GREEN THUMB GIRLY GOODNESS
Easy to grow houseplants, selected by Ann Leisure
Easy to grow houseplants, selected by Ann Leisure
There are two majorly cheap ways to instantly change and cozify a dull casa. Paint and plants, in no particular order of importance. For the foxy gals on the go that don’t have time or patience for pets, babies or permanent bed partners, plants are great companions and result in instant gratification (not that kind, you naughty girl!). They are like tattoos; it starts with one, and who knows how many you end up with! Add to your décor with a few of these easy care plants for beginners:
1) SANSIVERIA (a.k.a. snake plant, Mother-In-Law’s Tongue)
Not only graphically eye-catching, but practically NO maintenance. It is from the succulent (cactus) family, and may want to occasionally step outside for shady sunbathing. Otherwise, stick it in a bright corner and ignore it. Really. Water once a month, or every six weeks, never when the soil is moist. Overwatering and freezing temps can kill it.
2) SPLIT-LEAF PHILODENDRON ( a.k.a. Swiss cheese plant)
Has a fabulous retro look that you’ve probably seen often in vintage mags and books, often replicated in plastic versions. Treat them well, and they will tower over you! They tolerate shade, but are happier in bright indirect light. Enjoys moist soil in winter, occasional dryer soil in summer. They’ll climb and trail, and may need support with a wood post or an attractive bamboo stake. In heated or dry rooms, mist occasionally and enjoy.
3) JADE PLANT
Especially nice for that Asian feel, with cute little leaves. Some have been known to live over 30 years, so it’s not a plant for you commitment-phobic types. Can be as small or large as you want, depending on how you treat it. Also a succulent, so it likes bright direct sunlight. Great for windows, tabletops, patios or porches. Water once a week or every other, always letting it dry in between. If the tips turn reddish-pink, it’s getting too much water.
4) LUCKY BAMBOO (dracaena)
Probably the absolute easiest plant, great for any decorating scheme. Comes in handy for that peaceful "zen" feel, and makes an excellent housewarming gift. The curved stalks are extra fancy. Just keep it constantly moist in a vase with a few inches of water, and add some colorful decorative gravel for an extra decorative punch. Keep it out of heavy direct sunlight. Need cash? Ancient Chinese secret say long leaves= prosperity! Try it on your desk. Try out your parenting skills times two by adding a handsome betta (Siamese fighting fish) to the water and it provides extra nutrients.
5) RUBBER TREE (ficus)
No, it won’t save you money on Trojans, but it does look quite 1960’s sexy in a living room. Color coordinate the room with it’s dark, waxy eggplantish-green colored leaves. The more light the better, or the leaves will drop off. Water a couple times weekly to keep moist. This baby has the potential to get pretty freakin’ tall.
Good Luck, but you won’t need it. Just remember, treat your new babies to occasional misting and fertilizing. You wouldn’t survive without that occasional pedicure, right?
1) SANSIVERIA (a.k.a. snake plant, Mother-In-Law’s Tongue)
Not only graphically eye-catching, but practically NO maintenance. It is from the succulent (cactus) family, and may want to occasionally step outside for shady sunbathing. Otherwise, stick it in a bright corner and ignore it. Really. Water once a month, or every six weeks, never when the soil is moist. Overwatering and freezing temps can kill it.
2) SPLIT-LEAF PHILODENDRON ( a.k.a. Swiss cheese plant)
Has a fabulous retro look that you’ve probably seen often in vintage mags and books, often replicated in plastic versions. Treat them well, and they will tower over you! They tolerate shade, but are happier in bright indirect light. Enjoys moist soil in winter, occasional dryer soil in summer. They’ll climb and trail, and may need support with a wood post or an attractive bamboo stake. In heated or dry rooms, mist occasionally and enjoy.
3) JADE PLANT
Especially nice for that Asian feel, with cute little leaves. Some have been known to live over 30 years, so it’s not a plant for you commitment-phobic types. Can be as small or large as you want, depending on how you treat it. Also a succulent, so it likes bright direct sunlight. Great for windows, tabletops, patios or porches. Water once a week or every other, always letting it dry in between. If the tips turn reddish-pink, it’s getting too much water.
4) LUCKY BAMBOO (dracaena)
Probably the absolute easiest plant, great for any decorating scheme. Comes in handy for that peaceful "zen" feel, and makes an excellent housewarming gift. The curved stalks are extra fancy. Just keep it constantly moist in a vase with a few inches of water, and add some colorful decorative gravel for an extra decorative punch. Keep it out of heavy direct sunlight. Need cash? Ancient Chinese secret say long leaves= prosperity! Try it on your desk. Try out your parenting skills times two by adding a handsome betta (Siamese fighting fish) to the water and it provides extra nutrients.
5) RUBBER TREE (ficus)
No, it won’t save you money on Trojans, but it does look quite 1960’s sexy in a living room. Color coordinate the room with it’s dark, waxy eggplantish-green colored leaves. The more light the better, or the leaves will drop off. Water a couple times weekly to keep moist. This baby has the potential to get pretty freakin’ tall.
Good Luck, but you won’t need it. Just remember, treat your new babies to occasional misting and fertilizing. You wouldn’t survive without that occasional pedicure, right?
Sansiveria (Snake Plant)
Split-Leaf Philodendron
Jade Plant
Rubber Tree (Ficus)
