Green Homes 101: Your Complete Guide To Indoor Plants

We’re always looking for ways to make our home more beautiful. It could be another vase, a new piece of furniture or simply rearranging your belongings in a more flattering way. But before you go to all that trouble, why not give a simpler solution a try?

We’re talking about plants! All of us, no matter how deprived of time, have some sort of plants in our balcony or veranda. How about bringing them inside the house? If you’re wondering why (or already have a list of why-nots), here are some reasons that might change your mind:

Reason #1: You can place them anywhere

That’s right! There’s a plant for every corner of your house.  Here’s a brief to get you started:

• Full sunlight: For sun-drenched windows, try out Sun-loving plants like cacti and other succulents such as aloe vera.
• Bright without direct Sun: Most foliage plants like snake plant, spider plant, money plant, rubber plant etc can be placed on a well-lit shelf or furniture that does not receive direct sunlight.
• Full shade or low light: Lucky bamboo, areca palm, peace lily, spider plants and cacti can thrive in low-light areas such as a North facing room.

To know whether your plant is receiving too much or not enough sunlight, keep an eye out on its symptoms. If it has yellowing leaves, new leaves that remain smaller than usual and flowers that are not blooming, it is not receiving enough sunlight. However, if it has fading leaves and flowers that are shriveling up, it is receiving too much direct sunlight and needs to be moved from its position. So be careful while choosing the spot for each plant!

Reason #2: They’re good for you

Did you know that most of these green beauties can help purify the air inside your home? Some plants can even act as natural mosquito repellents – thus saving you from not just the mosquitoes but the toxic coils and sprays as well. Not to mention, their oxygen generating properties which can do a world of good for those prone to asthma or lung afflictions.

When they can do so much good for you, why not bring them inside so that they can work their magic? Check out NASA’s list of the best air purifying plants here.

Also Read: How To Purify Your Home & Breathe Healthy

Reason #3: Add a dash of green to your home decor

Oh, the possibilities are endless! It might seem hard to find a merger between the clean cut lines of modern design and the free-ranging chaos of plants but as most interior designers will tell you, not only is it possible, its a perfect match. Here are some ways you can complement your home with your indoor plants:

• Add a little warmth to your space with a plant placed in a central spot.
  
• Pick a quirky, colorful pot for your plant and watch it bring your home to life (and serve as a fantastic conversation starter with awkward guests).
  
• Throw out the bare look of your walls and adorn them with plants! Try out a hanging vine for a touch of bohemia.
  
• Lend your kitchen some character with these upside down hanging pots!
  
• Replace the figurines and other decor accessories on the side tables and stools with plants! After they look jut as good and do you a world of food, so why not?
  
• Make use of the spare corner in your room and adorn it with this green shelf.
  
• Fill in empty spaces on your shelves with these plants and watch the plants outshine the showpieces by a mile.
  
• If you have a spare room in the house, convert it into a relaxation corner. Throw in comfy chairs, board games, art & craft supplies and of course, lots and lots of plants! Treat this space as you will – a chilling corner, a Yoga room or the perfect place for family night.
  

As long as you care for them adequately, which is not very hard (especially with Google around), you can grow and utilise almost any plant in your home. There’s a lot that you can do with them – even grow your own veggies and herbs if you have the space for it.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give it a try!