Plant Parenting 101 Archives

Meet Plant Kween, the Brooklyn-based Gardener Who’s Changing the Plant Parenting Game

plant kween interview with pk with plant

Growing up in Philadelphia, Christopher Griffin (they/them) learned about the power and beauty of nature from their great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother — all of whom passed their love of horticulture on to them. Today, Griffin, aka Plant Kween, has more than 370K followers on Instagram, where they post updates about plant tours, shopping excursions, and tips on garden care and cultivation. The account is a window into the life of Plant Kween, who uses nature enthusiastically and daily to learn about and nurture themselves, and ultimately grow.

We caught up with Griffin to learn about their sprawling plant collection, why it’s important for queer and trans people of color to connect with nature, and tips on waking up the plant parent in all of us.

Why is nature essential to human well-being?

From the air we breathe to the food we eat, we would not be here without plants. It’s important people understand that. Also, with the way technology has uprooted us — all puns intended — it has taken us away from the basic simple beauties that nature puts before us. Bringing nature into your home is a lovely way to reconnect with that simple beauty.

How should we care for nature inside our homes and workspaces?

Do the proper research and look up the natural habitats of the plants you bring home. Are they used to growing on trees or in the shade? Try to mimic that scene for the plant, such as humidity and sunlight. Also, make sure the plant has proper room to spread its roots. They need room. And practice patience, trust in yourself, and in the plant as well.

Have you ever had a hard time with a particular plant?

I went through many fiddle-leaf figs (ficus lyrata); she’s known to be a very moody queen in the plant world, but I don’t consider her moody. She’s a queen that knows what she likes, and if you’re not going to give it to her, she’ll drop her leaves. I struggled with that plant; I kept moving her around, and she didn’t like it. She couldn’t establish herself. Many of mine are in the little botanical garden in the sky.

Plants remind us of the different ways we need to care for ourselves. We need room to grow, water, sunlight, air — I incorporate those elements into my every day.

Plant Kween

What are some tips for becoming a great plant parent?

Have a sense of curiosity. You’re caring for something living and breathing that has a history. Be curious; learn about that plant, but also learn about yourself.

For me, I over water — that’s how I kill most of my plants. I realized I’m an over-nurturer; I learned too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, so I had to adjust.

You’ve killed plants? Don’t you have a green thumb?

I don’t believe in the green thumb myth — it’s an anxiety-provoking phrase. People feel you must have these “skills” to take care of plants. That’s not true. You just have to allow yourself to learn.

plant kween interview with pk holding calathea

plant kween interview with pk standing with plants on a table

What advice do you have for someone who is feeling stressed about caring for a particular plant?

It’s a natural feeling to have; some plants are just difficult to care for.

I would encourage them to reassess. Maybe that plant is just not the plant for your space, or maybe it was not going to survive no matter what you did. I have over 225 plants, but I’m not going to even count how many plants I’ve had that trial-and-error moment with.

If a plant is stressing you out, give it away. Give it to a person who is equipped with better space or more time. I’ve given tons of plants away. I check on them, and they’re all doing great.

Research shows that talking to your plants helps them grow. Do you talk to your plants. If so, what kinds of conversations do you have with them?

Yes, I do talk to my plants sometimes, but it’s more for me than for my plants, like a motivational talk. “You are growing, girls!” It’s a reminder that I can keep growing, too; I’m like a medium having a conversation with myself.

They say the same thing about playing music for your plants. Research suggests there are soundwaves that impact the cellular interaction of the plants, which may help them grow. The more probable thing is a person speaking or playing music is providing top-level care for their plants.

Do your plants talk back? Or communicate with you?

All the time. [People] are basically houseplants with complex emotions, so a lot of things plants go through, we go through, too. Sometimes our plants get stagnant, and they stop growing — same with us. We all need room to grow. Sometimes plants need to let go of yellowing leaves and concentrate their energy elsewhere, like us. My plants speak to me, and it’s important for me to listen.

What do your plants say to you?

They tell me when they need water — that’s when they wilt. Certain plants are literally screaming at me: “Girl, I need a drink!” I investigate what are the better ways I can care for this plant, and then I do it.

How is your love for plants related to fashion or your lifestyle?

I am a person who is really inspired by the different leaf shapes of particular plants, so sometimes I use that for fashion inspiration, like a silhouette I want to wear. But on a deeper level, when you’re caring for plants in your home, there’s an appreciation for what the earth is providing. I’ve changed some of my own behaviors around sustainability and how I can be better for the planet, because I understand how fragile nature can be.

How are plants part of a wellness routine?

Studies show plants reduce our level of anxiety and stress. I have been navigating anxiety for most of my life, and plants have provided me with an opportunity to just sit still. Gardening is my meditation, so every day I interact with my plants in a very intentional way.

I’m a routine queen. I love my routine; it helps me feel grounded. Plants remind us of the different ways we need to care for ourselves. We need room to grow, water, sunlight, air — I incorporate those elements into my every day.

How are you and plants creating conversation in the QTPOC (queer and trans people of color) space?

As a Black person, and understanding some of the historical trauma that Black folks have experienced with nature, in times of slavery, it’s a reclaiming and reimagining of what that interaction can look like for me. And as a queer, non-binary person who is constantly reimagining and redefining my place in this world, my plants give me space for rest, rejuvenation, and relaxation. Plus, there’s the need for Black, queer, non-binary joy, and plants are my way to experience joy.

