Regular lawn maintenance is critical to boosting your home’s curb appeal, but what about the green inside your home? House plants not only spruce up the interior of your home, they can improve your overall comfort.
U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) research found that the plants inside your house can improve indoor air quality.
If you’re ready to add some verdant energy to your living space, here are some tips to consider:
Select plants optimal for indoor growth
You don’t need a green thumb to improve your home décor; many types of plants will thrive in your home. Varieties you should consider include aloe, English ivy, rubber trees, ficus and areca palm.
Nurseries in the area can provide more recommendations about what will thrive in and around Chattanooga.
Not all plants are pet friendly, so make sure to research the greenery you select before bringing it home.
Choose direct or indirect sun
Most indoor houseplants work well in indirect light. Sun-soaking plants should be placed near a window for at least five hours a day. Plants are living things and are impacted by temperatures. When cooler weather season arrives, remember to move your plants further from the window or consider adding a sheer curtain.
Watch the water
Read care instructions carefully for recommendations on hydration. Most indoor plants die from overwatering. With too much water, the soil gets soggy and oxygen can’t reach the roots. Yellowing plants are a sign you’re watering too much.
Get creative with displays
There are endless ways to showcase plants in your home. If you prefer to group your indoor greenery, think about the arrangement. Group plants in an odd number and select different sizes for an informal, inviting look.
If you want your plant arrangement to stand out, incorporate a variety of leaf colors, textures, heights and pots. Make sure the plants require about the same amount of sun so your group of greenery looks vibrant year round.
Create a plant maintenance kit
Once you’ve found the ideal plants for your home, consider creating an indoor gardening toolkit. Keeping plants healthy and vibrant is easy when you have the right tools in an easily accessible spot.
Although the tools you need might vary based on the types of plants you select, basic items you should include are a hand fork, pruner, indoor watering can and plant transplanter.
For more information on how to connect with a professional who will help with design ideas or to find a local nursery, visit the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga at www.HBAGC.net.