How to choose the best indoor plant for you?
There are a ton of houseplants out there, so it's hard to choose the best houseplant for you, your space, and your life.
At Nau Green, we believe everyone can be a plant person, and that starts by helping you choose the right plant.
Everyone's life moves at a different pace: we all have different priorities, families, and homes. Your friend has a stunning calathea plant on her desk that's thriving and happy. You see how much she loves it and how much it brightens her office and consider getting one for yourself. However, you and your friend lead very different lives.
She works from home and finds it meditative to fuss with her baby plant. You, on the other hand, travel frequently for work and don't spend much time at home. So while you love how your plant looks, you're simply not home enough to give it the attention it needs. However, this doesn't mean you can't have houseplants. It just means you need to find a low-maintenance variety that's hardy and forgiving.
Let's break down some considerations to think through that will help you find the best indoor plant for you that will not only survive, but thrive.
What level of plant care can you commit to?
Just like people, plants have different temperaments. Some are easygoing, low-maintenance, and adaptable. They won't mind if you forget to water them occasionally and can thrive in less-than-ideal lighting conditions (like an office cubicle with fluorescent lights).
Other houseplants need a little more TLC. They like their soil to have just the right amount of moisture. They may need frequent misting and don't like being bumped or refrigerated. They're all beautiful and all have health benefits, but that doesn't mean they're the right houseplants for you.
So, before choosing a houseplant, consider your level of experience with plants and the amount of time you can realistically dedicate to your houseplant. Is your life hectic? Are you running back and forth between play dates, soccer games, and birthday parties? Do you work long hours or travel frequently? An easy, low-maintenance houseplant might be best for you.
Or do you have the time or desire to dedicate yourself to caring for a plant that requires a little more attention? Or maybe you're somewhere in between. The point is, just because your life is busy doesn't mean you can't enjoy and benefit from a houseplant.
What light do you have?
It goes without saying, but we'll say it: plants need light. But some plants need more light than others, and some plants barely need any natural light at all. It can be difficult to determine what kind of light you have.
A good rule of thumb is that most houseplants will do best in locations with east- or west-facing windows (your phone probably has a compass if you need help figuring out which direction is which). This provides the plants with enough indirect sunlight for a good portion of the day and ambient light for the rest of the time. Southern light is stronger and better for light-loving succulents like aloe plants. Most plants will burn if placed in direct sunlight, i.e., where the sun is shining directly on their leaves.
There are several plants, however, that will adapt to all different light levels and will even thrive in dark spots where only ambient or fluorescent lighting is available. So if the beige and gray walls of your cubicle are seriously getting you down, there's a plant out there that will successfully brighten up your workspace!
What is most important to you?
You've given yourself a reality check about plant care. You've taken out your compass and determined what light you have. Now, comes the fun part: Why do you want a new houseplant? Is it purely aesthetic? Do you love how they look? Do you like that they purify the air? Will they make you happy? Or do you want your kids to grow up with something green because you live in the city? Whatever your motivation, keep it in mind as you answer the next question.
What's most important to you: Does your plant need to be non-toxic to your cat or dog? Does your plant need to be easy to care for? Does your plant need to be unique? This question will help narrow down your choices and help you choose the best houseplant for you.
Leave a comment