranta leuconeura (Prayer Plant)

    Marantha leuconeura is a good choice if you want something with a low light indoor plant with bright foliage to add a pop of color to a drab area of the house because its leaves have variegation in rich green, purple, yellow, and red.

    This houseplant needs to be kept out of direct sunlight in order for the variegated pattern on the leaves to remain vibrant. Plant it in well-draining soil and mist its leaves regularly. The leaves will point upwards at night like hands in prayer, which is where it got its common name “prayer plant.”

    Prayer plant with green leaves and red markingsPrayer plant with green leaves and red markings

    6. Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid)

    How to Make an Orchid Humidity TrayHow to Make an Orchid Humidity Tray

    If you want something that blooms to bring a little color to a dark corner of your home, choose a moth orchid! You may need to stake the stems to give added support, but this plant thrives indoors.

    They like low light and will bloom away happily if planted in a soil-less orchid mix, watered regularly, and given a simple humidity tray.

    7. Sansevieria (Snake Plant)

    Snake plants are known for being difficult to kill, so they are perfect for a small windowless bathroom, stairway, or bedroom corner. Sansevieria is a type of succulent, which means it retains water in its leaves and can be easy to overwater. Pay attention and only water when the soil feels completely dry to the touch, every three weeks or so.

    snake plant in potsnake plant in pot

    8. Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)

    These pretty houseplants have lush, dark green leaves and delicate white flowers. In addition to being beautiful, they also do an exceptional job of cleaning the air and keeping it healthy for us. Peace lilies do well in dark or bright areas, so feel free to place these all over your home if you like!

    These plants like to be kept moist and humid. Water regularly and mist the leaves as well to keep your peace lily happy and blooming. If you aren’t watering it enough, you will know because the leaves will droop.

    Don’t worry, if you see this happening. Just give it a good drink and watch it perk back up in no time. Peace lilies take well to propagation. You can divide them and get new plants for other dark areas in your home.

    Peace lily indoorsPeace lily indoors

    9. Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Zee Zee Plant)

    Not only does this houseplant grow happily in low-light areas of the home, but the zz plant is also very low maintenance. It can be left alone with no attention at all for long periods of time, so you can go on vacation and not worry about coming home to a dead plant. Its glossy, bright green leaves add a cheerful pop of color to any dark space.

    Plus, this plant is one that can propagate! Here’s what Grow in the Dark has to say:

    “The unusual part of this plant is that it can grow new plants from an individual leaflet, but it takes quite a long time. Place the cut end into moist potting medium and cover with plastic or glass. This process may take many months. The plant can also be divided.”

    ZZ plant in a decorative display with small gourds and knick knacksZZ plant in a decorative display with small gourds and knick knacks

    There you have it! Go ahead and add some plants to that drab corner–you’ll be amazed at how much more welcoming it looks and how much better you feel as a result.

    More Posts About House Plants

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • Houseplants as Biofilters: Do Indoor Plants Really Purify the Air? – Garden Therapy

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    Have you heard all the buzz about how indoor plants purify the air in your home? I always see labels on plants and websites touting the power of plants in purifying. While this is true, it may not be to the extent that they’re making it out to be. Let me explain.

    It’s true that plants are biofilters, a term often used for systems that use plants or microorganisms to clean air in order to combat pollution and the presence of harmful toxins.

    This technology is usually used on a large scale for wastewater treatment facilities and chemical plants, but any system that filters out toxins is a biological filter…and that includes plants, animals, insects, and even you!

    Does that mean that all the microbes, pollution, and viruses are filtered out of the air if you have some houseplants? There are many myths and claims out there about what houseplants can do for your air quality, so I did a little research on the truth about houseplants and air quality.

    Let’s get into it!

    Plants as Biofilters

    The past couple of summers have been terrible for forest fires here in British Columbia. I’m lucky enough to live in a part of the province where my home wasn’t threatened by fire, but the smoke from wildfires across the province made its way here and caused me to have lung problems, headaches, and stinging eyes.

    I have been so grateful to have my plants during these smoky seasons, because they make a difference in the freshness of the air, both outside in the garden and inside the house.

    You can immediately notice the amazing air quality when you’re outside surrounded by plants.

    All of this got me thinking a lot about air quality, and how indoor air quality is often pretty bad, wildfire season or not. Even if you’re never exposed to wildfire smoke (which I hope is the case!), with technology running constantly, forced heating in the winter, and an increase in chemicals used in everyday life, there is a need more than even for air-purifying measures to be taken within the home.

    Which, of course, got me thinking about plants. There’s a lot of hype out there about how indoor plants purify the air, but I wasn’t sure how much of that was true, so I did a little research of my own to learn how plants work as biofilters and how effective they really are at cleaning up airborne toxins.

    Plants produce oxygen, which removes some airborne microbes, mold spores, and bacteria from the air we breathe (thanks, plants!).

    In addition to producing oxygen and cleaning up the air that way, plants also use their roots to get rid of toxins. The roots actually absorb harmful toxins and convert them into nutrients, which they then use to grow. This is the ultimate in upcycling!

    Even if they don’t fully clean the air, houseplants are lovely just on their own!

    Do Indoor Plants Really Purify the Air?

    This is probably not the first time you’ve heard that indoor plants purify the air, but did you know that houseplants can also absorb contaminants like benzene and formaldehyde?

    These might not sound like things that are hanging around your house, but many cosmetics, cleaning products, and cigarette smoke contain these, making them common toxins around many homes.

    Houseplants even absorb some harmful radiation given off by technology such as computers and cellphones, but they probably can’t absorb enough of it to significantly reduce the health risks that these technologies entail.

    Peace lily indoorsPeace lily indoors
    Peace lilies are one of the most effective plant biofilters.

    Although there have been a few high-profile studies done to prove the effectiveness of plants at filtering air (yes, that NASA), these studies have all been done in small, sealed environments.

    Larger, open spaces like houses will not make it so easy for plants to purify the air quite as effectively and there is no evidence that they make a big enough difference to drastically improve health. That being said, they certainly can’t hurt. At the very least, houseplants will remove some toxins from the air and give you a healthy dose of indoor garden therapy.

    herbs growing on a windowherbs growing on a window

    The Best Air-Filtering Houseplants

    Some indoor plants purify the air, or more accurately filter the air, more than others. Here is a list of common houseplants that draw the most toxins out of the air.

    • Peace lily (Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’)
    • English ivy (Hedera helix)
    • Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
    • Snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata’Laurentii’)
    • Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
    • Elephant ear (Philodendron domesticum)
    • Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
    • Gerbera daisy or Barberton daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
    • Pot mum or florist’s chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium)
    prevent and treat fungus gnatsprevent and treat fungus gnats

    Adding a few (or a lot) of these low-maintenance houseplants to your home can make a difference in the quality of the air you breathe, but not as big a difference as many articles claim. They are a beautiful and welcoming addition around the house and can boost your mood, so I say the more houseplants, the better!

    houseplants in a wooden framehouseplants in a wooden frame
    Pothos are a great beginning plant since they enjoy low light.

    More Tips for Growing Houseplants

     

     

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • 35 Best Indoor Plants for Tiny Pots and Small Spaces – Growing Family

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    If you’re anything like me, you can never resist a new plant – but sometimes the only pots we’ve got left are the teeny-tiny ones. Don’t be out off though: just because you’ve only got small plant pots doesn’t mean you can’t create a gorgeous little display. In fact, the right tiny plants for tiny pots can bring just as much impact as their bigger cousins, without taking up too much space.

    Perfect for small spaces, shelves, desks, office space, or even miniature gardens and fairy gardens, these small indoor potted plants are a great way to add fresh greenery where you least expect it.

    The trick is picking the best plants for very small pots – the ones that actually enjoy life in smaller pots and don’t sulk if they can’t spread their roots too far. That’s where this guide comes in!

    Turn tiny spaces into lush miniature gardens! This guide to plants for very small pots shares care tips, plant profiles, and the best cute indoor plants for limited space. From succulent plants to leafy favourites, discover 35 mini plants that bring big style to small plant pots.

