Looking for some new indoor plants and flowers?
We've put together a list of our favourite house plants and flowers that will hopefully inspire you to add some greenery to your space. Adding plants to your bedroom is something small you can do that will have a big impact on your overall health and well-being.1. Philodendron
These deep green plants are easy to identify from their heart shaped leaves and are an easy to manage tropical plant that comes in two main varieties. You can either have an upright or a climbing Philodendron - it's a personal preference! Shown in this picture is an upright variety.
Philodendron's are native to tropical environments and prefer warmth and light. This is the kind of plant you want to put near a window and take outside during warm days. Be careful putting in direct sunlight as this can burn the leaves. Philodendron prefers even moisture in their soil and does not like sitting in overly wet soils so make sure your pot drains well. When the top inch of soil seems dry, give it a drink! Philodendrons will benefit from fairly regular doses of fertilizer, especially during summer months when growth is most active. Be sure to re-pot your houseplant every two years with fresh soil to keep it happy.
2. Dieffenbachia (a.k.a. Dumb Cane)
Don't chew on this plant or you might get a numb tongue! The nickname Dumb Cane comes from the an old meaning of dumb meaning mute. The sap from this plant can cause swelling and temporarily impede your speech so no munching on this veg and be sure to keep it away from children and pets.
This fast growing plant thrives in bright indirect light and can reach 2 feet in height within the first year of planting - if it gets enough light that is. It can tolerate low light but its growth will be dramatically stunted. Be sure not to over water this plant! Wait until the top 2 inches of soil are dry before refreshing with some hydration.
3. Swedish Ivy
Another easy to grow and lush houseplant - Swedish Ivy is an ideal choice as it can grow and thrive in a variety of conditions.
Swedish Ivy is a trailing plant that looks best hung in a basket but will also look great growing off a shelf or ledge. For the lushest results, provide lots of indirect sunlight, plant in a well draining pot and never let it sit in a puddle. Wait for the top inch of soil to dry before re-hydrating.
4. Monstera (a.k.a. Swiss Cheese Plant)
Another rainforest plant - the Monstera is not as scary as it sounds. Also known as the Swiss Cheese plant, this plant can grow up to 3 feet and really add a tropical or vacation like atmosphere to your room.
5. Lucky Bamboo
These plants are said to bring good luck and fortune to those that own them, especially if the plants were given as gifts. Lucky Bamboo can add an incredibly simple and pleasant vibe to any space. Although more closely related to a succulent than real bamboo, this plant is extremely low maintenance and easy to grow.
When it comes to planting Lucky Bamboo, there's lots of room for creativity. Place your Lucky Bamboo in at least one inch of water and support it with rocks or pebbles in a vase. Lucky bamboo is very sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals commonly found in tap water so its best to use distilled or filter water. Avoid direct sunlight as it will scorch the plant and your luck will run out!
6. Snake Plant
The Snake Plant is one of the hardiest plants out there and in turn one of the easiest to keep alive. This tall and pointy plant can range in size from 6 inches to 8 feet!
Snake Plants can grow in a variety of conditions - from the darkest corner of your room to the brightest. It grows the fastest if it can get a few hours of direct light each day but grows best (and slowest) in consistent low light. Be careful not to over water this plant and make sure it doesn't get too cold - these are the only real factors that can kill it. Terra cotta pots work well for snake plants. In warmer months, water every three to four weeks but in the colder months be sure to water less often. This plant has adapted for droughts so always error on the side of under watering.
7. Kalanchoe
This beautiful and colourful plant loves the light! Kalanchoe flowers throughout the year and is a durable flowering potted plant that requires very little maintenance. It can often be found for sale during late winter and spring and is a slow grower. Kalanchoe can often be found with red, pink, yellow, and white flowers but are toxic to pets so keep up and away so that they're out of reach.
Kalanchoe grows best in full sun and in a well-drained pot. If you have a habit of forgetting to water your plants, a Kalanchoe may be the perfect pick for you! This hearty plant does well with minimal water and requires a complete saturation only every few weeks or so. It requires less water during the winter months. Let the soil dry out completely in between waterings to help prevent root rot.
8. Calathea (a.k.a. Zebra Plant, Peacock Plant, Rattlesnake Plant)
These oblonged beauties can come in a dazzling array of colours. A bit trickier to manage - the reward for figuring out the ideal growing conditions are worth the effort.
Calathea are highly sensitive to colder temperatures and grow best when kept in the warm, humid environment. These are often found in green houses where they thrive in the indoor rainforest like conditions. This is an ideal plant for you if you use a humidifier in your room and require bright indirect light. The Calathea is a thirsty plant and does best when watered regularly in order to maintain a consistently moist (but not soupy) soil. If you notice the edges of your Calathea's leaves are withering or turning brown - you need to water it! It's best to use filtered, distilled or rainwater as they are highly sensitive to chlorine.
9. Anthurium
Deep greens with a pop of colour - Anthurium can add some beauty to any space!
These plants can be on the trickier side and require some attention and care to grow. Many Anthuriums grow tall and all need high levels of humidity and warmth to thrive. Place your Anthurium in bright, indirect sunlight for the best results during the summers and ensure they get some direct sunlight during the winters. Caution: frost will kill your plant! These plants need high levels of humidity and thrive in greenhouse like conditions. Never allow your plant to dry out completely - keep it moist!
10. Persian Shield
Our personal favourite. This awesome purple plant really pops against the dark green backdrop of its leaves and boasts a hint of silver.
This is another plant that thrives in humid environments but can also do quite well in just about any room if you give it a medium amount of attention. If you notice a little drooping - give it a drink and watch it perk back up in no time. Direct light will be harsh on the beautiful leaves so ensure you keep it in partial shade as the silver in its leaves does a great job of picking up and reflecting sunlight.
BONUS TIME!
11. Money Tree
They say that money doesn't grow on trees - so I guess this is as close as your going to get. This indoor tree is said to bring good energy to your house and is commonly found braided in groups of 3-5 strands. Money tree's can grow 6-8ft indoors and are an easy big plant to grow.
This plant is great for you if you are known to overwater your plants as it can often handle that extra attention. Place your money tree in bright indirect sunlight for optimal growth and you'll notice how quickly it increases in size in no time!
