I have always loved plants and being outdoors in nature. But, it wasn’t until a few months ago that I developed this obsession with building a plant family for my yoga room. I loved the idea of building a plant family that can surround me while I do my yoga. Therefore, I searched my local nursery and found 4 new plant friends. I thought this was a sufficient amount to start and since then I have also added 2 new plants.
Adding plants to my space has created a more serene and natural atmosphere in my room. Along with the added benefit of cleaner oxygen, which is always a good thing. I have loved the task of caring for my plants by watering them, pruning them, and making sure that they are overall healthy. I think in a way this has been an act of self care for me, and I hope that this post inspires you to adopt a new green friend into your life. Below I will explain which type of plants I have, their benefits and care instructions as well as some more plants I wish to bring into my collection in the future. Enjoy!
Money Tree, Pachira aquatica
Money trees are said to bring good luck and to add good Feng Shui to a room. Money trees are also good at purifying the air.
Light Bright Light
Water Constantly Moist Soil
*Good plant if you tend to over water plants.
Air Above-Average levels of Humidity
Spray the leaves with water if you live in a dryer climate
Prune Pruning money trees frequently helps it to grow fuller
Fertilize Money trees no less than 2 times a year with a House plant fertilizer.
Note Not intended for human or animal consumption
Kangaroo Fern, Microsorum diversifolium
Ferns purify the air and they are one of the easiest plants to take care of.
Light Medium to Bright Light but Shielded from Direct Sun
Water Enough water to keep the soil moist but not wet or soggy
*Ferns will dry rot if they’re kept wet for too long
Air Ferns like Above-Average levels of Humidity
Perfect for bathrooms of kitchens
Spray the leaves with water if you live in a dryer climate
Note Not intended for human or animal consumption
Yucca Cane, Yucca guatemalensis
Yucca Cane plants purify the air and are a very good plant for anybody new to house plants. The Yucca cane can grow up to several feet tall which makes for a nice accent to any room.
Light Prefers Bright to Medium Light, but tolerates Low light conditions well
In low light the Yucca grows slower and needs less frequent watering
Water Water when the top inch of the soil drys out
Air Above-Average levels of Humidity
Spray the leaves with water if you live in a dryer climate
Prune Cutting any brown leaves helps with regrowth of the plant
Fertilize Yucca Canes no less than 2 times a year with a House plant fertilizer. The best time to fertilize this plant is in spring and summer because the plant is actively growing.
Note Not intended for human or animal consumption
Rainbow Pepperomia, Peperomia clusiifolia
This plant purifies the air and is a very good plant for anybody who tends to go on vacation or forgets to water the plants. This plant comes in a variety of colours including red, purple, and silver.
Light Prefers Bright to Medium Light, but tolerates Low light conditions well
In low light this plants foliage will no be as interesting in colour
Water Water when the soil feels dry to the touch
Air Average level of Humidity
Spray the leaves with water if you live in a dryer climate
Prune Because these plants do not grow very fast they do not need to be pruned very often
Fertilize Rainbow Pepperomia if desired, however, it is not necessary. Use house plant fertilizer if fertilizing is desired.
Note Not intended for human or animal consumption
White Jewel Dracena, Dracaena deremensis
Dracena plants purify the air and are known for being one of the best houseplants because they are extremely easy to care for. They are suitable for desk plants or lower light spaces.
Light Prefers Bright to Medium Light, but tolerates Low light conditions well
Water Water when the top of the soil becomes dry
Air Above-Average levels of Humidity
Spray the leaves with water if you live in a dryer climate
Prune If the plant gets too tall and lanky you can cut down the top and it should re sprout bushier. If the leaves are turning brown try boosting the humidity by misting the plant.
Fertilize Dracena’s no less than 2 times a year with a House plant fertilizer. The more you fertilize this plant the greater amount of growth you will see.
Note Not intended for human or animal consumption
Gold Dust Croton, Codiaeum ‘Gold Dust’
Croton’s are amazingly vibrant coming in many colours, such as red, orange, yellow and even black. These plants do well in kitchens and bathrooms because they love humidity. They are also excellent at purifying the air in your home.
Light Prefers lots of Bright light. If they are in a lower light condition you will find that they may grow tall and lanky with few leaves.
Water Water when the top inch of the soil drys out
Air Above-Average levels of Humidity
Spray the leaves with water if you live in a dryer climate or place a humidifier near by
Prune Cutting any brown leaves helps with regrowth of the plant
Fertilize this plant no less than 2 times a year with a House plant fertilizer. The best time to fertilize this plant is in spring and summer because the plant is actively growing.
Note Not intended for human or animal consumption
More Plants I Recommend
Snake Plant, Sansevieria trifasciata
Pothos, Epipremnum aureum
Fiddle Leaf Ficus/Fig, Ficus lyrata
Swiss Cheese Plant/ Hurricane Plant, Monstera Deliciosa
When doing my plant research I looked to a few resources and I think they would be helpful for you to build your own plant family.
NASA List of Plants that Improve Air Quality https://www.mnn.com/health/healthy-spaces
Super Easy Houseplant List http://www.midwestliving.com/garden/
Easy Houseplants to Grow https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants
Explore All Plants Possible http://www.costafarms.com/plant-finder
I hope that you found this post interesting and it inspired you to incorporate more grenery into your home. Let me know if you buy any of these plants or want anymore updates on how these guys are doing. For more day to day updates, follow me on Instagram @GutsyFeeling.
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Have an amazing #SelfCareSunday,
Your Trusty Gutsy Gal
Gutsy Feeling 