    Common challenges with small pots

    Before we dive into the cute indoor plants themselves, let’s be real about the downsides of tiny pots. The most common issues with growing plants in small pots are:

    • Drying out quickly – with less soil, water evaporates faster, so tiny plants often need more frequent watering.
    • Root crowding – some house plants outgrow a mini pot in no time, so knowing when to repot is key.
    • Drainage problems – excess water has nowhere to go in smaller pots without drainage holes, and this can lead to root rot.
    • Lack of nutrients – less soil means plants can struggle to access nutrients, so you may need to use indoor plant food more often to keep them happy.
    • Stability – top-heavy small houseplants sometimes topple if the pot is too light.

    That said, with the right conditions and a bit of proper care, plants in tiny pots can absolutely thrive.

    The best indoor plants for tiny pots

    Here’s my pick of the best plants for small pots. Whether you’re after succulent plants, tropical plants, or carnivorous plants, there’s something for everyone.

    african violet potted plantafrican violet potted plant

    1. African Violet (Saintpaulia)

    African Violets are classic indoor plants for small pots. Their fuzzy green leaves and small flowers in purple, pink, or white are just gorgeous. They love bright light but no direct sun. You need to keep the soil evenly damp for the best blooms.

    a person repotting an areca palma person repotting an areca palm

    2. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

    A miniature version of this palm in a smaller pot is perfect for desks. With its elegant, feathery green leaves, this tropical plant prefers bright indirect light and high humidity.

    great plants for tiny pots - asparagus ferngreat plants for tiny pots - asparagus fern

    3. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus)

    Not a true fern, but with delicate, airy foliage. It loves partial shade and a little extra humidity. Keep the soil just moist and don’t let it dry out completely.

    jade plant in small potjade plant in small pot

    4. Baby Jade Plant (Crassula ovate)

    A smaller version of the classic succulent plant, with thick green leaves. It likes well-drained soil, minimal watering, and bright light.

    potted baby rubber plantspotted baby rubber plants

    5. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)

    A cute little addition with glossy, rounded leaves. This perfect houseplant is tough and doesn’t need much water. Great for an office space as it tolerates indirect sunlight.

    potted baby's tears plantpotted baby's tears plant

    6. Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)

    This cute houseplant produces a mat of tiny green leaves that spill beautifully over a mini pot. It’s perfect in a miniature indoor garden or as ground cover for larger plants. Keep in partial shade and moist soil.

    boston fern potted plantboston fern potted plant

    7. Boston Fern ‘Mini Russells’ (Nephrolepis exaltata)

    A smaller version of the classic fern, with arching fronds that look lush in a miniature plant pot. Loves high humidity, indirect sunlight, and evenly damp soil.

    great plants for tiny pots - bunny ear cactusgreat plants for tiny pots - bunny ear cactus

    8. Bunny Ear Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)

    A quirky succulent plant with flat pads that look like rabbit ears. Loves bright sun and well-drained soil. Minimal watering is key – too much leads to root rot.

    a person watering Chinese money plantsa person watering Chinese money plants

    9. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

    One of the most perfect plants for tiny pots. Round, coin-shaped leaves make this a favourite for plant lovers. Likes bright indirect light and drying out a little between waterings.

    plants for tiny pots - donkey's tail plant Sedum morganianumplants for tiny pots - donkey's tail plant Sedum morganianum

    10. Donkey’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

    A trailing with bead-like leaves, perfect for shelves. Needs bright sun and good drainage.

    closeup of aloe vera plantcloseup of aloe vera plant

    11. Dwarf Aloe (Aloe vera)

    A compact succulent that thrives in bright light with minimal care. A great gift for anyone new to indoor plants.

    12. Dwarf Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

    This elegant fern has soft, feathery foliage and enjoys partial shade and moist soil. A delicate but resilient miniature plant.

    echeveria plants in tiny potsecheveria plants in tiny pots

    13. Echeveria

    These popular rosette-forming succulents love bright sunlight. Keep the soil dry between waterings.

    potted ivy plantpotted ivy plant

    14. Ivy ‘Feenfinger’ (Hedera helix)

    A compact ivy with slender, finger-like leaves. Ideal for trailing from smaller pots. Likes partial shade and moist soil.

    15. Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus)

    Strappy, grass-like leaves perfect for a miniature garden. Tolerates partial shade and well-drained soil.

    Nephrolepis ‘Fluffy Ruffles’ plantNephrolepis ‘Fluffy Ruffles’ plant

    16. Nephrolepis ‘Fluffy Ruffles’

    A smaller, bushy fern that thrives in high humidity. Loves bright indirect light and makes a cute little addition to a desk.

    potted fittonia plantspotted fittonia plants

    17. Nerve Plant (Fittonia)

    Fittonias have striking green leaves that are veined with pink or white. It prefers indirect sunlight and high humidity. A stunning addition to a miniature garden.

    peace lily plantpeace lily plant

    18. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

    Compact versions of this well-known plant are suited to smaller pots. Glossy green leaves and elegant white flowers. Prefers indirect sunlight and evenly moist soil.

    potted philodendron plantpotted philodendron plant

    19. Philodendron

    There are lots of smaller versions of this classic house plant. Heart-shaped leaves, trailing growth, and tolerance for low light make it a great option.

    A closeup shot of fresh foliage of pilea plantA closeup shot of fresh foliage of pilea plant

    20. Pilea Glauca

    Tiny silvery leaves that trail gracefully. Perfect in miniature gardens. Needs bright indirect light and a little humidity.

    parlour palm plantparlour palm plant

    21. Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

    Slow-growing tropical plant that does brilliantly in low light. Great for limited space.

    ideal plants for tiny pots - polka dot plantideal plants for tiny pots - polka dot plant

    22. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

    Bright splashes of pink, red, or white on the leaves. Loves bright indirect light. Pinch back tips to keep it compact in smaller pots.

    potted pothos plantpotted pothos plant

    23. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

    Fast-growing, trailing, and very forgiving, Pothos is a perfect houseplant for beginners. Handles low light and minimal care.

    great plants for tiny pots - a small potted calathea plantgreat plants for tiny pots - a small potted calathea plant

    24. Prayer Plant (Calathea)

    Known for their bold patterned leaves, Calatheas love high humidity and indirect sunlight. A good option if you want striking tropical plants.

    great plants for tiny pots - oxalis purple shamrockgreat plants for tiny pots - oxalis purple shamrock

    25. Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)

    Beautiful purple leaves that fold at night. Also produces small flowers in pale pink. Likes bright indirect light.

    plants for tiny pots - scotch mossplants for tiny pots - scotch moss

    26. Scotch Moss (Sagina subulata)

    A soft, cushion-like mat of green that’s brilliant in fairy gardens. Needs moist soil and partial shade.

    small snake plant in a potsmall snake plant in a pot

    27. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

    Smaller cultivars of Sansevieria will thrive in tiny pots. The upright, sword-like leaves can tolerate bright light or low light, and minimal watering.

    plants for tiny pots - string of hearts plant in white potplants for tiny pots - string of hearts plant in white pot

    28. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

    A trailing succulent with heart-shaped leaves. Needs bright indirect light and a dry spell between waterings.

    String of pearls succulent plant in a white ceramic potString of pearls succulent plant in a white ceramic pot

    29. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

    An iconic succulent plant with bead-like leaves. Best in bright light and well-drained soil. Avoid excess water.

    plants for tiny pots - string of turtles plant in terracotta potplants for tiny pots - string of turtles plant in terracotta pot

    30. String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata)

    Tiny round leaves patterned like turtle shells. Ideal for mini pots in bright indirect light.

    plants for tiny pots - hoya kerii sweetheart plantplants for tiny pots - hoya kerii sweetheart plant

    31. Sweetheart Plant (Hoya Kerrii)

    That heart-shaped leaf is the ultimate cute plant. Often sold as a single leaf in a mini pot. Needs bright indirect light and a light watering touch.

    tradescantia planttradescantia plant

    32. Tradescantia

    Trailing house plant with stripy purple leaves. Loves bright indirect light. Pinch tips for a fuller look.

    great plants for tiny pots - venus flytrapgreat plants for tiny pots - venus flytrap

    33. Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)

    One of the most interesting plants you can grow in a tiny pot. A true carnivorous plant. Needs bright sunlight, moist soil, and distilled water only.

    weeping fig plant in straw basket potweeping fig plant in straw basket pot

    34. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

    Choose a smaller version for a mini pot. Glossy leaves, elegant growth. Likes bright indirect light.

    great plants for tiny pots - zebra cactus plantgreat plants for tiny pots - zebra cactus plant

    35. Zebra Cactus (Haworthia)

    A succulent with stripy, spiky leaves. Enjoys bright indirect light and needsv minimal care.

    small potted plants on a wooden shelfsmall potted plants on a wooden shelf

    Care tips for indoor plants

    So you’ve chosen your plants for tiny pots, and now you need to make sure they thrive! These care tips will help you keep them happy.