With regard to representation, I remember when I started the PlantKween Instagram account, I didn’t put myself in the picture. Then I started looking around the digital community and realized there can always be more Black, queer, non-binary, and trans folks engaging with horticulture. We deserve representation and visibility in these spaces.

What are some of your favorite plants?

I love succulents, mainly because there are so many different varieties in all parts of the world, which speaks to their resiliency. Another fave is, obviously, the pothos, and, in particular, the variegated version, marble queen pothos, my very first plant. And monstera deliciosa, aka the Swiss cheese plant. I have a 30-year-old one near and dear to my heart, and it has been growing wonderfully.

What are some care tips for the 2023 Plant of the Year, the calathea rattlesnake?

Calatheas are known to be queens that will brown very easily on the tips. So, my number one tip for taking care of them is to make sure they are in a humid place. Calathea are understory plants (plants that grow naturally in low-light conditions); they’re used to those humid, shaded environments. A bathroom, or any room with a humidifier, is a wonderful place for that plant. Be mindful of how you water it, too, as it may need more water than other plants.

You live in Brooklyn, where space is often limited. Do you have any advice on how plant lovers can turn their small spaces into their own personal oasis?

Get creative. I encourage folks to take time with their space. When I moved into mine, I ordered pizza and sat on the floor and mapped out the space, just watched the sun move through the space. It was so peaceful, calm, and meditative.

Get to know your space. Where are the heaters? The AC? The cold drafts? The warm drafts? Is there central air? For smaller spaces, go vertical. I put up all this shelving in my space and applied grow lights where I didn’t have a lot of lighting. I put plants on a utility cart. Get creative, have fun, and don’t stress out. That’s how to reinvigorate the plant parent within you.

Learning to Care for Your First Orchid

The orchid is a flower that exemplifies elegance. This tropical beauty worked Europeans into a hysteria known as Orchideliruim in the 1800s, during which it became fashionable to pay premium prices at auction for the blossoms.

Today, centuries of careful breeding practices have made this once-rare flower accessible to any indoor plant lover. Are you considering adding an orchid to your plant collection? This article will teach you about orchid care, as well as interesting facts about this flower, its origins, and the different types of orchids.

What is an orchid?

Having flourished since the time of the dinosaurs, orchids are considered one of the largest and oldest plant families on the planet. More than 30,000 unique species of orchids are found worldwide, and modern breeding practices have resulted in an additional 150,000 hybrids.

What sets orchids apart from most flowers is their growing strategy. Orchids don’t grow in the soil but rather are epiphytes (air plants) that root themselves to trees and rocks. There, they capture water and nutrients from the surrounding air with their exposed roots.

Today, wild orchids face environmental threats due to pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change, to the point that many varieties are at risk of extinction. For these reasons, you should avoid purchasing wild-harvested plants and only buy orchids from legitimate vendors. This lets you enjoy their beauty at home without compromising the ones that remain in the wild.

Orchid myths and color meanings

Orchids are associated with a lot of symbolism. This elegant flower has long been linked to ideas of love, thoughtfulness, and fertility. The color you choose is believed to carry certain significance, especially when given as a gift.

Blue: Peace, beauty, and tranquility
White: Innocence, reverence, and humility
Purple: Respect, admiration, and royalty
Pink: Femininity, charm, and grace
Yellow: Joy and friendship
Green: Health, nature, and financial good fortune
Orange: Pride, enthusiasm, and having fun

While this symbolism is fun to consider, the right orchid color for you will always be the one you love the most. Don’t limit your selection based on these color connotations! Instead, consider the care instructions and traits of different varieties.

Orchid varieties

Below are the three most common types of beginner-friendly orchids available.

Phalaenopsis

Considered a symbol of health and prosperity, this Southeast Asian native produces flowers in a range of colors and patterns, and tends to blossom in slightly cooler weather. It’s one of the most popular orchids due to its large flowers and ease of care, and it comes in purple, white, and blue varieties.

Dendrobium

This orchid variety hails from Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, and is considered a symbol of wisdom and beauty. Wild dendrobiums usually bloom in the early spring to mid-summer and are available in various colors, including yellow, brown, pink, and purple.

It’s a robust grower and will send up new flower canes every year. But, unlike other varieties, you shouldn’t trim the spent flower stems of this orchid until there are three or more in a pot.

Oncidium

You can find this delicate orchid growing throughout North and South America, where it blooms from spring to fall. Oncidium is a diverse family that thrives in a vast range of habitats. Many varieties have names that sound as dynamic as their coloration, including tiger crow, wildcat, dancing lady, and ram’s head.

Pay close attention to the care instructions for your chosen variety, as they can vary significantly from one to the next.

How to care for an orchid plant

You can best enjoy orchids at home by staying mindful of their tropical origins. They do well when grown in pots of bark or moss that mimic the tree branches they call home in the wild, and most varieties need lots of filtered light. Placing them in east-facing windows is ideal, as it exposes them to early morning light that’s not too harsh. If you only have south- or west-facing windows, place a sheer or thin sheet over your orchids to protect them from the strong rays of the sun.

orchid care with woman caring for white orchid

Keep your flowers at temperatures between 65° and 90° F, being careful not to place your orchids in the path of a vent or draft. Provide them with a balanced fertilizer (20-20-20 ratio is recommended) every few weeks. Most need to be watered every five to seven days, though the roots should stay moist in between.

