How to Become the Best Plant Parent Ever for Your Houseplants

Having plants in the home is nothing new. But, in recent years, Millennials and Gen-Zers have breathed new life into the houseplant trend. Many people call themselves “plant parents,” and have embraced a lifestyle surrounded by succulents and more. 

The COVID-19 pandemic fueled the passion for plants even more, as people were spending a lot of extra time at home and looking for new hobbies. 

The good news? It’s an awesome hobby to get into. There are so many benefits to indoor plants, from improved air quality to reduced stress levels. 

But, what if you don’t have a green thumb? 

Thankfully, you don’t need to be a botany expert to care for and decorate with houseplants. With so many varieties to choose from and ways to make them fit in with the style of your home, it’s easier than you might think to bring a bit of nature inside. 

Which Plants to Choose

If you’re a beginner-intermediate plant owner, certain varieties might be better suited to your needs. Like dog breeds, some plants are easier to care for than others, simply because they don’t require as much time and attention. 

It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the vast selection of houseplants available to the average consumer today. As they’ve become more popular, stores have started to put them “front and center” to entice new plant parents. If you’re just getting started, these houseplants are safe bets that are easy to take care of and will look great just about anywhere in your home: 

• Snake plant
• Rubber plant
• ZZ plant
• Golden pothos
• Dragon tree

These plants are easy to care for and will thrive under almost any interior condition. These plants are easy to care for and will thrive under almost any interior condition. The Snake Plant is a very forgiving plant and does not require watering nearly often as other houseplants. The snake plant can survive in a place that gets very little light, but it may need more water if kept in such an environment. A snake plant, also known as a Sansevieria is an unusual succulent, that has gained popularity because of its ease to maintain and streamlined stats. A snake plant is a non-flowering houseplant that transforms not only into the ultimate humidifier and air purifier but also provides aesthetic appeal. Growing snakes require porous soil to properly grow, however, most houseplants are purchased in pots. Snake plants need a high humidity environment with temperatures ranging from 50 -85 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s ideal to leave them near sources of heat like radiators or warm water pipes.Aloe vera is another great option and something that can be useful to you if you experience a cut, scrape, or burn. If you’re interested in eventually taking your green thumb outdoors, starting with purposeful indoor plants can help to inspire you and boost your confidence. 

How to Care for House Plants

Even the hardiest indoor plants still need to be cared for the right way. If we were to offer a full guide on plant care, we would need to individually go through every one. Thankfully, there is a plethora of information available on caring for just about every plant species, so you shouldn’t have a hard time looking up specific care tips for your indoor greenery. 

In general, though, there are a few rules to keep in mind when having plants in the house: 

• Determine the types of lighting you have and which plants do best in those areas.
• Choose varieties of succulents or plants that don’t need frequent watering if you tend to forget or you’re not often home.
• Understand the risks of overwatering.
• Remove leaves that are yellow or dry.
• Do a plant “wellness” check at least once a week.

It’s also important to think about the wellness of others in your home, including pets. Some plants are poisonous to cats and dogs, so if you have furry friends at home, make sure you think about their overall care before bringing in certain plant varieties. Some people are more susceptible to allergies than others, too. Avoid plants like ferns and bonsai trees if you or someone in your household has allergies. 

Using Plants for Decor

In addition to the wonderful physical and mental health benefits that come with indoor plants, they also look great. If you’re not partial to a particular variety, you might base your selection on what would look best in your house.  

Plants can add a lot of warmth to almost any space. That makes them great in large rooms when you want to add depth and comfort. They can also add a lot of color to a room that might otherwise be boring or drab. 

Houseplants have also become popular with those adopting a minimalist lifestyle. People who practice minimalism can enjoy benefits like: 

• Boosted mental health
• Less time cleaning
• More happiness
• Improved focus

When you lead a minimalist lifestyle, you’re more likely to appreciate the things you have – including plants. If you really want to jump on the current houseplant trend, getting rid of the excessive “stuff” in your house is a great way to do it. You can focus more time and attention on the plants you bring in, and they’ll add a lot of life to your home without creating clutter. 

Of course, no matter what varieties you choose, you can decorate with houseplants by putting them in different containers or locations. Some people like to hang plants in macrame slings from the ceiling.  Others choose colorful pots to complement the colors of a room. You can let your personality shine when it comes to utilizing plants as decor. 

The resurgence of houseplant popularity is likely here to stay, even as we enter a post-pandemic society. Start small by introducing one or two plants into your household, do your research on varieties that would best fit your lifestyle, and you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits almost immediately.