    • Choosing the right location: Depending on the plant, you may need a spot in  bright indirect light, partial shade, or direct sun. Check out the care instructions on the plant label, or look them up online if there isn’t one.
    • Drainage: Always use a pot with drainage holes to avoid root rot. If that’s not possible, add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot.
    • Watering: Tiny pots dry quickly, so check the soil often. When you water, do it sparingly – excess water is the quickest way to kill mini plants.
    • Feeding: A plant food designed for indoor plants will keep miniature plants happy. Always use plant food according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Cleaning leaves: Dust off large leaves with a damp cloth or soft brush.
    • Pest control: Keep an eye out for aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites. Catching them early makes life much easier.
    • Repotting: When your small plants outgrow their mini pots, move them to a larger pot with well-drained soil.
    a person planting plants in small potsa person planting plants in small pots

    Useful tools for plants in tiny pots

    You don’t need lots of kit to care for small indoor plants, but there are a few items that will make you a better plant parent:

    • Miniature hand trowel – makes planting and repotting so much easier.
    • Spray mister – essential for humidity-loving plants like ferns or fittonia.
    • Indoor watering can – with a slim spout to avoid splashes, and ideally a rose attachment for when you need to water gently.
    • Pruning snips – perfect for trimming back tiny plants or deadheading small flowers.
    • Support sticks and clips – keep taller plants upright in smaller planters.
    • Watering indicator – helps you avoid both drought and excess water.

    Tiny pots don’t mean you’re limited to boring plant options – far from it. With the right plants for small pots, you can create a miniature garden on your windowsill, add cute plants to your office space, or even grow carnivorous plants like a Venus flytrap for fun. From succulent plants like string of pearls to leafy beauties like African violets, there’s a perfect plant for every corner.

    So next time you come across a mini pot, don’t think of it as a limitation – think of it as an opportunity to try something new. These little plants pack in plenty of style, without taking up too much space.

    More houseplant inspiration

    25 of the easiest houseplants to grow25 of the easiest houseplants to grow
    25 air purifying plants for your home25 air purifying plants for your home
    how to care for orchid plantshow to care for orchid plants

    Pin for later: Best Indoor Plants for Tiny Pots

    Turn tiny spaces into lush miniature gardens! This guide to plants for very small pots shares care tips, plant profiles, and the best cute indoor plants for limited space. From succulent plants to leafy favourites, discover 35 mini plants that bring big style to small plant pots.Turn tiny spaces into lush miniature gardens! This guide to plants for very small pots shares care tips, plant profiles, and the best cute indoor plants for limited space. From succulent plants to leafy favourites, discover 35 mini plants that bring big style to small plant pots.

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    Catherine

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  • African Violet Care: Proper Care and Propagation Tips – Garden Therapy

    African Violet Care: Proper Care and Propagation Tips – Garden Therapy

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    With fuzzy leaves and pretty flowers that come in white, purple, and blue, African violets are a charming houseplant. This guide will show you exactly how to help your favourite houseplant thrive with African violet care tips that really work. Plus, learn how to propagate your plants too!

    African violets are known as friendship plant and are often used as a symbol of loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness. For those reasons, it’s long been a favourite for gifting! Whether you purchased one of these cheerful plants or received one as a gift, this guide will help you keep them thriving.

    I’ll show you how to care for African violets as well as some of my propagation tips so you can have violets galore! It truly is the gift that keeps giving.

    With proper care, African violets can provide almost continuous blooms in a rainbow of colours and leaf shapes. Although flower size, petal type, and colour vary widely, plants generally grow from four to seven inches tall, with hairy leaves and tightly grouped clusters of flowers.

    The African violet belongs to the family Saintpaulia and is native to Africa. They are one of the most popular cultivated houseplants in the world today and are particularly well suited to the home environment. There are now thousands of varieties in existence, with new hybrids being developed almost daily.

    So, without further ado, here’s my African violet care guide!

    Small delicate purple with white fringe flowers of an African Violet houseplant.Small delicate purple with white fringe flowers of an African Violet houseplant.
    While they may appear similar, African violets are not part of the violet family, Violaceae.

    Basics of African Violet Care

    Although African Violets are hardy little plants, they still require their own unique care. Follow these steps and you will have a happy little plant that likes to share their blooms with you.

    Wicking African Violets for Better Water Delivery

    Proper watering is essential to African violet care. In fact, keeping these plants healthy often comes down to watering. By far, the most common way to kill an African violet is to overwater it. There are a few things you can do to ensure you are properly watering your violet.

    Always water at the base of the plant, and avoid getting water on the leaves. Leaves are susceptible to rot if they get too moist. You also want to ensure you only water with room temperature water as cold water can chill the roots and cause your leaves to curl downwards. Only water once a week and allow the plant to completely dry between waterings.

    One ingenious way of making sure your African violets are never over-watered is by setting up a wicking system. To do so, draw three lengths of string from different points at the base of the plant down through the soil and out the hole at the bottom of the pot. With marbles or small stones, raise the pot off the drip tray by at least half an inch. Secure the strings under the layer of stones.

    When you place water in the tray, it is drawn up through the strings into the planting medium where the roots have safe access to it. This method of watering ensures that the plant receives a regular source of moisture but is never left with its roots sitting in water.

    close up shot of purple and white african violets with yellow centersclose up shot of purple and white african violets with yellow centers
    With the right care, African violets can live up to 50 years!

    The Best Soil for African Violets

    For African violets to flourish, they require a special soil composed of two parts peat moss alternatives, one part perlite, and one part standard potting mix. This keeps the soil well-aerated. The soil should be loose and well-drained. You can also add organic matter to the mix if you wish.

    When selecting pots, the smaller the better! African violets do well in small pots and don’t necessarily need to be repotted very often. You can repot into a slightly larger pot once a year, but they also will flourish and produce more blooms when rootbound.

    African Violet Care – Keeping Them Healthy

    African violets are very hardy and do best in indirect or filtered sunlight. If it is getting too much light, you may notice brown spots forming on the plant. On the opposite side, a violet that is not getting enough light will produce thin, dark leaves and leggy stems. Other indicators include yellowing leaves and failure to produce blooms.

    To ensure your plant is getting equal amounts of light, try rotating the pot every time you water. Otherwise, you may notice your plant reaching for the light. This isn’t unique to violets and is actually a good routine to implement for most houseplants.

    I recommend fertilizing your violets every two weeks during the spring and summer seasons. They also need an acidic fertilizer specially designed for them. You can fertilize with specific African violet food or a fertilizer with a high phosphorous level. I make my own fertilizer and use it on all my houseplants. If you notice reduced flowers and pale leaves, it could mean that your violet is not getting enough fertilizer.

    When it comes to temperature, your African violet will follow you. If you feel comfortable, so will your African violet. They also really like humidity, so if that’s something you also enjoy, then you have even more traits in common!

    Although their temperature requirements are not critical if they are maintained in the home, they should be kept well back from the window if temperatures outside are going to be near or below freezing.

    Encouraging More Blooms

    Most people buy African violets to appreciate their blooms. When we fail to get blooms or have very few, that’s when we begin to scratch our heads. If there are no flowers, it could mean the plant is not getting enough light. Alternatively, violets need at least eight hours of darkness to bloom which could be an issue if you use grow lights.

    Another reason could actually be too many leaves. Each rosette of leaves will produce one round of flowers. If you prune off the largest outer layer of leaves, it will encourage more violet blooms.

    As mentioned earlier, keeping your violet rootbound can also encourage them to bloom. Finally, always remove spent flowers and foliage to encourage your violet to produce more. Look at your violet and see if any of these may be the culprit behind zero blooms!

    Propagating African Violets

    Who doesn’t want a ton of tiny little African violets!? I like to propagate African violets often since they look so lovely in clusters. Always be sure to start off with more cuttings than you think you’ll need, as all of them may not be successful.