Alfred Palomares, VP, merchandising at 1-800-Flowers.com, offers a helpful trick to keeping orchids properly watered. “Add three ice cubes a week for a full-size orchid,” he says. “The key is to ensure the growing medium does not get dry and, at the same time, make sure the roots do not sit in water. This can lead to root rot.”

Under proper conditions, you can expect each bloom to last two months or longer before fading. Once the flower is finished, cut its stem back to about an inch above the planting line and continue watering as usual. The orchid is entering a temporary resting stage, during which it will start to stockpile energy before producing the next bloom. Care for it like normal, and the flower stalk should soon grow back.

Some orchid species, such as phalaenopsis, do best when replanted every few years. Others get stressed when their roots are moved, so make sure you understand the specific requirements for your variety before considering upgrading your pot.

How to care for cut orchids

If your orchids arrive in a box, take them out and cut one inch off the bottom of each stem on a slant with clean, sharp scissors or shears. This gives the stems more surface area to draw up water and ensures that the flowers will stay well hydrated. Orchids arriving in a vase will already be cut on an angle and shouldn’t need to be recut right away.

Fill a clean vase with water three-fourths of the way to the top, then add the packet of flower food to the water before arranging the flowers in the vase.

You can make your own food for several changes of water with this little recipe:

3/4 teaspoon household bleach
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar

This recipe is for one quart of water. The bleach will keep the water clear and bacteria free, the lemon juice stabilize the acidity of the water, and the sugar will provide food for the flowers.

To keep your orchids fresh for as long as possible, follow these four simple steps:

Change the water every two to four days and add more flower food each time. If the water begins to get cloudy, change it immediately.
Recut each stem on an angle each time you change the water.
Discard any flowers that have faded and are past their prime.
Keep the orchids in a cool environment (65° F to 72° F) out of direct sunlight. At night, put them in the coolest room of the house out of the way of drafts from heating or cooling vents.

5 Green House Plants That Are Easy to Grow

If you’re looking for a way to revamp your home, consider the appeal of a green house plant. For a small investment, house plants offer a host of incredible and tangible benefits.

From acting as natural air filters to increasing productivity to helping patients recover from surgery faster, plants can do so much to improve your well-being. Research even shows that filling indoor spaces with plants can lift your mood while lowering your stress levels.

In short, if you care for a house plant, it will take care of you.

Easy-care plants to grow indoors

Not sure which indoor plant to commit to? Consider adding one of the following varieties to your home to create a personal sanctuary.

1. Maidenhair ferns will brighten up your home

The maidenhair fern is a North American native that boasts feather-like foliage in a light-green hue. While it thrives in moist, shaded gardens, it’s also an ideal indoor container plant.

Keep your fern in a shaded location and away from a direct heat source. These plants are slightly fussy about their soil quality and do best with a more alkaline pH, so consider adding ground limestone to the potting mix. They also don’t take well to being replanted, so make sure you choose a container the first time.

Maidenhair ferns need to stay moist, so plan to mist it daily in addition to watering it regularly.

2. Pothos are perfect for new plant parents

House plant novices love the pothos plant for its easy care and the big statement it makes. This tropical native loves living indoors and thrives in low-light conditions, making it ideal for anyone who lacks a green thumb. In fact, it’s renowned for surviving neglect with minimal signs of stress.

Pothos plants grow bright green, heart-shaped leaves on trailing vines that can be trimmed or left long. Many people like to display them on shelves so that their cascading leaves become part of the décor. Just keep in mind that pothos’ leaves are poisonous to both humans and pets, and should stay out of reach of small children.

You don’t need to worry much about soil quality or watering levels, although pothos should be kept out of direct sunlight. If you see signs of yellowing, withering leaves, consider increasing your watering levels.

As your plant grows, you may need to repot it into a larger container to keep the roots healthy.

3. Enjoy easy maintenance with Boston ferns

The Boston fern is beloved for its frilly foliage and low-maintenance care. It makes a perfect hanging plant because it rarely needs to be messed with. Place the fern where it will get plenty of indirect sunlight, water when the soil feels dry, and treat its leaves to a daily misting to keep everything green.

You can also use this versatile ornamental as decoration for your outdoor balcony as long as temperatures stay above 55 degrees.

4. Make a statement with calathea

Add some interest to your home décor with a statement plant like the calathea. This popular variety of prayer plant hails from the Brazilian tropics and thrives in low-light conditions. Plant enthusiasts prize it for foliage that features dramatic stripes and color variations that seem to change with the lighting.

Though some varieties of calathea have a reputation for being temperamental, amateur growers should do fine so long as they monitor their plants for signs of stress. Keep your calathea in a space with indirect light and relatively high humidity. It’s vital that you never let the soil dry out thoroughly. Placing the pot over a tray filled with water and pebbles can suffice (but watch for root rot), and you can boost the humidity further by grouping multiple plants together.

5. Add some charm with English Ivy

Capture the charm of a countryside cottage by decorating with English ivy. This climbing plant is often grown outside but does well indoors in as well.

For best results, keep it away from south-facing windows and other direct sunlight exposure, and let the soil dry thoroughly between waterings. Small amounts of house plant fertilizer will help the ivy retain its bright coloring, but don’t use any during times of temperature extremes, when the plant is already stressed.

