Houseplants can be a great way to add life to a room and improve the feeling of your home
English Ivy
English ivy needs sunlight so this plant can benefit from being placed near a window or door. If it doesn’t get enough sunlight it becomes sickly and prone to pests. English Ivy has been named as an effective air cleaner by NASA. In many places across the world, English Ivy grows outdoors and can become invasive and considered a weed so it needs to be watched and monitored to ensure it doesn’t get out of control. When the vines become too long you can trim them back. It can attach to surfaces with tiny roots that can cause damage to walls, so be careful not to let your roots grow around any surface. To ensure there is no damage, regularly move your plant from different windows. Before watering an English Ivy make sure to feel the soil as they like to be on the drier side. If the soil is damp to touch on the top then it will not require water. Also, ensure that there is good drainage. If you have cats or dogs you should be mindful that this plant is considered toxic to them.
- Rubber plant
Buying a younger rubber plant allows it to adapt better to indoor living rather than buying a more mature plant. The plant thrives outside and grows to impressive heights but if you would prefer a smaller to medium-sized indoor plant then putting it in a small pot can restrict its growth. Rubber plants like a lot of bright light but not from direct sunlight. The rubber plant benefits from a sunny spot that is shielded by a sheer curtain. When the rubber plant becomes droopy and loses its lower leaves and lustre then the plant needs more light and water. In the warmer months, the rubber plant needs to be kept moist and benefits from having the leaves misted. In cooler months the rubber plant may only need to be watered twice a month. If you have cats or dogs you should be mindful that this plant is considered toxic to them.
- Peace lily
Peace lilies are a great addition to a dull room with the beautiful lily sprouting from the crisp green foliage. They are a great way to clean up the air in a room as they have been named on the NASA list of top air-cleaning house plants. Peace lilies enjoy indirect sunlight and shade, making them a great indoor room addition. They have even been known to be successful in offices with no windows and fluorescent lights. Peace lilies are more tolerant to under watering than over-watering. If wilting occurs, check the roots. If the roots are damp or soggy then it indicates root rot, so ensure your pot has good drainage.
- Aloe plant
Aloe plants come in many different colours and shapes and can add texture to any room. The leaves of an aloe plant can also come in handy as a natural remedy for burns. Snap off a leaf from the aloe plant and add the gel from inside the leaf to sunburn, burns, cuts and rashes for relief. They love to be in sunlight but will tolerate a few hours of shade if needed and love dry climates. In summer months soak the aloe plant thoroughly and leave to drain. Allow the aloe plant to dry completely between watering.
- Bamboo palm
Bamboo palms can add warmth and colour to your home. The palms benefit from bright indirect sunlight. Once you have purchased your bamboo palm it is best to re-pot immediately into a pot that is 2 inches larger and has good drainage for the best results. Water when the soil is dry to touch on top and ensure the plant is draining to avoid the plant dying. Bamboo palms enjoy a dry room but benefit from water spraying to keep them hydrated.
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