Wish to improve the air quality within your home? Or, planning to bring the greenery indoors? There are several powerful scientific health benefits houseplants can bring. Many homeowners are starting their own little garden to bring nature into their interior space. Unsure what to get? Let’s get started with a beginner’s guide to houseplants!
My hubs loves plants and flowers – we have a small terrarium with carnivorous plants and a vase with fresh flowers periodically at home. More recently, Leroy brought home a DIY terrarium that he did in school. So I guess, we’re now responsible for more living things, in addition to the occasional caterpillars found on our lime plant that’s outside our unit. HA!
Beyond boosting moods and productivity, reducing stress and improving recovery from illnesses, a study by NASA showed that houseplants help eliminate a high percentage of air toxins too. In fact, working with plants is also pretty therapeutic and does wonders for the mind, body and soul.
A Clueless Beginner’s Guide to Houseplants: What Indoor Plants to Choose
Newbie plant parent, breathe easy! Here are some tips to help you get that green thumb going as a beginner:
#1: Set aside an area for your little garden
Plan your space – decide if your new “babies” will be raised at the balcony, living room or in the bedrooms. This determines what type of houseplants to buy as different species require varying amounts of sunlight or shade. Don’t have enough space? Hanging indoor plants help maximise vertical space – consider Spider Plant and Ivy Leaf. If you like flowers, Japanese Rose and Dischidia Million Hearts have pretty blooms that add vibrant colours to a home.
We’ve a Tillandsia Usneoides (Spanish Moss) hanging in our living room. It doesn’t require soil and only needs the occasional spritz of water. So far, so good!
Houseplant shopping tip for families: Hanging plants keep curious fingers at bay, making it safer for babies and active kids. Staying home can be fun in other ways too!
#2: Start with easy low maintenance plants
Everyone starts somewhere. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to start with smaller plants and those that are easy to care for. As a first-timer, consider cacti like Nano Ball Cactus and Baby Panda Cactus and succulents like Panda Succulent and Echeveria Succulent as first plants. Did you know that cacti can flower when cared for appropriately? Both Nano Ball Cactus and Baby Panda Cactus love plenty of sunlight, making it perfect for homes in Singapore. You probably wouldn’t need to prune it (great news!); just make sure they get watered 1-2 times a week, without excessively wet soil. For indoor succulents, besides medium to bright light, their watering frequency can stretch to once every 3 to 4 weeks, depending on size and species.
#3: Do houseplants need sunlight? Beginners need a guide and some plant care tips
If the dedicated area in your home has more shade than sunlight, this will influence which indoor plants to get. Some houseplants prefer direct sunlight, while there are some species like the Monstera plants that thrive with indirect sunlight. These huge Swiss-cheese leafy plants are popular in homes because they add a stylish element instantly, while improving the indoor air quality too. An important wellness factor especially if family members have allergies or respiratory concerns.
Questions to ask the plant nurseries and stores in Singapore before buying your indoor plants: Do they need fertiliser? If so, what type of fertiliser to use, dosage and how often? Do they need special water e.g. cold water? What type of soil do they thrive in? Ask the florist or nursery whom you’ve purchased from for advice. Most would be kind enough to share a beginner’s guide to caring for the houseplants you’ve gotten.
#4: Go easy on watering
When buying houseplants, it’s best to check with the florist or nursery in Singapore how often to water them, and how much water they need. Overwatered plants need fixing because if left as is, their roots may rot, leading to fungal and bacteria invasion. A popular houseplant, the Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Snake Plant) is also a hardy plant with succulent leaves favoured for its air purifying benefits in the home.
#5: Start small, go easy and repot plants, if needed
Not quite ready to handle big potted plants yet? Choose small ones that sit on your tabletop. It’s a nice addition on the work desk too. The Echeveria Succulent comes in a small pot and it’s easy to care for. Perfect for first time home gardeners.
#6: Choose plants that keep mosquitoes away and offer health benefits
Mozzies and insects might be a concern for some households in Singapore, especially with the rising cases of Dengue Fever. Some plants are natural insect repellents which are brilliant to have, instead of having to use mosquito repellant or light a mosquito coil. The benefits of having fresh Eucalyptus in the home goes beyond its refreshing forest scent which works like a mood lifter. These leaves help to relieve cold symptoms too. In fact, Eucalyptus helps to ward off mozzies, making it a popular substitute for DEET.
Some people prefer to start with a mini herb garden since herbs can be added to cooking for flavours and health benefits too. They are usually smaller, taking up lesser space within a home and smell good as well!
Shopping for a housewarming gift? Sprucing up your nest? Plants represent life and bring nature into the interior space. Like children, plants need attention and love. If you’re unsure about the commitment or are in doubt about whether you’ll be able to nurture and care for your plants, you might wish to sit on that decision for awhile. Once you’re certain of your choice, take your new plants home and care for them. Overtime, you’ll also learn to be more empathetic towards yourself and others too while caring for another living thing too.
Are you an experienced green thumber or shopping around for new plants to jazz up your home? I hope this beginner’s guide to houseplants come in useful for your plant journey! Let me know which plants you have welcomed home too!
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