    Whether you want more or you are propagating a bunch for gifting, this is my surefire way to propagate violets.

    African violet leaf propagation African violet leaf propagation
    Propagating African violets from cuttings are the easiest way to get more plants.
    1. Choose healthy leaves from the middle of the plant, as the outer ones will be too old and the inner ones will be too young.
    2. Make a cutting at the base of the stem, careful to leave no stem on the host plant as it will rot. Shorten your cuttings to one inch.
    3. Water your soil and place it into SMALL containers. Poke a pencil in the soil to make room for the stem.
    4. Optional. Lightly dip your stem into a rooting hormone and tap off the excess. This will help encourage the leaf to grow roots.
    5. Place your stem into the soil, letting the tip of the leaf just touch the surface of the soil. Pat down the soil firmly.
    6. Put a support behind your leaf to help hold it up.
    7. Optional. Place your pots in a makeshift greenhouse, such as an empty salad container. This will help to keep the humidity level in and keep warm temperatures.
    8. Place your cutting in a well-lit, bright spot that won’t get too hot. Wait and be patient!
    9. Transplant when the leaf has sprouted a good root system and a few small leaflets have grown.
    How to propagate African Violets.How to propagate African Violets.
    Wait until there are some leaflets formed before planting your cuttings.

    African Violet Care FAQs

    Can you propagate African violets from seed?

    Most people choose to propagate African violets from cuttings or plant divisions, but it is possible to grow them from seed. However, you need to cross-pollinate two plants for the plant to produce seeds, and the resulting seeds may not be the same type of African violet as the parents.

    For this reason, it’s best to purchase seeds from a reputable seller rather than try to save the seeds yourself. I have not personally grown African violets from seed, but other sources say they’re fairly simple to start from seed.

    Why are my African violet blooms small?

    Your flowers can change based on the conditions in which they grew. When you first get them, they might have big blooms because they grew in a greenhouse with optimal conditions. At your home, they might have less sunlight or fertilizer than they’re used to, so they’ll produce smaller blooms. The more favourable the conditions, the bigger the blooms will be.

    How many times a year do African violets bloom?

    When properly cared for, African violets can bloom year-round. To encourage more blooms, make sure to deadhead any spent blooms by trimming them with sterilized scissors. Correct light is also essential.

    white and purple violetswhite and purple violets

    I hope by now, African violets are a little less intimidating than they were before! With a little planning and understanding, African violets can beautify your home and be fun and easy to grow.

    More Helpful Care Tips

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • How to Get a Christmas Cactus to Bloom: Watering, Propagating + More

    How to Get a Christmas Cactus to Bloom: Watering, Propagating + More

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    A Christmas cactus can add a pop of cheerful colour to your indoor plant collection. Here’s how to care for your Christmas cactus and keep it blooming during the cold winter months.

    Pictured: Thanksgiving cactus

    The Christmas cactus is one of my favourite holiday plants. Pops of unexpected colour bloom from alien-like tendrils that creep and drape over the plant. These are attractive plants to have all year, but the real magic comes from when they bloom. Those showy flowers bring joy and colour to colder seasons when we need them the most.

    If you’ve been gifted a Christmas cactus or picked one up at the grocery store, you may be wondering how to best care for the plant and how to encourage Christmas cactus blooms. Well, with the right care, Christmas cacti can live up to 100 years! Most live for decades and will happily become one of your staple houseplants.

    There are a few specific steps you can take to ensure that you get the best show from your plants. This guide also applies to Thanksgiving and Easter Cacti, as long as you tweak the schedule to accommodate the different flowering times.

    I get a lot of comments about generalizing Schlumbergera as Christmas Cacti and folks are truly very passionate about properly identifying the different species. Latin names are wonderful for ensuring that there is clarity so that the plants can be properly cared for.

    In this care guide, the instructions are the same for Schlumbergera truncata and S. x Buckley but I use the common term Christmas cactus so these tips can easily be found and used.

    What’s the Difference between a Christmas Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus, and Easter Cactus?

    Many of the plants that are commonly called and sold as Christmas cacti are in fact not true “Christmas” cacti. There are similar-looking plants that bloom at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.

    Whether you have a Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), a true Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x Buckleyi), or an Easter cactus (Hatiora gaertneri), the care instructions are the same but with an adjusted schedule.

    The best way to tell them apart is when they bloom (near the date of the holiday they are named for), but you can also tell by the leaves: Christmas and Easter cacti have more rounded leaves, and Thanksgiving cacti have pointy leaves. The Easter cactus also has more star-shaped flowers that look quite different from the Schlumbergeras.

    How to Care for a Christmas Cactus

    Proper year-round care will ensure that your Christmas cactus is healthy enough to thrive and bloom, so let’s start with care basics.

    When to Buy a Christmas Cactus

    As always when buying a new plant, select one that looks healthy and shows no signs of disease. When choosing a plant, it is also important to pick one that is in the appropriate stage of dormancy so that it will be ready to flower for the holidays.

    If you are buying one after October, choose one with visible buds on it. If you are buying one before October, pick one that does not have any buds or blooms.

    The Best Soil for Christmas Cactus

    Plant them into a well-draining pot in a soil mix made especially for succulents and cacti.

    The best potting soil for a Christmas cactus is one specifically designed for succulents. This guarantees that it will have the proper aeration. The best soil for them is made up of light, airy materials with excellent drainage.

    It should be noted that despite using cacti and succulent potting soil, a Christmas cactus is not your typical succulent. Rather than coming from a dry and arid region, Christmas cacti are actually native to Brazilian rainforests. This means they have different watering needs than other cacti. More on that in a second!

    How and When to Fertilize

    Once the plant has finished flowering for the winter, it’s time to grab some Christmas cactus fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer throughout the spring and summer. You can use my fertilizer recipe for houseplants, as it has just the right nutrients for potted plants. Fertilize once or twice a month.

    Once you hit fall, stop all fertilizing. This will hinder its ability to bloom and you will be left with no blossoms come Christmas.

    Stop fertilizing in the fall, as the plant will enter a period of dormacy. Pictured: Thanksgiving cactus.

    How to Water Holiday Cacti

    Since they’re native to Brazilian rainforests, Christmas cacti need humidity during their growing season. This can be hard to come by indoors as the air is often very dry, particularly during the winter.

    To make sure that your Christmas cactus is getting the humidity that it loves, water it often enough that the soil never dries out and spritz regularly with water from a spray bottle.

    Water whenever the plant begins to feel dry. The plant should never be bone dry between waterings, but should partially dry out.

    You can also make an easy DIY humidity tray to keep Christmas cacti happy when they are in a dry environment.

    You can tell if you are overwatering a Christmas cactus if the buds fall off before they bloom. If this happens, reduce watering and misting. Christmas cacti will need significantly less water during their dormant phase (more on that at the end of this post!).

    Light Needs for Christmas Cactus

    Generally speaking, Christmas cacti do best located in a bright room with lots of indirect sunlight. In the summertime, they can be moved outdoors and placed in a shady spot. In the fall Christmas cacti need twelve hours of darkness per day, so set them somewhere that does not get much artificial light after the sun goes down.

    Limp Christmas Cactus

    Sometimes, you may find that your Christmas cactus appears limp and wilted. If this happens, it either means it is getting too much direct sunlight or not enough water.

    If you suspect that water is the culprit, immediately give it a healthy drink of water. Check on the soil every few days and water so the soil stays slightly damp. However, you don’t want it to be too wet as the plant doesn’t like soggy roots.

    If you notice that in addition to the wilted leaves, there may be some scorch marks, the sun may be the problem. Move the plant out of any direct sun and make sure it gets only indirect light. It’s especially important to ensure it doesn’t sit in the hot afternoon sun.

    Christmas Cactus Propagation

    If you want to spread some Christmas joy, Christmas cacti take well to propagating. Luckily, it is easy to get lots of plants from just one starter plant.

    Simply cut off a piece of the stem and stick it into a small pot filled with soil. After a week or two, it will develop roots and begin to grow on its own. Learn more about propagation and how to do it here!

    Christmas cactus flower close upChristmas cactus flower close up
    Christmas cactus flowers come in purple-red colour, while Thanksgiving and Easter cacti come in more pink, orange, red, and white hues.