As English Ivy is a prodigious grower, plan on frequent pruning to keep it under control. You can also start new plants from cuttings rooted in water.

3 Benefits of Having Flowers and Plants in the Classroom

The term “biophilia” was coined by psychoanalyst Erich Fromm to describe the innate human attraction to nature. Of course, live plants and flowers beautify a classroom — but adding them to a learning environment is more than great design. It also has tangible health and wellness benefits for both students and teachers.

A plant is an ideal entry point into the care and keeping of living things. It is a life skill that can be shared and modeled for other students in the classroom.

Karen Aronian, Ed.D.

Classroom environments strongly influence students’ moods and motivations. A 2020 study published in Building and Environment found that students actively prefer classrooms that include nature and live plants can help students learn more effectively. Students report fewer health issues after spending even short periods of learning in a plant-enriched environment — in some cases, a single lecture was enough. The presence of plants also impacts how students perceive both their educational experience and their instructor, as the same study also found adding indoor plants improves both teacher and educational evaluations.

The benefits of living green plants in a school environment extend far beyond self-reported improvement. “There are endless ways to imbue flowers and plants into our classrooms and nearly as many reasons to do so,” says education design expert Karen Aronian, Ed.D. “Indoor nature can inspire students, improve focus, and reduce anxiety.”

Here are three reasons science says it is beneficial to “go green” in the classroom.

1. Plants improve attention and classroom behavior

Attention and focus are essential for productive learning, but classrooms are inherently full of distractions, such as use of mobile devices, tardiness, and disruptive behavior. Science shows that teachers can improve focus by reducing artificial stimulation with natural elements. Features like green walls can substantially reduce acoustic stimulation, and even a few standalone plants can make a difference. One study found that children with ADHD consistently experience more sustained concentration in classrooms with live plants.

classroom plants with group of school kids with teacher planting herbs

“The act of caring for a plant can provide a big boost for a child’s self-esteem and instill them with a greater sense of responsibility,” Aronian says. “Plant care includes everything from identifying the plant, watering, transplanting, and tracking growth to ensuring the plant has good soil, light, and a temperate environment.

“A plant is an ideal entry point into the care and keeping of living things. It is a life skill that can be shared and modeled for other students in the classroom,” she continues. “It also improves children’s behavior, attentiveness, and confidence.”

2. Classroom plants improve air quality

Live plants are natural filters, helping to remove toxins and allergens from the air, and putting them in a classroom environment adds oxygen and reduces pollution and airborne dust. “Indoor classroom air is different than outdoor air in that it usually contains higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing from carpets, glues, and cleaning solutions,” explains Lorena Torres Martinez, assistant professor of biology of St. Mary’s College of Maryland. “Some plants have adapted to metabolize VOCs as part of their protective mechanism, to ward off insects or as a way to attract pollinators, so these species are better at removing these toxins from the environment.”

classroom plants with schoolgirls giving teacher bouquet in classroom

One such plant is an English Ivy, which Torres Martinez keeps in her office because it has been shown to remove toxins — including toluene and benzene, two common carcinogenic indoor pollutants found in paint and glue, among other things — from the air. Snake plants and air plants are also popular air purifying choices. So, how many plants do you need? While there is no standard regarding how many plants are needed to clean the air in a classroom, based on NASA studies from the 1980s, the current rule of thumb is two large plants for every 100 square feet of enclosed space.

Plants and flowers also help improve the scent of a room. Many people are sensitive to chemical fragrances, but flowers act as natural air fresheners. Colorful cut flowers are also an easy addition to classrooms with few windows, as they do not require direct sunlight to thrive.

3. Living plants reduce anxiety and support mental health

The number of students experiencing anxiety, depression, and isolation is at an all-time high. One of the leading causes of this is the overuse of digital devices, which can negatively affect the brain and impair social and emotional intelligence.

One way to help combat these problems is to fill classrooms with living plants, as interacting with indoor plants helps reduce stress and anxiety. “Indoor plants are miniature, practical examples of our colossal forest biomes,” Aronian says. “Just as we can take a stress-reducing meditative forest bath outdoors, we can similarly enjoy the relaxing process of pruning, arranging, smelling, and admiring our indoor blooms.”

Just looking at added greenery can be calming. “Studies show that the visual stimulation of looking at live plants is relaxing, has positive mental benefits, and can reduce stress,” Torres Martinez adds. Working with plant species that have the benefits of aromatherapy is another great way to bring more tranquility to the classroom. Growing fragrant herbs, such as lavender, basil, or mint, can also enhance air quality, with delicate natural scents that act to calm the body and mind.

Back to school prep

As we gear up for the school year, now is a great time for educators to come up with ways to bring more plants into their classrooms in the coming school year.

“Teachers should think about how to incorporate seasonal plants into school celebrations and holidays. They can also create a calendar ahead of the school year and assign each student/family their special week to bring in a live plant or bouquet with related information to share,” Aronian suggests. “This process of choosing and presenting a living ornament to the class ecology can become a favorite ritual for both the students and their community.”

