With the cold, winter months upon us, we’ll do almost anything we can to try to make our homes feel less chilly. You know we’re all about creating a warm atmosphere with decor, but another great way to bring warmth into your home is with house plants. That being said, we recognize that plants take more TLC than decor, so we’ve compiled some information to help you choose the right plants for your home (and to help you keep them alive!) The following are some of the most commonly carried plants at LD Shoppe and our tips to help you keep these plants healthy and happy in your home.
Photo: LD Shoppe
SNAKE PLANT
The Sansevieria Select, also known as the snake plant, is an excellent houseplant for all levels of gardeners because it is an extremely forgiving plant that is hard to kill.
Sunlight: They can adapt to full sun conditions, and will also survive in quite low-light environments.
Water: Let the soil dry between waterings and err on the side of under watering because too much water can kill the plant.
Toxicity: Toxic to cats and dogs, mildly toxic to humans.
Plant Fact: Snake plants are listed as one of the top plants for air purification
ZZ PLANT
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, commonly referred to as the ZZ plant, is a popular houseplant for its ease of care. ZZ plants are stylish, attractive, and long lasting.
Sunlight: The ZZ plant will accommodate a broad spectrum of light conditions, however it doesn’t like harsh, direct sunlight.
Water: Aim for a heavy watering once a week and allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Toxicity: Toxic to cats and dogs.
Plant Fact: ZZ plants grow from bulb-like roots that hold water for a long time and they don’t need to be repotted until the bulbs start to warp the pot they’re in!
POTHOS
Pothos plants can spontaneously generate variations in their leaves which has led to several types of variegation and colour, such as marble, classic jade, and even neon.
Sunlight: Grow pothos indoors, preferably with bright, indirect light, although it also will tolerate low-light conditions.
Water: Pothos like to have their soil dry out between waterings and accepts erratic watering care.
Toxicity: Pothos plants are poisonous if ingested by children, cats, and dogs and can be irritant to the skin if touched.
Plant Fact: Pothos are very rewarding to grow. Their foliage begins to trail quickly so they look great hung in a planter or placed on a high shelf!
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Pothos
ALOE
This succulent is truly a plant with purpose and so handy to have in the kitchen or bathroom. Aloe barbadensis has been used throughout the centuries for its healing properties!
Sunlight: This succulent needs bright, natural light to grow and for those leaves to get nice and plump. You want to rotate it every 6 months or so to make sure it receives even light on all sides.
Water: This fleshy succulent stores a lot of water in its leaves & thick roots. You want to water it every 2-4 weeks, depending on your environmental conditions.
Toxicity: Aloe can make dogs sick.
Plant Fact: Aloe was known as the "plant of immortality" in ancient Egypt!
PHILODENDRON CONGO GREEN
The Philodendron Congo Green is an attractive warm weather plant that produces showy flowers and interesting leaves. It gets the nickname “rojo” from its new leaves, which unfurl in a deep, shiny red.
Sunlight: This plant prefers bright indirect light (direct light can burn their leaves!) though they can adjust to medium levels of light as well.
Water: Let it dry out between waterings. They typically like a thorough watering once a week, but it can be less frequent during winter months.
Toxicity: Considered a toxic plant as the sap inside the plant may irritate sensitive skin if touched.
Plant Fact: Some philodendrons come in variations with velvety textured leaves!
PHILODENDRON MONSTERA
The Philodendron Monstera's iconic, split leaves are so pretty that they’ve been featured extensively in art and design recently. Once you've seen one you'll understand why people love them so much!
Sunlight: Tolerates low light, but grows faster and becomes more dramatic in a bright spot. That said, avoid strong, direct sunlight because it may burn the leaves.
Water: Keep soil from drying out completely between waterings. Be sure to water when soil becomes dry to a depth of 1-2”.
Toxicity: The Monstera is mildly toxic to humans and pets. Typically ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation.
Plant Fact: The leaves start out full and then they develop the “Swiss cheese” holes as the leaf matures!
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Aloe Vera, Philodendron Congo Green, Philodendron Monstera
Now that you’ve learned about some of the most common plants we carry, we hope you’ll consider adding one to your home. We currently do not ship live plants, but we invite those in the Ottawa area to shop our live plant collection!
To find plant care tips for other species of plants LD Shoppe carries, look in the product description for each plant online at LDShoppe.com. To learn more about plant toxicity, please refer to the ASPCA website.
Photo: Leclair Decor, Westmount Project
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