    How to Get a Christmas Cactus to Bloom

    In addition to proper year-round care, there are a few tips and tricks to getting a stubborn Christmas cactus to bloom. Follow these steps starting in the fall and continue on into the winter. Watch as your Christmas cactus gives you a beautiful display of vibrant flowers!

    1. Reduce Watering

    Beginning in October, water your Christmas cactus much less frequently. Once every four to six weeks is all it needs during this time of dormancy. When you see buds begin to form, go back to your regular watering schedule.

    2. Provide Enough Light and Darkness

    During the fall and early winter, Christmas cacti need twelve hours of dark and twelve hours of indirect sunlight each day. You may need to move your Christmas cacti somewhere else to reduce light, or place a cardboard box over top of it to encourage the plant to go into dormacy.

    3. Keep Cool

    Keep Christmas cacti somewhere cool—around 50-60 degrees F—and away from heat vents, radiators, and fireplaces. Long nights and cool temperatures signal the beginning of the cold season…and will trigger the Christmas cactus to bloom!

    Thanksgiving cactus budsThanksgiving cactus buds
    When happy, a Christmas cacti will produce plenty of blooms. Pictured: Thanksgiving cactus

    More FAQs About Christmas Cactus Blooms

    Why are my Christmas cactus buds falling off?

    While you plant may have had the right conditions to produce buds, something is off with its current care that needs to be changed. This is often a sign of incorrect watering, not enough humidity, or the wrong temperatures. Refer to the care instructions above and ensure you’re following all the recommendations.

    How long do Christmas cactus buds last?

    Once they appear, it can take up to 2-3 months for the buds to actually bloom. Christmas cacti can have a very long bloom time for this reason, as different buds will blooms while others remain closed.

    Should I water Christmas cactus with buds?

    Once a Christmas cactus has buds, you’ll want to start watering as usual, watering it every time the water dries out. While they are dormant and receiving the correct amount of darkness, you want to water very sparingly every 4-6 weeks.

    Enjoy your Christmas cactus and its wonderful blooms!

    More Posts About Plants

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • Creating Sun-Soaked Spaces in Your Home Decor and Design

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    Natural light has a transformative power when it comes to home decor. It brightens up spaces, enhances colors, and brings warmth that no artificial light can replicate. Creating sun-soaked spaces in your home isn’t just about having large windows; it involves thoughtful design choices that maximize the amount of natural light entering your home while complementing the overall aesthetic. Here’s how you can design a home that feels bathed in sunlight all year round.

    1. Choose Light, Reflective Colors

    The color palette of your home plays a crucial role in how light is distributed across your rooms. Light, neutral colors like whites, creams, and soft grays reflect light better than dark tones, making spaces feel more open and airy. Painting your walls in these shades can amplify the natural light, creating a brighter ambiance. Additionally, consider using glossy or satin finishes on walls and furniture, as they bounce light around the room more effectively.

    2. Maximize Window Space

    Windows are the primary source of natural light, so it’s essential to make the most of them. If you’re renovating or building a new home, consider installing larger windows, floor-to-ceiling options, or even skylights. For existing homes, consider replacing heavy, dark curtains with sheer drapes or blinds that can be fully opened during the day. This allows sunlight to flood the room without obstruction, creating that desired sun-soaked effect.

    3. Reflective Surfaces and Mirrors

    Mirrors and reflective surfaces are powerful tools for amplifying natural light. Strategically placing mirrors opposite windows can double the amount of light in a room by reflecting the sunlight into darker corners. In addition to mirrors, furniture with glass, metal, or glossy finishes can also help reflect light, adding to the brightness of your space.

    4. Open Floor Plans

    Open floor plans naturally allow light to flow freely from one room to another, creating a more expansive and sun-filled atmosphere. Removing unnecessary walls or opting for glass partitions can help achieve this effect. An open layout not only increases the sense of space but also ensures that light from windows reaches more areas, making the entire home feel more luminous.

    5. Indoor Plants

    Indoor plants not only add a touch of nature to your home but also thrive in sunlight, making them perfect companions for sun-soaked spaces. Plants like succulents, ferns, and snake plants can be placed near windows where they can soak up the sun’s rays. The greenery contrasts beautifully with bright, light-filled interiors, creating a serene and lively environment.

    6. Lightweight Furniture and Decor

    Heavy, bulky furniture can absorb light and make a room feel darker and smaller. Opt for lightweight, minimalist furniture with clean lines that don’t obstruct the flow of light. Transparent or light-colored furniture, such as glass coffee tables or whitewashed wood pieces, can help maintain a bright and airy feel in your home.

    7. Use of Glass

    Incorporating glass into your design can significantly increase the amount of natural light in your home. Glass doors, partitions, and even glass furniture like coffee tables or shelves allow light to pass through, reducing shadows and dark spots. Frosted glass is a great option for maintaining privacy while still letting light filter through.

    8. Artificial Lighting That Mimics Natural Light

    While natural light is ideal, artificial lighting can complement it, especially during evenings or in rooms with fewer windows. Choose light bulbs that mimic daylight, such as LED lights with a color temperature of 5000K to 6500K. These lights can enhance the brightness of a room and maintain the sun-soaked feel even after the sun goes down.

    9. Outdoor Reflection

    Consider the exterior surroundings of your home as well. Light-colored walls, outdoor mirrors, or even a strategically placed water feature can reflect sunlight into your home. Landscaping with light-reflective materials can also contribute to increasing the amount of natural light that enters through your windows.

    Creating sun-soaked spaces in your home is all about maximizing natural light and making thoughtful design choices that reflect and enhance that light. By choosing the right colors, materials, and layouts, you can transform your home into a bright, inviting sanctuary that feels warm and vibrant all year round.

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    Tiffany

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  • Cat-Safe Houseplants: 20 Plants to Fill a Plant-Friendly Home

    Cat-Safe Houseplants: 20 Plants to Fill a Plant-Friendly Home

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    It’s safe to say those with cats love their pets! We’d do anything for them, including giving away all our peace lilies and jade plants in case our cats felt like munching away. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a home full of greenery! Here are 20 cat-safe houseplants to keep your feline friend safe all while satisfying your plant obsession. 

    When I brought in a stray, I had to ensure my house was kitty-proof. A big part of that was only including cat-safe houseplants throughout the home. We all know cats can be mischievous creatures and my cat Magic sure lives up to the expectations.

    From knocking over plants to playing in the dirt, he, of course, is known for nibbling on the occasional plant or two. If he isn’t munching the entire plant, the occasional bite or two of these cat-safe houseplants will do no harm.

    There are many many different houseplants you can include in the home, some more common than others. If you’re looking to add some greenery to your home (don’t we all!), here are some houseplants that are totally safe for kitties.

    cat standing next to house plantscat standing next to house plants
    My cat Magic!

    20 Cat-Safe Houseplants

    To keep cats from your houseplants, try covering the soil with thick and pointy rocks or other pokey surfaces. You can also try hanging plants if your feline friend can’t help but get up to no good. Otherwise, these houseplants should be A-okay to have around cats.

    1. Cast Iron Plant

    Let’s start things off with something a little indestructible, shall we? Just as the name suggests, the cast iron plant is pretty hardy and difficult to kill. Not only are they good for beginners, but they may even be able to handle a cat swat or two and easily make it onto this list of cat-safe houseplants.

    They look similar to peace lilies, a popular houseplant that is highly toxic to cats. Arching leaves over 2 feet long and 4 inches wide are the main attraction. Come summer, you can place them on the deck where they can grow slowly and get lots of shade.

    2. Spider Plant

    By far one of the easiest plants to grow, spider plants have slender leaves that can be green and white striped. They grow long stems with tiny flowers that turn into tiny plantlets. You will get a ton of little spider babies from one plant.

    This also makes them great hanging plants. To care for them, place them in indirect light and provide regular waterings.

    Read these tips on how to make your spider plant bushier.

    3. Staghorn Fern

    I adore my staghorn fern! Essentially the plant version of deer antlers, they are an artsy and trendy-looking plant that mounts on the wall. This is ideal for cat owners, keeping plants well out of reach. And even if they did somehow make it to the staghorn fern, they’re a cat-friendly houseplant.

