How many plants do you own? At last count I have 24 plants 🌱 in my home. Agreed, that seems like a high number, but the benefits are AMAZING! Plants clear the air of toxins, allow us to bring nature indoors, decrease our stress levels, improve our mood, and add texture, energy, and beauty to our homes.
Pictured, are some of my favorites (ones I currently own and haven’t killed 🙂).Truly, these gems are EASY to care for, despite my previous lack of know how, which for a time resulted in the demise of once green and leafy beauties. Determined not to give up, I’ve sought out the plants below which are lovely, healing, and resilient, natures caregivers.
From left to right pictured above:
🌿Pothos- the most resilient ever
🌿Fiddle Leaf Fig- absolute beauty
🌿Aloe- healing for scratches & scrapes
🌿Peace Lily- comforting, received as a bereavement gift 12 years ago when my son passed away
🌿Curly Fig- looks like a great hair day with moisture and volume ☀️
🌿Money Plant- lovely leaves add interest
🌿Aglaonema- rich color with white veining
🌿Snake Plant- adds vertical dimension
🌿Strawberry Begonia- adds lush texture
And
🌿Schefflera (not pictured ) is another graceful, easy care option
Over time I’ve learned a few tips:
-Plants have watering intervals that work best for each. Aloe or the Snake plant thrive with very little water, and only need a drink once every 2 weeks. Others, like the fiddle leaf fig which comes in a larger and dwarf variety do best with water once weekly. I’ve found watering every Saturday (or every other) a helpful way to remember. I also keep the care tags together in a Ziploc bag that I can reference easily.
-Plants generally don’t like soggy roots. Using a separate plastic planter inside the decorative one with a little room between each allows the water to drain away from the roots and prevents them from rotting. If you don’t have an extra planter, adding some pebbles to the bottom of the planter below the soil before placing the plant can also create a barrier to support water moving away from the roots. The exception to this I’ve found for houseplants is Pothos. It loves moisture and can thrive directly in a vase of water.
-Be attentive to your plants specific needs, some need a sunny spot right in front of a window, while others are content with medium light. Some plants like Aglaonema prefer low light and would do great on a hallway table. Using fertilizer sticks or liquid a few times a year is also another support to plants.
Include plants as a way to support your own wellness and care for yourself. They give so much- and you, my caregiver friend, deserve everything. Plant care can mirror our own wellness. Even the most low maintenance plant requires some care and tending to thrive. Consider your own needs for growth. Develop a schedule of care that meets your needs while you support others, Are you drinking enough water and receiving enough to nourish you? Are you getting enough sunshine, do you have stable supports? Are you answering the questions necessary for strengthening your roots and producing the best results. Wishing you wellness and growth. 🤍
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