11 Most Common Houseplants

Plants are having a moment and surging in popularity as we look to beautify our spaces both at home and in the office.

common houseplants with Stylish green plants and black watering can on wooden shelves

“Plants are gaining their deserved recognition because they bring continual cheer, add something living and fresh despite the season, and give the plant lover a daily act to care and admire their plant,” says Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising at 1-800-Flowers.com.

Our selection of common houseplants was put together with the guidance of Palomares and Renato Cruz Sogueco, an instructor at Floriology, a subsidiary of 1-800-Flowers.com that offers courses focusing on the latest floral design trends.

These 11 popular picks instantly inject a diversity of texture, color, and shape into any home or office. “Ever venture into a jungle? If not, you can certainly create your own with the incredible menagerie of plants we’ve recommended,” Sogueco says.

1. Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)

common house plant with Baby rubber plant

The baby rubber plant, a native of Mexico to northern South America and the Caribbean, is a consistent choice in a plant lover’s collection. It earned 1-800-Flowers.com’s selection for 2022 Plant of the Pear because it is a beautiful, resilient plant that represents optimism for today’s times. This little plant is semi-succulent, with thick, fleshy leaves and stems that retain water. It has bright green leaves or a combination of ivory and green in its variegated form. Its tiny white flowers are borne on 3-to-5-inch-tall spikes in the summer. This is an attractive little plant that will fit nicely in any décor.

2. Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

Snake plant, also known as the Mother-in-Law’s Tongue from its long sharply pointed leaves, comes in a number of eye-catching varieties, both short and tall. It comes from Africa and is widely known as Sansevieria but is now officially called Dracaena. The most common snake plant varieties are tall, sword-like plants with horizontal whitish markings or yellow stripes along the sides of the 1-to-2-inch-wide flat leaves that end in a sharp point. Snake plants are excellent air purifiers, and they make a strong statement as vertical accents on the floor or a table.

3. ZZ plant, Zanzibar gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

ZZ plants are 2-to-3-inch tall, exotic-looking plants with deep green, glossy, elliptical leaflets, and dark green stems. They come from the forests and dry grasslands of eastern and southern Africa, and are so bright and shiny that they are sometimes mistaken as artificial. “Zanzibar gem or ZZ plants are an option to add a vertical element to the home jungle,” Sogueco says. “Their luscious dark green leaves contribute both stunning color and shape to the space.”

4. Monstera, Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa)

Monstera, or Swiss cheese plant, is a large climbing plant with deeply split leaves that can reach 3 inches long. “If you’re into odd shapes, nothing compares with including a Monstera to your plant mix,” Sogueco says. “When you purchase a young plant, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the leaves develop their distinctive holes as they mature.” Monstera is outstanding as a large floor plant, with a stunning, tropical look that will enhance any space.

5. Echeveria succulent (Echeveria spp.)

common house plants with echeveria succulent

Echeveria is a small, flat succulent with thick, tongue-shaped leaves that come to a sharp point. The plants are only 2 to 3 inches in diameter and come in a variety of colors: light green, gray with pink or purple edges, pink, bluish-green, or white. Echeverias are often planted in little dish gardens with other succulents or cacti and are a lively addition to a bright windowsill or table.

6. Juniper bonsai (Juniperus sp.)

Trees that are clipped and wired according to the ancient Japanese art of bonsai create miniature replicas of full-sized plants. Junipers are the most popular trees used for bonsai because of their ease of training, adaptability to various conditions, and exotic, windswept shape. With their blue-green foliage and gnarled trunks, juniper bonsais are beautiful little trees that appear like works of art and create a calming atmosphere wherever they’re placed.

7. Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)

common house plants with fiddle leaf fig

The fiddle leaf fig is a stylish floor plant that will be a focal point in your mini jungle. Its shiny, violin-shaped leaves, measuring 12 inches by 8 inches, hang on graceful, slender trunks that can reach up to 10 feet tall indoors. It is native to the rainforests of western Africa, and as a houseplant will make a strong, large-textured statement in a home or office.

8. Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema sp.)

common house plants with chinese evergreen

Chinese evergreens are one of the current darlings of the houseplant world because of their adaptability and beautiful colors. Their ovate leaves come in charming patterns of green, pink, cream, silver, and white. Chinese evergreens are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and have been bred extensively for their colors. They grow 1 foot tall and wide, and make excellent foliage plants for any décor.

9. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Aloe vera is famous for the soothing healing gel inside its succulent leaves. The plants can grow 1 to 2 inches high, and their fleshy, pointed, green leaves are covered with white markings and have soft spines along the edges. They are native to northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. This multi-tasking plant is attractive and has the added benefit of being an emergency salve for bites, stings, and burns.

10. Calla lily, Arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

Graceful and elegant, calla lilies steal the show with their slanted, cup-like flowers and long, arching leaves. The flowers come in various colors: pink, deep burgundy, white, yellow, or orange. They are a favorite cut flower for weddings and handsome floral arrangements but are equally beautiful as live, growing houseplants. Calla lilies are native to the subtropical regions of South Africa and Swaziland.

11. Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Lucky bamboo is a popular plant gift because it is said to bring wealth and good luck. According to feng shui wisdom, the plant will increase the flow of positive energy in an office or home when placed in the proper direction. Its canes and sharply pointed leaves make it look very much like bamboo, but it is not related. In Chinese culture, the number of stalks and how they are arranged is significant and carries special meaning. It is often sold with stems that are twisted, curled, braided, or grouped into appealing designs.