    Long, flat leaves extend over a root ball that drinks up the water. I like to set mine in a bowl and then turn the shower on to give them a nice soak, similar to how I water air plants.

    Staghorn Fern in Ceramic PlanterStaghorn Fern in Ceramic Planter
    Such a unique plant, staghorn ferns can go right on the wall and out of the way of paws.

    4. Haworthia

    Succulent lovers, you can safely grow haworthia in a cat household. With lots of different species out there, most are small houseplants with thick, fleshy leaves. They can have white bands or wart-like but pretty markings.

    They enjoy bright light when inside and partial shade when outside because, yes, you can bring them out there for the summer! Don’t overwater these guys, but keep them moist during the summer.

    Learn how to do some basic winter fountain care tasks, then use the garden to decorate it up with greenery from the garden, lights, and ornaments.Learn how to do some basic winter fountain care tasks, then use the garden to decorate it up with greenery from the garden, lights, and ornaments.
    Haworthia pumila, also known as the Miniature Aloe

    5. Peperomia

    A compact houseplant, there are over 1500 species of peperomia. Most have round, thick, and beautiful leaves. They are slow-growing and relatively low-maintenance plants that enjoy indirect sunlight.

    cat safe plant in a terrariumcat safe plant in a terrarium
    Many peperomia have variegated leaves and cool markings.

    6. Bird Nest Fern

    A certified shade lover, bird nest fern has the cutest crinkly leaves. They can grow up to 3 feet long, with new leaves growing from the centre of the plant.

    In nature, they grow high on the tops of trees. They enjoy warmth, humidity, and moisture, making the bathroom a great spot for these houseplants.

    7. Rattlesnake Plant

    The rattlesnake plant has some of the most beautiful leaves, full of purplish tones, variegated patterns, and wavy edges. The leaves can grow up to 30 inches tall.

    Native to Brazil’s rainforests, they like partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They aren’t as easy to grow as some of the plants on this list, but they sure are worth the effort!

    8. Air Plants

    Another unique and fun plant, I’m so obsessed with air plants that I even wore them as living jewelry. These plants cling to trees in nature, getting moisture through the air rather than having roots.

    Since they don’t require soil, you can also place them on the wall or in a hanging terrarium or even make your own displays. Like a staghorn fern, you can soak them in water to hydrate them.

    9. Bamboo Palm

    If you’re looking for a big plant, the bamboo palm brings a tropical feel to any room. A type of palm (not bamboo), it can do well in varying lighting, ranging from medium to low light. As far as big houseplants go, this one is fairly low maintenance.

    10. Money Tree

    Money trees are a household favourite, known for bringing good luck to the home and a feng shui go-to. A fairly hardy tree, they can grow quickly and will happily take up a corner.

    When purchasing, most nurseries will have the stems braided. You can continue to braid them at home to maintain the shape if desired.

    11. Prayer Plant

    Prayer plants get their name because they actually move throughout the day. The leaves lay flat during the day and slowly lift up in prayer at night. Beautiful and decorative, prayer plants like greenhouse conditions, meaning warm, moist air and lots of fertilizer will make them happy

    As an added bonus, this plant thrives in the dark, too!

    Prayer plant with green leaves and red markingsPrayer plant with green leaves and red markings

    12. Ponytail Palm

    In the wild, ponytail palms grow to be a full-sized tree. In the home, however, they can grow up to 6 feet in their old age if taken care of. One of the easiest trees to grow indoors, they have a bulbous stem that thin, long leaves erupt from.

    13. Orchid

    Every housewarming party has at least one orchid. If they have a cat, it is perfect because they are a cat-friendly houseplant. Good for beginners, orchids have arching flowers that can last for weeks. With the right balance of humidity, light, and temperature, an orchid can thrive for a long time.

    14. Zebra Plant

    Zebra plants can sure be a challenge to grow indoors, but they are well worth it. Not only do they have dark, gorgeous leaves with white veins, but the bright yellow flowers are like no other. If happy, they will have 2-4 flowers a plant that lasts for six weeks.

    Houseplants to keep away from petsHouseplants to keep away from pets
    This zebra plant is next to a cyclamen (the one with the flowers), which IS poisonous to pets.

    15. African Violet

    Compact, African violets don’t mind sticking to a small container. Known most for their flowers, they can bloom up to three times a year with violet, white, blue, pink, red, or combo-coloured flowers.

    To take care of them, avoid getting water on their leaves, remove any dead flowers, give them good drainage, and place them in bright, indirect light.

    16. Lucky Bamboo

    From offices to the kitchen, you can find lucky bamboo everywhere. They are said to bring good luck and make for a good gift, often coming braided or twisted.

    Very hard to kill, lucky bamboo can live in pure water or soil, tolerating both drought and moist conditions. Chances are, they can also handle a munch from a curious cat and easily join this list of cat-safe houseplants.

    17. Christmas Cactus

    Since poinsettias are quite poisonous to cats, a Christmas cactus is the perfect alternative for the festive plant. They bloom right around the holiday season, adding a pop of colour when it’s cold outside.

    The blooms can be pink, red, purple, and orange. Native to rainforest, they need more water and less light than regular desert cacti.

    18. Lipstick Plant

    Here’s another flowering cat-safe houseplant for you! Lipstick plants have small, waxy, vine-like leaves. Easy to care for yet impressive looking, they grow red tubular flowers in clusters that almost resemble lipstick tubes.

    They tend to bloom most in the summer and fall, but you can get plenty of blooms throughout the year from one plant.

    19. Swedish Ivy

    If you want ivy that’s okay for cats, try Swedish ivy. The thick stems grow straight up before they cascade down. Also known as creeping Charlie, the round leaves have scalloped edges and are often variegated. Use them as a hanging plant or bring them outside on the deck during the summer.

    2o. Polka Dot Plant

    Polka dot plants make for another poinsettia alternative, with the most popular colouring being the pink leaves with white spots. An eye-catching plant, the spotted leaves also come in white, purple, and green varieties.

    Some people also plant them outside as an annual. If your cat likes to go outdoors, this polka dot plant may also be a good option for the garden.

    House Plants Poisonous to Cats

    A ton of popular houseplants are not ideal to have in homes with cats. Some of the most common houseplants poisonous to cats include poinsettias, aloe vera, peace lilies, English ivy, and a ton more. To learn all of the poisonous houseplants and some alternatives to try, check out my full list here.

    The essential guide to poinsettias.The essential guide to poinsettias.
    Poinsettias are a common Christmas plant that is poisonous to cats.

    More Posts About Houseplants:

    Pin image for 20 cat-safe houseplantsPin image for 20 cat-safe houseplants

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • 25 best indoor plants for oxygen and air purifying – Growing Family

    25 best indoor plants for oxygen and air purifying – Growing Family

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    One of the easiest ways to improve air quality in your home is to introduce plants.  This roundup of the best indoor plants for oxygen and air purification covers lots of fantastic options that will help keep your indoor space healthy.

    How do plants improve air quality?

    Decorating with houseplants to improve indoor air quality caught on due to research by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA.

    Plants remove carbon monoxide and certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene, from the air, while also increasing oxygen levels. These toxins come from interior furnishings such as carpet, plastics, consumer products and building materials. They can cause respiratory discomfort and other health problems.

    All plants help to filter the air by removing carbon dioxide and supplying oxygen. The plants tested in the NASA Clean Air Study were particularly effective in removing specific toxins and combatting indoor air pollution.

    
Discover the best indoor plants for oxygen and a breath of fresh air! Elevate your space and improve air quality effortlessly with these air-purifying wonders. Click to read the full article and unlock the power of nature within your home.

    The best indoor plants for oxygen

    Many common houseplants not only add beauty to your home, but also provide health benefits as they purify the air and remove harmful components. Some of these plants require little maintenance and can adapt well to low light.

    This list of 25 brilliant air purifying indoor plants – including flowering plants and foliage plants – has something to suit all spaces and conditions in your home.

    heart-leaf philodendron plant - indoor plants for oxygenheart-leaf philodendron plant - indoor plants for oxygen

    Heart-leaf Philodendron

    Heart-leaf philodendrons, also known as sweetheart vines, are common houseplants for oxygen indoors. They have green heart-shaped leaves and prefers shade or indirect sunlight. It can be left to trail down from the pot or trained to grow up a trellis or support cage.

