Whether you fancy yourself as a green-fingered whizz or not, houseplants are sweeping the nation as one of this year’s hottest interior trends. Not only do they look great, they are also said to improve indoor air quality which helps our health – win-win!

So, where to start? If you’re a complete beginner and find yourself baffled by the garden centre – don’t stress. We’ve put together the following guide to help you suss out which plants are best for your home and how to care for them. Enjoy!

 

The Swiss Cheese Plant

If you’re a fan of Instagram interiors, you’ll have no doubt seen the Swiss Cheese Plant featured regularly in your feed. Native to South American rainforests, its luscious green leaves are likely to become the focal point of any room.

Luckily this plant is relatively easy to care for. It will thrive in a room with sunlight and plenty of shade just don’t place the plant in direct sunlight as this can cause damage to the leaves.

 

Aloe Vera

One of the most popular succulents, Aloe Vera plants look great and have some pretty impressive health benefits too. The gel inside its leaves is found in many skincare products and has been known to help soothe burns which is why they can be a handy addition in the kitchen.

Aloe Vera plants definitely stand the test of time and have the tolerance to survive if you’re a little forgetful with the old watering. It’s also important to remember that as a desert plant, so if you over-water an Aloe, its roots will begin to rot. For best results, allow the soil to dry before watering again (1-2 times a fortnight).

 

Crocodile Fern

With reptile-like leaves, these easy-care ferns add a splash of green to any room. They thrive in bathrooms and kitchens, thanks to the relatively humid air. Keep them out of direct sunlight and opt for a more shaded space with a cool to average temperature.

 

Coffee Plant

Whilst you may not be able to harvest your morning espresso from one of these beauties, after 3 to 4 years, they plants do bloom. Inside the flowers, you’ll find two seeds or beans which can be roasted and brewed! It might only be a single cup a year but just think how good that home grown coffee will taste!

These plants are relatively easy to care for too and thrive in limited, not direct, sunlight. Coffee plants don’t require too much water either so stick to around a third of a cup and pour around the base of the plant. Droopy leaves are a good indication that your plant is in need of a little extra water.

 

Snake Plant

These are funky looking shrubs look great on desks or worktops and have a hardiness that makes them easy to care for. Known for their striking green vertical leaves, Snake Plants also act as air purifiers, helping to keep your home fresh.

When on the hunt for one, choose a Snake Plant with dark leaves as pale, yellowing leaves are often a sign that it’s beginning to falter. When potting your plant, opt for a high drainage soil to prevent the roots from rotting. For optimum conditions, place your Snake Plant in indirect light and allow the soil to completely dry before watering.

 

Spider Plant

Like a flashback from the 1970s, the good old spider plant is back with a bang and adorning the walls of many insta-bathrooms. Privy to cooler temperatures, these plants prefer to be kept out of direct sunlight so often thrive in more shaded spaces.

Opt for a quick-draining soil and, depending on how bright the room is, water your plant every 10-14 days. Spider Plants like an average amount of water, so not too moist or too dry.

 

Common care mistakes to steer clear of

When you come to buying your own houseplant, always be sure to read the care guidelines. The above tips may vary across species so it’s always advisable to stick to the instructions provided with each specific plant.

 

Here’s a few common mistakes people make when caring for houseplants:

Too much water

Some people can be a little heavy handed with the old watering can, in the belief that plants just need water. Not always true and too much water can be fatal.

Too much light

Again, we think back to high school biology and naturally place plants where they’ll get as much direct sunlight as possible for photosynthesis etc etc. Nope. Not all plants thrive from direct sunlight which can also be fatal.

Not knowing the origin

Knowing the plants origin will naturally help you to care for your plant appropriately. For example, a desert native will not require a daily water.

Neglecting roots

The whole point of houseplants is lack of maintenance, right? However, completely neglecting plants won’t do them any good either. It’s always wise to check up on their roots every now and then as they feed the plant and are responsible for providing its nutrients.

 

To sum up

Houseplants can be a beautiful addition to any home, even for the most horticulturally challenged! The impressive selection now widely available online means there’s a species for everyone.

Whether you opt for a large statement Swiss Cheese Plant or a more modest Spider Plant, always be sure to read the care instructions before positioning it in its new home.

Tag us in your houseplant posts on Instagram – we’d love to see them!