7 Secrets of the Money Tree

When it comes to plants that are said to bring good fortune, indoor gardeners have a lot of options. There’s the shamrock, which has its moment every year on St. Patrick’s Day, as well as the hardy succulent jade plant and water-dwelling bamboo. But by most accounts, the luckiest plant you can add to your houseplant menagerie — and the best for growers of any skill level — might just be the money tree. Want to know more? Here’s an assortment of seven lucky facts every plant lover should know about this charming houseplant essential.

Family matters

A member of the Malvaceae plant family — and cousin to plants as diverse as cacao, cotton, hibiscus, and okra — the Pachira aquatica (as it is known in Latin) has a variety of nicknames, including the Malabar chestnut, Guiana chestnut, French peanut, Saba nut, and Monguba. Whatever you call it, you’d be hard pressed to find a better or more forgiving type of greenery with which to share your home, says Claire Akin, creator of the Houseplant Resource Center.

Money trees are an ideal houseplant for many reasons, Akin says: They’re pet friendly, low maintenance, don’t require a ton of light, and somewhat forgiving if you’re the type who doesn’t always remember to water your plants as often as you should.

A photo of a money tree in a pot — Double the tree, double the luck?

Best of all, they’re incredibly striking, with thick, bark-like, generally braided stems and lush and vibrant glossy green leaves that have a distinct tropical vibe, similar to a palm tree.

Luck be a tree

Although money doesn’t grow on trees, money trees are treasured for their supposed ability to channel good luck into a home. They are thought to be a harbinger of good luck, positive energy, and financial success, says Nikole Washington Nelson, floral merchandiser for Harry & David.

A staple in feng shui, the money tree’s unique structure is believed by followers of the ancient Chinese traditional practice to perfectly encapsulate the five distinct elements that make up the universe: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal.

Placing a money tree plant in an area where you deal with money, such as a business or home office, is thought to summon that good luck and good fortune. And, to make the plant’s supposed powers even stronger, money trees are also often adorned with additional luck-bringing symbols, such as coins and red ribbons.

Keeping your money tree healthy

“The secret to a happy money tree is to give it the conditions it wants — or at least as close to them as you can provide,” according to Justin Hancock, a horticulturist with Miami-based plant nursery Costa Farms, which specializes in growing more than 1,500 different varieties of houseplants. Those conditions break down to as much indirect sunlight as you can provide; natural or artificial light are both fine.

“Ideally, keep your plant within three feet or so of an east- or west-facing window,” Hancock advises. He also recommends giving your plant slow release fertilizer a couple times a year and plenty of water: Let the top couple inches of your money tree’s soil dry out in between waterings — roughly once a week — and then add water to the soil until it starts to drain out the bottom of your pot. When done, empty the drainage tray immediately so the plant’s roots aren’t left standing in excess liquid.

“It is thought that good fortune can be trapped within the braided folds of those trunks.”
Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Watch out, too, for anything that creates hot or cold drafts, such as old windows or heating, or air-conditioning vents, he adds. “Blasts of air that are noticeably hotter or colder than the ambient air temperature can cause the leaves to go yellow or brown and drop.”

In the wild, the money tree can grow up to 60 feet tall. However, indoor plants usually top out at three to six feet.

“With good care, you can enjoy a money tree in your home for years, or even decades,” Hancock adds.

A globe-traveling history

Although money trees are originally native to the swampy wetlands of Guyana and Central and South America, the tropical aquatic is also widely grown in Japan and East Asia. And that’s where its popularity truly exploded.

“As the story is commonly told, it was a Taiwanese truck driver who first cultivated the plant and helped it become so popular,” says Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

Although the legend of the money tree may sound like something that dates back centuries, its cultivation really only goes back to the 1980s, Bunting adds.

As its popularity increased, he says, growers began braiding several individual seedlings together when the plants were very young. Then, as the plants grew, their stems would fuse together and become one.

“It is thought that good fortune can be trapped within the braided folds of those trunks,” he says.

Did somebody say bonsai?

Although the term “bonsai” generally conjures up images of tiny, immaculately trimmed evergreens, money trees are also an unusually popular plant choice for the practice of bonsai.

“Bonsai plants can vary greatly,” Bunting says. “Most of us are used to seeing more temperate plants used in the practice of maintaining these tiny trees in a small and artful manner. However, many tropical plants like the money tree work exceptionally well and offer a unique spin on this traditional art practice.”

Put your money tree where you mouth is

Although it’s rarely considered “food,” the money tree’s relationship to vegetables, such as okra, and fruits, such as cacao (which is where we ultimately get chocolate from), means that the plant can actually be eaten.

“Though you almost never see them indoors, the money tree can develop really beautiful and interesting flowers,” Hancock says. The large yellow-ish white blooms open at night, are incredibly fragrant, and sport hundreds of feathery red-tipped stamens.

“Surprisingly,” he adds, “they’re generally pollinated by bats.”

The pollinated fruit grows in a pod and bursts open when ripe, exposing dozens of large, reddish-brown seeds. The nutty-tasting seeds can be eaten raw or cooked and are also commonly ground into flour. Young leaves from the plant can also be eaten, as can the flowers themselves — although we’d recommend you spend your time admiring and caring for your money tree rather than sautéing it!