    The heartleaf philodendron is a great plant for beginners, as it’s tolerant of many conditions and very easy to grow. Just allow the soil in philodendrons to completely dry out before each watering in winter.

    spider plant on wall shelfspider plant on wall shelf

    Spider Plant

    Spider plants, also known as ribbon plants or airplane plants, are a brilliant option if you want low maintenance plants that release oxygen at night.  This popular houseplant don’t need much care, and will cope with most conditions.

    As the name suggests, spider plants have long, skinny green leaves, with a white stripe down the centre of each leaf. The leaves grow from the centre of the plant and fall out around the edge of the pot, so they’re well-suited to growing as a hanging plant or tumbling over the edge of a shelf.

    Spider plants like well-drained, moist soil, and will thrive best in areas that don’t get really hot.  Indirect light works well for these oxygen producing plants.

    When choosing a spider plant, stay away from plants with torn leaves or brown tips.

    sansivieria plant - indoor plants for oxygensansivieria plant - indoor plants for oxygen

    Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)

    This unique plant is also called the snake plant due to its tall, upright leaves with distinct green patterns. Mother-in-law’s tongue is a low-maintenance indoor plant that excels at removing xylene, toluene, formaldehyde and benzene from the air.

    The waxy leaves of snake plants are also good at grabbing dust from the air – another reason why they make great indoor plants for clean air.

    Sansevieria plants can cope with pretty much any indoor environment, but they will thank you for bright, indirect light, a dry environment and a watering every few weeks.

    chinese money plant in a potchinese money plant in a pot

    Chinese Money Plant (Pilea Peperomioides)

    The large leaves of the Chinese money plant are efficient oxygen producers, and like Sansevieria they will also trap dust.

    As their name implies, Pilea plants are also associated with wealth and good fortune – another great reason to introduce this oxygenating plant into your home!

    lucky bamboo in a glass vaselucky bamboo in a glass vase

    Lucky Bamboo

    Another oxygen rich plant with lucky associations, Lucky Bamboo is ideal for modern, contemporary interiors.

    Lucky Bamboo is easy to grow, and can be trained into interesting shapes or even grown in water.

    aloe vera - indoor plants for oxygenaloe vera - indoor plants for oxygen

    Aloe Vera

    While renowned for its soothing gel, the aloe vera plant also contributes to better air quality.

    Aloe Vera releases oxygen during the night, making it an ideal bedroom companion. Additionally, it helps clear the air of harmful pollutants commonly found in cleaning products.

    Grow this drought tolerant plant in bright light, and only water it when you notice dry soil.

    peace lily plant white flowers - indoor plants for oxygenpeace lily plant white flowers - indoor plants for oxygen

    Peace Lily

    Peace lilies are renowned for their ability to improve air quality. These lovely plants have long glossy leaves with white blooms. As an added bonus, they make it very clear when they need water with their drooping leaves.

    For best results, keep this plant away from bright sunlight; this will avoid leaf scorch and can even increase flower production.  Clean the surface of the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and maximise air purification.

    anthurium plant with red flowersanthurium plant with red flowers

    Flamingo Lily (Anthurium)

    Like peace lilies, flamingo lilies will grace your home with blooms while working hard to remove toxins from the air.

    Grow this plant somewhere bright and humid, and water it regularly.

    areca palm in a woven basket - indoor plants for oxygenareca palm in a woven basket - indoor plants for oxygen

    Areca Palm

    Also known as bamboo palm and butterfly palm, the Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) is a shoulder-high plant with feathery, arching fronds that not only add a tropical touch to your home, but also filter out harmful toxins.

    The Areca palm is one of the most effective plants at purifying the air, removing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and xylene.

    Give your Areca Palm partial shade for best results.  Water it regularly in warmer months but let the soil dry out more in winter.

    calathea plant leavescalathea plant leaves

    Calathea

    With their striking leaf patterns and colours, Calathea plants (or prayer plants) provide real wow factor in your home.

    Calatheas can be grown in low light, and should definitely be positioned away from direct sunlight and draughts.  Keep their soil damp, but not too wet. They like humid conditions, so you can mist the leaves or place a saucer of water nearby to keep them happy.

    boston fern - indoor plants for oxygenboston fern - indoor plants for oxygen

    Boston Fern

    This air purifying plant is popular with plant parents for good reason.  The Boston Fern needs a bit of care, but will reward you with gorgeous tactile fronds while removing formaldehyde and other pollutants from the environment.

    Boston Ferns like to grow in indirect light, and also enjoy a humid environment.  Feed them regularly with houseplant food to keep them in top condition.

    Kimberly Queen Fern

    Another great option for an indoor fern, Kimberly Queen fern will deal with air toxins and boost indoor oxygen levels.

    Queen ferns (also known as Australian Sworde Ferns) won’t thank you for a draughty location, but they’re one of the tougher ferns and can cope with a wider range of temperatures and humidity.

    rubber plant on a shelf next to a lamprubber plant on a shelf next to a lamp

    Rubber Plant (ficus elastica)

    A good option if you like your houseplants green and glossy, rubber plants are great air purifiers. Choose from a small plant for your desk or bedroom shelf, or a larger specimen to stand on the floor.

    Rubber plants like bright, indirect light and a bit of humidity.

    weeping fig plant leavesweeping fig plant leaves

    Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

    If you’d like to make a statement with your air purifying plants, consider a Weeping Fig.

    These plants are essentially small trees (which is why they’re also called ficus trees), so they can provide a fabulous focal point in a room.  The weeping habit make these plants a graceful addition to your home that will also release oxygen into the air.

    pink gerbera daisy flowerspink gerbera daisy flowers

    Gerbera Daisy

    You might associate Gerbera Daisy plants with the garden, but they also make lovely indoor plants that release oxygen at night.

    Gerbera daisies are also plants that clean the air, removing benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.

    white chrysanthemum flowerswhite chrysanthemum flowers

    Chrysanthemums

    Chrysanthemums are another common garden plant that offers air cleaning benefits when grown indoors. They’re good at removing pollutants and will provide beautiful flowers while they do so.

    bromeliad plant with red flower bractbromeliad plant with red flower bract

    Bromeliad

    Bromeliads are impressive-looking indoor plants for oxygen, with attractive leaves and often fabulously coloured flower bracts.

    These plants are native to subtropical climates, so they enjoy bright light and high humidity levels.

    dracaena marginata - indoor plants for oxygendracaena marginata - indoor plants for oxygen

    Dragon Tree (Corn Plant)

    With its slender upright leaves and miniature tree shape, Dracaena Marginata makes a bold statement. It’s adept at removing pollutants xylene and trichloroethylene from the air.

    A dragon tree is ideal for a small space as it grows slowly.  It’s a low maintenance plant that enjoys indirect light.

    woman holding a chinese evergreen plant in a potwoman holding a chinese evergreen plant in a pot

    Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)

    Chinese Evergreens are hardy plants that need very little maintenance indoors.  They can grow in any light conditions, and are available in shades of green and red.

    Aglaonemas are great indoor plants for oxygen and will also remove pollutants from the air in your home.

    ivy houseplant - indoor plants for oxygenivy houseplant - indoor plants for oxygen

    English Ivy

    Good old ivy!  Tough, low effort and suited to most indoor aspects, it will earn its space with its air purifying properties.

    Ivy (or Hedera helix) can also look fantastic as a houseplant – especially if you take advantage of its trailing habit by growing it in a hanging planter or on a high shelf.

    golden pothos plant - indoor plants for oxygengolden pothos plant - indoor plants for oxygen

    Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

    Commonly known as devil’s ivy, this plant’s heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines make it a popular choice for indoor spaces. It excels at filtering indoor air pollutants like benzene, xylene, and toluene, enhancing the overall air quality in your home.

    Golden Pothos is OK in low light and doesn’t need watering more than every week or two.

    lady palm plant leaveslady palm plant leaves

    Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)

    If you want to go big with your air purifying plants, consider a Lady Palm. They grow up to six feet tall, and produce an abundance of lovely fan-shaped leaves.

    This supersized air cleanser will tolerate low light, but it needs plenty of water.

    zz plant in a pot - indoor plants for oxygenzz plant in a pot - indoor plants for oxygen

    ZZ Plant

    If you follow plant hashtags on Instagram, you’ve probably come across many ZZ plants.  ZZ is short for zamioculcas zamiifolia, and this plant has lots to offer when it comes to interesting foliage.

