Plant Like a Pro

Unique and easy houseplants to care for

Decorating one’s room might be challenging, but houseplants can provide a solution. Not only do they add color, but they are also air purifiers, stress relievers and productivity increasers, making them the perfect addition to a boring room, according to bhg.com.

“I love plants because they’re so much more than just leaves,” junior Cole Blough said. “Plants are living and they react to energy in similar ways people do. One thing that always blows my mind is how plants react to music. Plants keep us breathing, and having even the littlest fern as a reminder will make life so much more beautiful.”

Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Tillandsia plants can be displayed in an infinite number of ways. They do not need any soil to grow but rely heavily on bright light and weekly watering. In order for air plants to get proper watering, they must soak for 30 minutes once a week and, while upside down, dry completely. Bugs and diseases are uncommon with these plants, so underwatering or overwatering is the biggest issue to worry about, all according to countryliving.com.

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia Nicolai)
Native to subtropical areas of Southern Africa, Bird of Paradise plants can grow up to 20 feet tall, but mostly stand at three to eight feet tall. These plants enjoy bright light away from air vents and drafts. Soil for these plants should be kept moist, only requiring additional watering when the top two inches of the soil is dry. Older Bird of Paradise plants with favorable growth conditions have the possibility to bloom, producing bright orange and blue flowers, all according to ftd.com.

Braided Monkey Tree (Pachira Aquatica)
With braided trunks and evergreen leaves, the Pachira is fairly easy to care for, requiring bright indirect light and only needing water when the top inch or two of the soil is dry. Root rot, spider mites and scale bugs are common issues with this plant but can be easily fixed by resolving watering issues or wiping down the leaves with horticultural oil. Under favorable conditions, the Pachira aquatica can grow up to eight feet tall, all according to bonsaiempire.com.

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)
The parlor palm is one of the most classic palm plants to care for. Parlor palms can be planted in any all-purpose potting mix and can survive in low-light areas as long as they get adequate watering. Despite this adaptation, they grow the most in bright, filtered light. The plants can reach three or four feet in height and only have the issue of occasional spider-mites, which can be avoided by increasing humidity, all according to thesill.com.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are known for their air purifying power. They can thrive in low-light conditions with a consistent watering schedule. Although they can be up to four feet tall, most peace lilies are only a foot tall unless they are grown as floor plants. Unfortunately, these plants are toxic to dogs when consumed, so they are not ideal for pet owners. Mealybugs and scale bugs are common with this plant but can be killed by rubbing the leaves of the lily with rubbing alcohol, all according to almanac.com.