How to Repot a Plant

Like babies outgrowing their cribs, plants eventually need larger accommodations. Repotting plants is essential; otherwise, their smaller space could cause the plant’s health to deteriorate. Re-planting provides more room for the root system to expand so the plant can continue to grow and remain healthy.

How do you know when it is time to repot a plant?

When a plant appears to be too large for its container, it’s time to repot it. This occurs when the plant is pushing against the wall of the pot. The center of the plant will appear very dense, with little room to breathe and grow. In some cases, depending on the plant, the roots can begin to grow upward around the plant or through the bottom of the plant, which is what is known as root bound.

repot a plant with two women as they repot a plant

How to repot your plant in a new container

First, remove the plant from the old container. Scratch and massage the sides and bottom roots. Loosen them a bit. A kitchen fork is helpful in this task. Add some soil to the bottom of the grower’s pot. Center the plant and position it so there is about a half inch below the edge of the pot when filling with soil.

Water your plant more than once a week. As the plant adjusts and roots begin to grow, the plant will need more water. Keep the plant away from full sunlight, as it will be at a tender stage of acclimating to the new pot. Don’t fertilize for about a month. Now your plant is ready to GROW!

A note for homeowners with a well and water softener: Do not use water from your tap that has gone through a water softener, as this contains salts that are harmful for plants. Use water that bypasses the softener, rainwater, or bottled spring water.

How to keep your plant clean and hydrated

Plants love to take a shower! For smaller plants, your kitchen sink is the perfect place to shower off the leaves and hydrate plants that have been dried out over time. Shower your plant and let the water settle for a few minutes, and then hold the soil portion with your hands and turn your plant over to release any excess water. Dry the leaves with a damp cloth to clean off any residue, and clean your pot exterior. This process not only hydrates your plant but also rinses the soil and refreshes and cleans the leaves.

Remember to dust off your plant leaves in between showers.

Safe placement of your plant

When placing your plant on a surface or the floor, be mindful that condensation between the pot and floor can create staining or even damage the surface permanently. It is best to protect all surfaces by using a plant caddy or cork mat to separate the plant pot base from the floor or tabletop surface. Check the type of light —indirect or direct — that your plant requires. Remember to keep your plants away from air conditioning and heating vents.

How to Keep Your Succulents Alive and Thriving

Succulents are having a moment — and for good reason. From being able to grow just about anywhere to requiring little maintenance, these unique plants have a lot going for them. Such as…

6 reasons to love succulents

1. They can grow almost anywhere

Unlike most common houseplants, they’re not as finicky about water and temperature.

2. They’re the perfect size for small space

You can tuck a little greenery into the corner, up on a shelf, or even on your desk.

3. They’re low maintenance

The biggest problem with succulents occurs when you try to “kill them with kindness.” These plants like to be pretty much left alone.

4. They’re unique

Succulents’ wide, smooth leaves and crisp shapes give them a decidedly modern appearance, making for a very chic presentation when lined up on a long table or clustered on a shelf. They’re even used as non-traditional wedding bouquets (just look up “succulent bouquet” on Instagram).

5. They can be therapeutic

From soothing a burn (aloe vera) to cleaning the air (snake plant), many succulents perform functions beyond just looking pretty on a shelf.

6. They make a great gift

Because of their attractive looks and low maintenance, succulents are ideal plants to gift. Even the most novice green thumb can keep them alive, and they do double duty as an accessory to any home décor.

But wait, what are succulents?

Succulents are any one of a family of drought-resistant plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. They typically have leaves that are smooth and fleshy in appearance.

Succulent care with "Dig It" Succulent Trio

The most popular succulents include the aforementioned aloe vera and snake plant; other varieties include the jade plant, zebra plant, moonstones, and “hens and chicks.”

Prickly pear and purslane are examples of succulents that you can eat, and air plants (“tillandsia”), cacti, and sedum are all in the succulent family, too.

If we’ve piqued your interest and you’re ready to dive in, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the three basic areas of care that succulents need: soil, light, and water.

Succulent care tip No. 1: Plant your succulents in soil that drains

Succulents are meant to tolerate drought, and regular potting soil is designed to hold water and drain slowly. This can make succulents prone to root rot if they sit for a prolonged period of time in wet soil.

You can avoid root rot in one of two ways:

1. Purchase a soil mix designed specifically for cacti or succulents

These mixes are looser and more porous. They keep the plant stable in its container and hold in a little moisture while still draining thoroughly.

2. Amend a standard potting soil mix

The goal is to adjust the soil so that moisture exits the container quickly. You can make a better soil mix for succulents by adding coarse sand, perlite, pumice, coconut coir, and mineral grit, all of which help aerate the soil and increase drainage.

Succulent care with Succulents by Lula's Garden

Succulent care tip No. 2: Give your succulents plenty of light

Succulents need light, and plenty of it. Ideally, they need six hours a day. If grown in too little light, the plants become leggy and the leaves tend to fade in color. You will also want to rotate your plants frequently, as they tend to “reach for” the light if left sitting in one spot without rotation.

Succulent care tip No. 3: Don’t overwater your succulents

We can’t emphasize this enough: Do not overwater your succulents. Remember, these are drought-tolerant plants, and are designed to withstand long dry spells in their native habitat.

A big part of successful watering has to do with the pot in which you plant your succulent. Terra cotta pots are ideal (especially if you’re just starting out on your succulent journey) because they dry out quickly and pull water away from the soil. Terra cotta is also a naturally “breathable” material, due to its porous properties.

