15 Houseplants That Will Live All Year Round

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Houseplants Do More Than Just Decorate Your Home

Plants are proven to be good for your health. In addition to purifying the air, one study found that interaction with the plants lowered blood pressure and reduced stress.

This is confirmed by other research, which demonstrates that plants:

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Improve reaction times
  • Increase attentiveness
  • Raise productivity
  • Improve well-being
  • Improve perceptions of the space
  • Lower levels of anxiety
  • Raise job satisfaction

The act of taking care of plants has been shown in numerous studies to relieve stress, take our minds off of negativity, and contribute to overall relaxation. The positive effects of it on your brain are so noteworthy that it’s even thought to lower the risk of dementia by as much as one third.

The soothing feel created by indoor plants also makes it easy for you to disconnect from technology for a few minutes. After all, you can’t use your smartphone when your thumbs are focused on fertilizing, pruning and watering your plants.

The results of a recent study showed that those in their early 20s experienced a dramatic decrease in blood pressure and other symptoms of physical stress if they followed a computer-related task with an indoor gardening session. The results showed that tending to indoor potted plants decreased physiological and psychological stress, especially when compared to mental tasks performed using technology. Since you spend most of your time inside your home, especially during the hot summer months, indoor plants will be a good investment you can care for all year round.

15 Houseplants that Will Live All Year Round

Dracaena

You can easily grow these plants in a container indoors, or on your patio in a partially shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight to avoid scorching the leaves. The striking leaves can withstand neglect if you aren’t the best about remembering to water your plants. These plants are sensitive to fluoride, which is a contaminant in most tap water, so it’s recommended to use filtered water. Not to overwater these plants, however; they need just a little mist.

Hoya

They make a stunning hanging plant and are low maintenance for a houseplant. They are durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. What’s not to like? They are a favorite tabletop or bookshelf plant. Plant them with an easterly exposure to ensure their roots receive plenty of sunlight, but keep them out of the hotter afternoon light. Hoya prefer dry soil, which is why it is important to water the plants only when the soil is completely dry.

Monstera Deliciosa

Monstera are beautiful statement plants that require indirect sun and a wide space – they’ll feel uncomfortable in a corner or on a side table. In the wild, monstera climb trees and other plants, producing leaves up to two feet wide. A hanging basket or trellis will help keep your houseplant large and healthy. Water your monstera moderately, about once a week, and wait until the soil is nearly dry to the touch. Repotting too often will encourage excessive growth.

Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis)

A sword fern also known as a frilly fern, this plant is easy to maintain, thriving best in a pot or hanging basket and preferring medium light. Make sure it is close to other plants and has plenty of humidity, and consider placing a humidifier near it. It is recommended that you water your plants regularly, but also ensure their drainage is good and apply fertilizer twice a year.

Philodendron

The Philipodendron prefers to grow indoors, but appreciates the occasional trip outside into a shady location. Indoors, they need bright but indirect light to prevent their leaves from scorching and turning yellow. Allow the soil surface to dry out between waterings in the spring and summer and fertilize monthly. Fertilize less frequently during the fall and winter.

Chinese Money Plant

A very popular plant, Pilea peperomioides is also known as Pilea peperioides, and does well when placed near a bright window for ample indirect sunlight. It is best to rotate your plant every once in a while to prevent all the stems from growing in the same direction. They prefer sandy soil, which dries out without food or water, and fertilizer every two years.

Pothos

Despite their preference for nutrient-rich soil, Pothos plants will grow in just about any type of environment. They will even grow in poorer soils. You can grow your pothos in indirect sunlight, but they tolerate low-light conditions well enough that they are popular in bathrooms and offices. Fertilize your Pothos every three months, and water it as soon as the soil has dried out.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Snake Plants are known as some of the toughest houseplants out there, and can stand up to just about anything that you throw at them. Their leaves are tall, strong, and bold, and are highly effective at filtering some kinds of pollutants from the air we breathe. Make sure the soil dries out almost completely between waterings and avoid direct sunlight so the leaves do not burn. Water your plant every two to six weeks and keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid scorching.

Spider Plant

This is another tough plant that can withstand abuse well. Give them well drained soil and direct sunlight and they will thrive. Water them well, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. This plant looks great sitting on a tabletop or hanging.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolis)

These plants feature beautiful dark-green leaves with a waxy surface that reflects light and helps brighten any room. They’re drought-tolerant and tolerate low-light conditions with no problem, making them perfect for darker rooms and offices. Depending on the variety, ZZ grows from two feet long to three feet high. Allow the soil around the plant to dry completely between waterings and fertilize monthly. All parts of the ZZ plant are poisonous, so keep it away from curious children and pets.

Aloe Vera

Aside from their ability to heal wounds and burns, aloe vera makes an excellent houseplant because they are very easy to care for and take up very little space. Just be sure your pot has drainage holes, as this plant thrives in dry conditions.

Calathea

The leaves on these plants come in shades of dark green, light green and purple. According to Signals AZ, they grow well in bright sunlight, but since they are sensitive to direct sunlight, you should avoid direct sunlight. Make sure you keep the soil dry before watering, too.

Croton

There are multiple types of these plants, with large leaves that feature exotic colors like yellow, green, and red. Want yours to have more colour? Get the one with more vibrant leaves and blooms. It’s recommended to keep yours watered regularly as they require constant moisture. Signals AZ informs us that it can survive in low as well as high lighting, but the more light you give it, the more vivid the leaves will be.

Maidenhair Fern

Though they may appear delicate, these home plants are actually quite hardy. They thrive in medium to high light and also in humidity, making them perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. Alternatively, if you want to use them in a dry room of the house, Signals AZ recommends placing them on a tray of pebbles and keeping the tray filled with water.

Peace Lily

These are the most popular of all the indoor plants. In addition to being easy to grow, they have gorgeous white flowers that bloom for weeks. Other than their easy care, they also have the ability to thrive in areas with less light. Water effectively since they prefer moist soil.

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