We way pass the era of decorations just for the sake of decoration. Nowadays, we live in an era where we want things to be more than just decorations. We want them to be practical, functional, and serve a purpose. With that in mind, if you want functional decorations, look no further than the best houseplants.
Placing greenery here and there can brighten your space, and purify the air in your home. And in an era where some of the chronic conditions are caused by the polluted air we breathe, you want clean air at your home. Spending time in nature, or surrounded by greenery can also reduce your stress level. With that in mind, we’ve rounded a list of best houseplants that are easy to maintain, and cheap to obtain. What more can you want?
Aloe plant
Definitely one of the best looking, and most practical plants you can get is an aloe plant. Nowadays, aloe vera gel is used in almost any beauty product. The benefits of the gel are just too good to ignore. Not only does aloe vera help you soothe skin burns and cuts, but it can also help you improve the quality of air in your home. It is very easy to notice whether the air you breathe is of good quality or not. When the amount of harmful chemicals in the air in your home becomes excessive, the leaves of the plant display brown spots. Talk about a monitor.
When you get an aloe plant, you need to put it in indirect light. It requires a lot of sun and light, but not a direct one. Water it once per month.
Chinese money plants
Contrary to popular belief, these plants will not bring money into your home. The history and significance of Chinese money plants have nothing to do with being rich or improving the wealth of your household.
The ideal conditions for these plants are a bright and indirect sun. Watering can be challenging, as it requires the drench and dry approach. That means you water thoroughly, and then allow the soil to dry out. You need to water the plant once per week.
The unusual round leaves and superficial resemblance of the plant is what gives a dramatic impression to your home.
African violets
This is one of the most popular houseplants you can buy. The popularity of the African violets goes higher and higher, making it a fan favorite flowering bloom. It blooms several times per year, which is only a plus when it comes to decoration. Keep it in bright sun with indirect light, and moist soil to let it grow and prosper. The challenge is to get an African violet fertilizer and provide good drainage for the plant.
Peperomia
Also known as the radiator plant, peperomia is another popular houseplant. Peperomia is one of the two large genera of the Piperaceae family, and there are more than 1000 recorded species. These sexy waxy plants grow best in humid conditions. They are total opposite of the trendy succulents. And they can even flourish under fluorescent lights.
Peace Lily
There are many lily plants, but we go for the peace lily as it is a low-maintenance flower. They do well in shade and cooler temperatures. And you want one in your home to reduce the level of toxins in the air. Who needs an air purifier when you can get a couple of houseplants?
Snake plants
The best thing about snake plants is that they do not need much light or water to survive. In other words, you can basically forget to water them, and they will still be alive. That makes the snake plant an ideal choice for a corner of your home. In addition to being a decoration, a snake plant will absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during the night. Most of the plants do photosynthesis during the day, but snake plants do it during the night. Add one in your bedroom and you will get a clean-air boost.
Water takes place only after the soil has fully dried. And if you want to make an empty corner special place, just place the snake plant in an elevated planter.
Weeping fig
There are a lot of plants with funny names, but weeping fig is definitely on the top of the list. This plant requires bright but indirect light. That is why most people place it in common spaces, like the living room. You need to water it every few days to keep the soil moist at all times. The plant is decorative enough, so put in a simple and white pot.
Bamboo palm
Palms are some of the most popular best houseplants. There is no other way around. Usually, a bamboo palm is the first association when people want to add a little greenery in their home. And let’s not forget, bamboo palm made the NASA list of top clean-air plants with a score of 8.4. Bamboo palms are very effective against benzene and trichloroethylene. Put in indirect sunlight, and water it constantly.
Spider plant
The best feature of spider plants is that they produce little babies. In other words, you get one, and pretty soon you will have many more plants in your home. They are fast growing, and you can re-pot the babies for added greenery. The spider plant requires weekly watering, and works best in well-lit areas.
English Ivy
You cannot make a list of houseplants without mentioning English Ivy. This climbing plant is great for topiaries. Just let the long tendrils hang from the mantel.
Philodendron
Most of the house plants that clean the air are average decorations. But the philodendron is a sophisticated, elegant, and luxurious looking plant. Because it is easy to care, the heart-shaped plant is popular among homeowners. And its decorative vines are very much appealing. When cared for properly, the philodendron can last for many years. The plant requires moderate water, and some sunlight.
Cacti
Cacti, or cactuses, thrive in natural light, and they need to be watered once per week during the spring and summer. During the fall and winter, you need to water them once every three weeks. Now, buying a big cactus might be eye-popping. But instead of that, we recommend a variety of small ones and plant them together in a colorful terrarium.
Red-edged dracaena
Beautiful and vibrant, the dracaena can grow to be ceiling-height. Just for info, 15-foot dracaenas are very common. This makes the plant ideal for decorating and filling up space. And it is also functional, as it can remove toxins include formaldehyde and xylene from the air. Grows best when put in sunlight.
Rubber plant
In nature, rubber trees can measure over 100 feet. That is in their native Asia. However, regular pruning keeps the plat in check. And they are great in your home.
Bromeliad
Do you want to make your home colorful? Look no further than the bromeliad. It belongs to the same family as pineapple, and makes a great decorative accessory in your home. Lasts a long time, and can produce pups or side shoots that will eventually replace the original plant. Keep it away from cold drafts as its ideal temperature is around 70 degrees.
Golden Pothos
This plant also made the NASA list for cleaning the air due to its ability to clear formaldehyde. Add it to your kitchen or living room as a hanging plant. The leaves grow down in cascading vines. The best part is the pothos can grow easily in cool temperatures and low levels of sunlight. This plant requires moderate watering, and you should never allow the soil to become water-logged.
Phalaenopsis orchid
The orchid is native to tropical Asian countries, and that is why it succeeds in low light and humid areas. If you live in a dry climate, do not get an orchid. Most orchids are pretty forgiving, meaning you can water them once every week or week and a half, and they will still grow.