Flex Your Green Thumb Inside
Winter’s long, dark days can leave you longing to get your hands dirty in the garden
Don’t wait for spring; start potting an indoor paradise that will add some color and vibrancy to your living space.
PLANT A MONEY TREE
Not literally (we wish). A money tree features a braided trunk topped by bright green, almond-shaped leaves. Give it six or so hours of indirect sunlight and water it when the soil is dry. Give it a big enough pot, and it can grow up to eight feet tall for a real showstopper of a plant.
PURIFY THE AIR
Houseplants can also work to clean up the air in our homes. Spider plants are particularly good at this, and their striking green and white foliage adds interest to any space. Give it plenty of light and water weekly, and the plant just might start shooting off babies that you can repot and give as gifts or liven up any other room.
PLANT SOME PEACE
Peace lilies are great for plant parents who love a little too hard. And by that, we mean overwatering. Give it plenty of light and you’ll see flowers in no time. Be warned if you have pets; this plant can be toxic to cats and dogs.
GIVE SOME LOVE
If you have a corner that needs an interesting trailing plant, look no farther than the string of hearts. This African succulent has vines festooned with heartshaped leaves. They can grow up to 12 feet long and, like most succulents, are forgiving and easy to propagate.
NO LIGHT? NO PROBLEM
The rubber plant, a native of Asia, thrives in low-light environments. Water it about once a week or whenever the soil is dry for best results, and keep it well pruned. Another warning for pet owners: Rubber plants are toxic to cats and dogs.
AIR PLANTS
If soil gives you the ick, welcome to air plants. Tillandsia grows without dirt and comes in funky shapes and sizes. Dunk them in water for a few hours every couple of weeks.