Add Some Green to Your Home: Houseplants

I have to admit, I have a black thumb.  I have never been able to keep any houseplants alive.  With that said, I am going to turn over a new “leaf” ha! ha! and try again.

One of my goals this month was to add “green” to my home.  I started that mission with a terrarium which I shared with you here.

After doing that little project, I decided that one wasn't enough and I added several more to my home.  However, I decided that I had better know a little more about houseplant care that way I won't have a bunch of dead plants in about a month.

My first resource was this great article on the Better Homes and Gardens website.

After reading, I realized that there were several things I was consistently doing wrong with my approach in the past.

1. What they called “drought & flood”  This is what I often did because I wouldn't remember to water until I noticed a plant was dropping leaves or looking dead.  Then, I would flood it with water in hopes to resuscitate it.

2. Over watering:  BHG says this is the number 1 killer of a houseplant.  Rotten roots.  Well after #1, I'd be inclined to do this.

No wonder this isn't so easy!

3. No fertilizer:  I was always scared off by fertilizer.  I don't know why, but I guess because I just wasn't educated.

Here are the suggestions I have found to be helpful:

1. Know your plants.  READ the instructions that come with them or consult a care guide.

2. Don't move your plants around.  Keep them in the right amount of sunlight and leave them be.

3. Don't set a schedule for watering because some need more or less.  Instead look for the top inch of soil to be dry and then water.  Cacti like dry, so leave them be.

and finally…..

4. Fertilize them in spring/ summer when they have a growth spurt.

With my new-found knowledge, I am determined to make a better houseplant mommy.  Here are the plants I added:

Money Tree

Gardenia

Fern

I especially enjoyed putting these little plants in unusual containers which I picked up at a thrift shop.

Jade & Succulent

It does feel much more warm and cozy.  When I look out and see the dreary landscape, at least I can look at my little green plants and dream of spring.

That's if I can keep them alive.  Cross my fingers.

Enjoy your Valentine's Day weekend!!

To life feeling like home!

XO,

Amy 

Also, If you are a local Cincinnati friend, I had the incredible opportunity with our home school group this a.m. to see a dress rehearsal for Alice in Wonderland with the Cincinnati Ballet.  Great production if you are looking for something to do this weekend.  It runs through Feb. 15th.