Once you move into a new home, you have the joyful experience of making the place truly your own. Of course, that means bringing in your own furniture, decor, artwork, window treatments, and beyond. It might also mean painting a wall or two, upgrading appliances, or embarking on a more comprehensive renovation project.
One step you don’t want to skip is investing in houseplants. A few good houseplants can have a very real impact on your quality of life; they contribute to fresher air, a more colorful environment, and an improved sense of wellbeing. Indeed, the therapeutic benefit of houseplants is well-documented.
Of course, not all houseplants are created equal. You want to get something that’s going to look vibrant, but also something that’s pretty easy to take care of. This is especially true for homeowners who aren’t naturally blessed with green thumbs!
As you think about your houseplant options, here are a few tips and guidelines to keep in mind.
How to Select New Houseplants
- Be aware of your home lighting. Different plants need different amounts of light in order to thrive; to make sure your plants live for a good long while, you’ll want to pick species that will respond well to the particular lighting in your home. First, then, think about where you’re going to put your plants: In a big bay window with ample exposure to the sun, or in the corner of your bedroom where lighting is going to be scarcer? You can actually buy a light meter to measure sun exposure in different rooms, if you really want to approach this scientifically.
- Be honest about your own dedication level. Some plants take a little more TLC than others. If you’re willing to water it daily and reposition its sun exposure when necessary, you can get some really chic, unusual houseplants. But you can also find plenty of options that require very little of you, beyond a little water every few days. What matters is just being candid with yourself about how much work you truly want to invest in your indoor plant life.
- Think about your spacial limitations. What happens if you buy a small plant that quickly grows into a giant? Or you get a species that branches out with long vines or tendrils? It’s important to think about the level of space you have available for your plants, and to pick species of fauna that fit that space.
- Don’t forget your pets. If you have dogs or cats, that can add a little wrinkle to your houseplant selection. Believe it or not, some of the most common indoor plants can actually be poisonous to your animals, and even a small nibble may result in your pets having health issues. If you do have a dog and cat, do your research and ensure that whatever plant life you purchase is perfectly safe and non-toxic. Also be mindful, once again, of space; a larger dog may accidentally knock over the plants, unless those plants are small enough to be safely placed somewhere out of reach.
- Take into account your inside climate. There are some beautiful houseplants out there that essentially need to live in a humid, tropical environment… which can make them good picks for the sunroom, but probably not for your family’s den. Climate, like space and sun exposure, should always be a consideration when choosing new plants.
- Don’t hesitate to start with some beginner plants. Finally, just remember that there’s no shame in grabbing a few easy plants and working your way up to more demanding ones. Succulents, which need little more than a bi-monthly watering, make for especially good starter plants.
These are just a few tips to help you make prudent plant purchasing decisions, but of course, we’d also recommend talking to folks at your local nursery and seeing what they recommend.
Get Tips for Selling Your Own Property
Believe it or not, some fresh and vibrant plants can help you sell your own property, too; they make the whole environment feel cleaner, fresher, and more appealing. For additional tips on getting your house sold, claim your seller’s report from SOLD.com today!