Succulent care with Safari Animal Succulents

While planter material like terra cotta helps, the most essential element is a drainage hole. Whether the planter comes with a pre-drilled hole or you drill one yourself, you want your succulent container to be able to drain out any excess water swiftly and completely.

How to water?

Simply add water to the soil until you see it come out of the drainage hole. Then leave it be. You won’t want to water again until the soil is dried out, which you can check by testing the top inch of soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. With succulents, less is more.

You can use any tool you like for watering, except for a spray bottle. Spray bottles only mist the surface, so water doesn’t get deep enough into the soil. This can result in plants with thin, shallow roots. Nice strong roots come from a deep and thorough watering. Spray bottles also tend to leave moisture on the leaves, which can result in mold growth. Stick to a pretty pitcher or watering can.

Why You Should Name Your House Plants

I’m sure you’ve heard by now that “plant parent” is the new “pet parent” — and it’s not just millennials that are obsessed with their plants. People of all ages are looking toward the many health benefits of plants and ways to brighten up their homes or offices.

naming your house plants with apartment dwellers living with plants

When welcoming a new member of your household, it’s customary (and polite!) to give your new “family member” a name, and your #PlantFam is no different. Naming plants has become increasingly popular, so we’ve come up with a list of the benefits of naming your green friends.

Plant expert and 1-800-Flowers.com Vice President of Merchandising Alfred Palomares is a “total plant dad” and has 14 houseplants (!!!) that he affectionately calls the “Shady Ladies.” “My apartment gets a lot of indirect light, which is perfect for my group of houseplants that thrive in this type of environment,” he says.

Reasons for naming your house plants

Naming your family of plants helps you gain a deeper connection with them and gives you a good reason to start talking to them.
Talking to plants has proven to have a calming affect and makes some people feel less lonely. “My plants also make working from home a much calmer, relaxing, and less lonely experience, while also adding beauty to the space,” Palomares says.
Talking to your plants can help them grow faster, likely because of the CO2 you exhale.
“Naming plants is a fun and healthy way of connecting with them,” Palomares says. “It further promotes an investment in plant care — as you watch your plants flourish, you have a sense of excitement, whereas if they aren’t doing so well, you may feel concern and tend to them more.”

3 tips for naming your house plants

1. Learn more about your plants’ names

Usually most plants have more than one name. The snake plant, for example, is also called sansevieria zeylanica. A money tree bonsai is also known as pachira aquatica, and a pilea peperomioides is more commonly known as a UFO plant. With info like that, details in their names may help you pick a name for your new plant fam member.

2. Base your plant’s name on its characteristics

Each plant has its own personality and style, and two plants are the same. Look into the characteristics of your plant, such as leaf color or whether it blooms, like an orchid. If your plant does bloom, what color are its flowers? Are the leaves round, like those of a UFO plant, or spikey, like those of a snake plant? These details can help you find the perfect plant name. Many plants also come in different species, so do some research to make sure you know exactly which one yours is.

3. Be creative and have fun

At the end of the day, there is no wrong way to name your plant, so be creative and have fun with your new green plant! If you want to give your plant a middle name and last name, the world is your oyster.

Plant naming examples for some of our favorite house plants

naming your house plants with Pilea Peperomiodes Plant

Pilea peperomioides aka UFO plant

Potential names: E.T., Alf, Paul the Pilea Peperomiodes

naming your house plants with Arrowhead Hanging Plant

Arrowhead hanging plant aka syngonium

Potential names: Arrow, Pointer, Arthur the Arrowhead Plant

naming your house plants with Snake Plant

Snake plant aka sansevieria zeylanic

Potential names: Slither, Slitherin, Spike, Sanford the Snake Plant, Sans the Snake Plant

naming your house plants with Tranquil Succulent Orchid Garden

Orchids

Potential names: Ork the Orchid, Olivia the Orchid, Zen, Serenity

naming your house plants with Monstera Deliciosa Floor Plant aka Swiss Cheese Plant and Best Plant Name Ideas

Monstera deliciosa aka swiss cheese plant

Potential names: Monty the Monstera, Meryl the Monstera, Audrey (think “Little Shop of Horrors” ;))

3 reasons house plants are a home decor must-have

naming your house plants with woman sitting amongst plants

1. They promote better health

Studies show that houseplants can purify the air as well as improve an overall sense of well-being. Whether you live in the city and want a little apartment detox or crave the comforting vibes of nature surrounding you, indoor plants are a great way to keep you inhaling the good and exhaling the bad.

2. They help keep you company

Plants make for a much calmer, relaxing, and less lonely space. Have you ever heard the saying that you’re never alone when you’re with Mother Nature? People visit forests, parks, and gardens for a reason — nature is known to soothe and relax us. Having indoor plants is like bringing some of nature home with you.

3. They make you care about something other than yourself

Having plants to care for gives you the same nurturing feeling that having a pet or child would (OK, maybe not exactly the same, but hear us out…). Giving your plants water when they’re droopy, sunlight when they’re losing their color, and fertilizer when they’re losing their leaves can give you a sort of attachment to them. Suddenly, you worry when your plant starts looking “sick” and start googling remedies, asking friends, and giving your plants more love and attention. You may even start talking to your plants!