    ZZ plants will deal with toxins in your home’s air, including benxene, xylene and toluene. They’re low maintenance, which means they’re ideal if you’re short on time or just getting started with indoor plants.

    orchid plant with pink flowers on a tableorchid plant with pink flowers on a table

    Orchid

    We all know that orchids make stunning indoor plants, but the fact that they are also great plants for oxygen indoors is often overlooked.

    Orchids have a reputation for being tricky to look after, but they are actually quite easy to care for once you know the basics.  Check out our article on orchid care tips to keep these stunners looking good.

    tulsi holy basil planttulsi holy basil plant

    Tulsi

    Also called Holy Basil, Tulsi is known for its medicinal properties, but it’s also a powerhouse when it comes to oxygen production.  Tulsi are plants that produce oxygen for up to 20 hours per day, and they can also absorb CO2 and toxins like sulphur dioxide.

    potted indoor plantspotted indoor plants

    Tips for growing plants that purify the air indoors

    1. Learn the care needs for the plant

    Most plants from nurseries and garden centres have care tags, so you can check if the plant’s needs for light and water will fit with your home and lifestyle.

    2. Use the right amount of plants for your room size

    NASA recommends using one plant per 100 square feet to improve your indoor air quality.

    3. Keep your plant leaves clean

    Remove dust from the surface of your plants regularly to maximise their oxygen production and air cleaning potential.

    4. Increase your air cleaning plants for free

    Many air cleaning plants root easily, allowing you to increase your houseplant population by creating more plants from the parent plants. For example, you can snip a baby spider plant off the mother plant and put it in another pot of soil, or take a cutting from a rubber plant or dracaena to gain a new plant at no cost.

    Incorporating these best indoor houseplants for oxygen and air purification into your living space can have numerous benefits beyond enhancing aesthetics. Not only do they release oxygen through the process of photosynthesis, but they also absorb harmful chemicals and toxins present in indoor air, thus improving the overall quality of the air you breathe.

    These air-purifying plants not only support your physical health, but can also contribute to stress management, improved mental health, and even better sleep quality. So, whether you’re looking to brighten up your home, boost your energy levels, or simply enjoy cleaner air, these air purifying indoor plants are a fantastic and accessible solution.

    More indoor plant resources

    orchid care tips for stunning bloomsorchid care tips for stunning blooms
    indoor plant care tipsindoor plant care tips
    how to keep plants alive when you're awayhow to keep plants alive when you're away

    Pin for later: best indoor plants for air cleaning

    
Discover the best indoor plants for oxygen and a breath of fresh air! Elevate your space and improve air quality effortlessly with these air-purifying wonders. Click to read the full article and unlock the power of nature within your home.
Discover the best indoor plants for oxygen and a breath of fresh air! Elevate your space and improve air quality effortlessly with these air-purifying wonders. Click to read the full article and unlock the power of nature within your home.

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    Catherine

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  • A Small Tree With a Big Message: How to Make a Grinch Tree

    A Small Tree With a Big Message: How to Make a Grinch Tree

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    A mini Grinch tree is quick and easy to make, and it will instantly fill your home with Christmas cheer. Exactly what the Grinch would hope for! Here’s how you can make your own tabletop Grinch tree, and perhaps a few extras to spread some more holiday joy.

    While it’s lovely to have classic holiday decor, like elegant Christmas trees decked in traditional ornaments and holly-adorned wreaths, I also like to inject the Christmas season with a little quirkiness and whimsy.

    Queue this little wonder! Not only is it adorable and brings back happy childhood memories of Dr. Seuss’s Beloved How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but this miniature Grinch tree is also a table-top reminder of the spirit of the holidays.

    Learn how to make one and, more importantly, why you should!

    The Magic of the Mini Grinch Tree

    In How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Dr. Seuss perfectly explains what the holidays mean to me:

    mini Grinch tree with Dr. Seuss quote, "Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?"mini Grinch tree with Dr. Seuss quote, "Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?"

    I wrote about how a Grinch tree saved Christmas for me many years ago, and ever since, I have been making many different versions to celebrate the season (like this 9-foot Grinch tree!). This year, my Grinch trees are smaller, portable, and GIVEable.

    So when I hear about someone feeling a bit blue and could use a little holiday warmth, a tabletop Grinch tree will show up at their door to put a smile on their face.

    For this project, you can use any mini evergreen tree, but I used a lemon cypress. Lemon cypress trees are easy to find for sale around the holidays. They have a great scent and are a vibrant yellow-green colour.

    They do need a lot of humidity, though, so if you choose a lemon cypress, be sure to water it often (twice a week or so) and spritz it with water regularly.

    Want to make a mini Grinch tree or three for the people in your life? Here’s how!

    How to Make a Tabletop Grinch Tree

    I’ve seen quite a few variations of the mini Grinch tree. Notably, many grocery stores, like Trader Joe’s, are now selling their own versions of them.

    The Trader Joe’s Grinch tree is much skinnier and has a little less pizazz. I like making my own because I can customize the decorations and the type of plant I use.

    But if there’s a part of the Trader Joe’s Grinch tree you don’t like, you could easily disassemble it and follow these instructions to customize the tree with their materials.

    I’ve also seen other variations where the tree isn’t living and is instead constructed out of cedar boughs. I prefer this method of making a mini Grinch tree as it’s much simpler to do, and you get a living plant afterward!

    With the right care, you can use the same plant next year to create another tabletop Grinch tree.

    red floral wire for a mini Grinch treered floral wire for a mini Grinch tree
    Floral wire helps to keep all the branches tight and in place.

    Materials

    Make It!

    Take your evergreen out of its nursery pot and plant it in a colourful pot with good potting soil. Position the tree in the pot so it is closer to one side and sticking out at an angle.

    Lemon Cypress planted slightly sideways in a purple pot for a mini Grinch treeLemon Cypress planted slightly sideways in a purple pot for a mini Grinch tree
    Planting at an angle already gives the tree a Grinch like shape.

    Add some decorative moss on top of the soil.

    how to make a tabletop Grinch treehow to make a tabletop Grinch tree
    While technically optional, the moss makes it much more visually appealing.

    If you want to add string lights, do that next. Starting at the bottom and working your way up, wind the string lights around the tree. If the string of lights is long enough, start winding back down to the bottom of the tree after you reach the top.

    Add the ribbon and/or floral wire for a garland. Wind it around the tree like the lights, beginning at the bottom and working your way up. Tuck the loose ends in to keep it in place.

    mini Grinch tree with a red ornament and bowmini Grinch tree with a red ornament and bow
    You can also use green wire if you want it to be more hidden.

    Next, you will need some ornaments. There are many possibilities for what you could use to adorn this little tree, but for this one, I left it plain except for my wire garland and one large topper ornament.

    If you want to add more to yours, try using glittery mini pom-poms. To make the pom-poms into ornaments, thread single pom-poms onto straight jewelry pins, then bend the pins into a hook shape and hang them all over the tree.

    mini grinch tree red topper ornamentmini grinch tree red topper ornament
    The big ornament ties it all together.

    For the top, attach your large ornament to the top of the tree so that it bends down toward the center of the pot.

    Add a festive bow around the pot, and you’re done!

    tabletop grinch tree DIYtabletop grinch tree DIY
    The bow really makes a difference!

    More DIY Holiday Decor Ideas

    DIY Mini Grinch Tree

    This mini Grinch tree can be made using your evergreen of choice, turning a living tree into a festive decoration for the holidays.

    • Plant your mini evergreen tree into a colourful pot with potting soil. When planting, position the tree to one side and slightly at an angle.

    • Top off the soil with decorative moss.

    • Optional. Add string lights by starting at the bottom and winding your way up and down.

    • Use ribbon or floral wire as a garland and to wrap the tree. Begin at the bottom and work your way up. Tuck in the loose ends and slowly bend the top of the tree into a curved shape as you wind.

    • Decorate with ornaments of choice. Add a large round ornament at the tree’s end for the signature Grinch look. This also helps your tree curve and hang.

    How to Make a Tabletop Grinch Tree (1)How to Make a Tabletop Grinch Tree (1)

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    Stephanie Rose

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