House plants – Find the Best Indoor Plants of 2022
Do you grow potted plants at home? There are certain species that not only look beautiful, but they are also very easy to grow. Learn what species you should add to your green collection and find out how to take care of them. Check what are the most popular house plants of 2021.
House plants – what should you know about them?
Potted plants have many names – house plants, indoor flowers and so on. They are grown in soil placed in various containers. House plants are an easy way to introduce the natural environment into closed interiors, which affects the decor and the mood of anyone staying in there. They also allow to maintain contact with nature, especially in winter.
House plants can be perennials or annuals. They usually form traditional flowers with petals or develop vines. They can also take form of miniature trees.
Plants chosen to be grown in pots usually have high aesthetic value, displaying interesting colors, shapes or unusual way of blooming. The wide variety of plants of this type makes it easier to pick the one that matches your individual taste.
How to take care of house plants?
As every house plant species is different, they have various needs. For this reason when you choose particular types of potted plants, make sure to provide the best conditions to them - for their proper growth and blooming. Some general rules can help you take care of your indoor plants.
One of the most basic rules of plants care is regular watering. It’s important to water the plants according to the needs of a particular species. Most of the potted plants require intense watering in spring, as it’s the time when they bloom.
Spring is the season when potted plants require the most attention. March and April is the best time for fertilizing. It will help your plants to bloom and enliven the already existing shoots and roots. Spring is also a good time for repotting too large house plants into bigger containers – or dividing them into smaller parts.
Taking care of potted plants in fall and during heat season
You should keep the house plants leaves clean throughout the whole year. Sprinkle their surface with clean water weekly, especially during the heating season when the air is more dry due to central heating.
Keep your plants in good condition in autumn as well. It’s the best time to prepare them for their winter rest. Avoid fertilizing the house plants in autumn – you should wait until spring.
What house plants are worth having?
The best potted plants you can grow in your household are the ones that do not require too much attention and everyday care. This is an easy way to make your house plants a magnificent decoration, while putting as little effort as possible or in case you forget to water them.
Before making a decision which indoor plants to choose, pay attention not only to their appearance, but also to their practical properties that you could use. See the most popular house plants that are absolute must-haves in 2021:
- Geranium – one of the most popular ornamental flowers. It’s a house plant, although often put outside. It is typically grown on balconies and windowsills. Geraniums are not only aesthetically pleasing, as they bloom in beautiful, intense colors, but also have a lot of practical uses. The essential oil found in the leaves is used for therapeutic massages, inhalations and baths. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
You can also use a geranium in the kitchen – for instance by adding its chopped leaves to tea or to meals and desserts.
- Dracaena – a very popular houseplant. It requires minimal attention and care, therefore it’s recommended for those who don’t have time for taking care of plants everyday. It’s a perfect potted plant for busy or forgetful homeowners. Being neglected is not an issue for it, contrary to other indoor plants.
- Fern – a very common in the past, nowadays fern has been forgotten a little. Now it comes back. This popular house plant has a soothing effect on a human organism, thanks to its intense green color. In addition, its leaves work as a natural air purifier. This potted plant neutralizes signals emitted from electronical devices in the room. It’s an ideal indoor plant for a living room or an office.
- Peace lily – a unique houseplant that can act as an air purifier replacement. The plant filters air naturally, absorbing harmful toxins from the air. Peace lilies are perfect indoor plants. They are highly recommended for people suffering from respiratory issues such as asthma.
Substances contained in peace lily leaves are potentially harmful for humans and household animals. If you have a puppy or a cat that likes to chew on plants - make sure they have no access to the lily.
- Aloe vera – an indoor plant, often praised for its many uses. Aloe vera juice is rich in vitamins and minerals, and it has healing properties. Fresh aloe juice helps with swelling, bug bites and acne. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it also aids gastrointestinal system treatment. As an indoor plant, it’s definitely worth having in your household.
You can use your own aloe vera plant to make soothing cosmetics with a good, natural makeup.
- Anthurium - it’s an unusual house plant of an awe-inspiring appearance. Although it has been used only as a part of bouquets for a long time, today it is a houseplant in many houses. The proper care of this plant is very important. For this reason, one should learn how to grow anthurium to achieve the best results.
Always trendy house plants
Certain potted plants have been highly popular for many seasons, and it doesn’t look like the trend is going to end. What house plants should one choose to create a stylish and elegant interior? Find some suggestions below.
