Spring is the perfect time to introduce some new plants to your indoor scene. They’re a literal breath of fresh air and can change the vibe of your space dramatically. Find our top picks for 2019 below, and happy potting!
Gardenia
Yes, you can grow gardenias indoors. These flowering shrubs are renowned for their intoxicating scent and elegant beauty, and once you pot them, they will thrive, especially if you use gardenia-specific potting soil. Because gardenias love humidity, having a shrub or two in the home is a distinct possibility in Florida. Just keep the soil acidic, the watering light, and the sun bright but not direct.
Moss
Moss looks fabulous when it’s framed, functioning as a decorative piece of living wall art that introduces fresh texture to a room. The benefit of adding a moss frame to your living space is that it requires almost no upkeep and therefore is suitable for low-lit situations. The moss is treated beforehand to preserve the look.
Air Plants
Air plants and “epiphytes” are all the rage these days, and for good reason. You can mount a staghorn fern like the one above for a unique, modern look, or maintain any number of other air plants in a variety of containers or settings. Air plants and epiphytes source their energy from air or from growing off of other plants. Most air plants just need a good soaking now and again (every two weeks should do), while epiphytes can get the same. Dunk them under water and let them dry out, and you’re done.
Succulents
Succulents, with their rubbery, water-storing nature, add instant personality to any room. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, and look perfect clustered together. Choose succulents that do well in low light (the greener, the better!), and then keep them in a well-lit area as much as you can. Water abundantly and then let completely dry out. Once a succulent has spent a few days that way, it’s time to water again.
Monstera
You can find plastic monstera leaves in any home decor shop, but we prefer the living kind. This plant is profuse with dark green “swiss cheese leaves” that lend an exotic appeal to any room. Water once a week and sooner if the top inch of soil feels dry. Put your monstera in bright or low light; it will grow either way, though more noticeably in bright light. You’ll want to give the leaves a healthy dusting every now and again to keep that distinctive green nice and glossy.
