In addition to babies and puppies, plants are one of my very favorite things. They can add so much beauty and softness to your home.
HOWEVER, I have had SO many friends say that they can’t ever keep them alive.
I am no botanist, but I DO own a lot of house plants. So, here are a few tips to help you successfully add house plants to your home….and to keep them ALIVE.
1. Select the right house plant for the right room
The vast majority of new plants die because they are not placed in the proper lighting. When you are selecting a plant you MUST check the lighting requirements on the care tag and follow them.
2. Don’t give up!!
Like with most things in life, successful “gardening” requires some degree of trial and error. If your plant is not doing well in the spot you have it- MOVE IT! If you want a plant for a particular spot, try one with different lighting requirements. Sometimes a room is darker or lighter than you think. You see this guy, I really wanted him in my entryway but it was too dark.
He started turning brown so I moved him and he suddenly bounced back to life!
3. Create a routine or set a timer on your phone to remind you to water them once a week.
I try to water my house plants every Sunday. I’ve done it that way for years! Pick a day that works for you or just set a reminder on your phone once a week just to make sure you don’t forget.
4. Choose easy/beginner plants
The easiest plant I have ever grown is a Pothos. I have several of these that have been alive for 5+ years. They are inexpensive and not nearly as picky about lighting as most. If you are looking for a good place to start, try a Pothos, usually available anywhere they sell house plants. Here is one of mine:
5. When all else fails, buy a fake one!
But seriously!! I have several spots in my home that I really want a house plant to live but its just simply too dark. Take my entry way for example. All the palm plants that I like for that spot require high light. This is not a high light area. Sooo, I have a fake palm tree. Shhhhh, don’t tell!! Nice “fake” plants look far less fake these days then they used to.
So don’t be afraid to add a fake one or two among the living ones. Sometimes that’s honestly the best solution.