Monstera – turn your house into a jungle
Monstera is one of the most popular and at the same time the most impressive potted plants. Using it, you can create your own exotic garden in your house.
Monstera is a perfect potted plant for everyone. Not only it looks very interesting, but is also very easy to take care of. To get satisfying results, just water it once a week. Are you afraid it is too little? Monstera is a type of plant that reacts immediately to lack of water - you will surely notice. If its leaves look a bit withered, it means you should provide it with more water.
Green plants like Monstera perfectly match current trends. If you’re planning to create your own urban jungle, consider adding a monstera to your collection.
Potted cactus – natural minimalism in your interior
Cactus is a very popular and timeless ornamental indoor plant. Its most interesting feature is the fact that it’s entirely covered with spikes. The cactus is a plant naturally growing on hot and dry deserts, therefore it requires minimal effort. For this reason cacti are perfect for anyone who cannot really take care of plants or often forgets about watering them. Because of their great ability to adapt to any conditions, homeowners often choose them to be their house plants.
There are many types of cacti to choose from. There is always at least a dozen of the most popular ones in a typical gardening shop. You will surely find the one that suits you perfectly.
Cacti can survive being neglected very well. For this reason they are ideal for people who are not capable of taking care of plants but they still want to have them in their house.
Orchids… potted plants that delight everyone
Orchids are exceptionally beautiful plants, perfect as potted plants. It’s a very popular and praised species among house plants lovers, and they are decorations in many homes. Those universal plants look trendy in any interior, during any season.
There are several types of orchids with different petal colors. The most popular colors are white, pink, purple and blue.
Growing orchids is not very complicated, although it requires following a few rules. By putting enough effort, the owner can enjoy its beauty for many years.
Fiddle-leaf fig - an elegant and noble indoor plant
Ficus lyrata or a fiddle-leaf fig tree - that’s what the poted plant is called - has been one oft he most popular indoor plants. Although it originates in tropical forests, it grows perfectly at home in a pot. Fiddle-leaf fig can grow up to several meters tall under natural conditions. Such a height could be problematic at home, but it can easily be cut and adjusted.
What are the characteristics of ficus lyrata? Most importantly:
- relatively easy care,
- elegant appearance,
- unusual shape of leaves.
Spiderwort - an unusual and unique potted plant
Spiderwort is distinct against other indoor plants. Some of the species look really interesting. What’s more, it is really easy to care and it grows fast. The plant needs a proper amount of light, hence it can be placed on a windowsill.
Because of the fact that the spiderwort is an indoor plant of 70 different species, everyone can pick one that suits their expectations. The most popular ones are:
- Purple Heart,
- Tradescantia Andersoniana,
- Virginia spiderwort,
- Wandering Jew,
- White Velvet.
The spiderwort can be used as a potted plant, as well as a garden plant. By adding the unusual looking plant, you can make you garden more beautiful.
Indoor palm tree - a timeless house plant
Many consider palm trees exotic house plants, and because of this they are afraid to grow them indoors. As one can easily note those potted plants have permanently entered home interior designs and are gaining popularity since a couple of years.
If you decide on house plants of this type and have no experience, make sure to pick proven and easy to grow species. You can pick, for instance:
- Canary Island date palm,
- trachycarpus,
- dwarf banana tree,
- dwarf coconut,
- California fan palm.
Indoor palm tree is a perfect house plant for those who love green plants of attractive and interesting looks. They don’t bloom - keep that in mind when you pick plants for your house.
📍 Where to buy houseplants?
If you are looking for new house plants, try visiting a gardening shop. You can find high quality plant for your home there. Alternatively, supermarkets often offer cheap potted plants, so keep an eye for them while doing grocery shopping.
📍 How often to water houseplants?
You should adjust watering your plants to their individual needs, as each species requires a different kind of care. Most plants need watering once or twice a week. Keep in mind that in winter the air is more dry, so make sure to water them more often.
📍 How cold is too cold for houseplants?
Any temperature lower than 15 Celsius degrees (60 F) might be harmful for indoor plants. Most house plants are native to tropical climates, therefore room temperature is best for them. The cold might damage delicate potted plants.
📍 What are the best houseplants for low light?
If your room is dark, search for plants that natively grow in the lower parts of forests. You might choose peace lily or any type of fern. Other species to consider are dracaena, snake plant and zamioculcas - they are very good for bedrooms.
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