How Many Plants Do You Have at Home? A Guide to Indoor Plant Care and Benefits

As we head into autumn, it's a great time to refresh your patio garden or [emstart new seeds for planting/em](). Among the seeds that I planted recently are sweet jambul (pawpaw) seeds, climbing jasmine, and tomatoes. I plan to bring the tomatoes into the house in January and place them under grow lights as it's too cold outside for them. I'll also protect the jasmine and let the pawpaw thrive in Iowa's snows. Meanwhile, my winter outdoor setup is transitioning, and other plants are successfully enduring the cold.

Indoor Plants: A Personal Thankful

I currently have eight indoor plants in my small apartment. They include a corn plant, snake plant, pothos, wandering Jew, a succulent of a name I don't know, a fiddle leaf fig, and a couple of African violets. These plants contribute greatly to my health and wellness, both physically and mentally. I chose them for their ease of care and their light requirements.

Contrary to common belief, African violets are not hard to grow, though they need specific care. I simply place them by a window and give them a small tub of water weekly for an hour. This is because they thrive when watered from the bottom. I don’t claim to have a green thumb, but my selections of plants seem to be happy. However, I'm having some trouble with my fiddle leaf fig, which has made me hesitant to keep another one if this one dies. In the past, I used to talk to them, play music for them, and move them around, but it didn't help; now I just ensure they're in one place, watered, given some general plant food once a month, and they're thriving!

House Plants in Another Home

Unlike me, my partner and her family don't grow 'house' plants as such. Instead, she prefers bromeliads for their ease of care and color. Desert roses, however, require more care and attention, which is why they are less favored.

Plant List and Tips for a Thriving Interior

Even with limited window space, I have a few magnificently large plants. Aside from the orchid and five to six small kitchen window plants, I have only four plants here in Quebec while waiting for a transaction to be completed. Unfortunately, the previous tenant's neglect left behind some beautiful but neglected plants that have perished. Thinking about it just riles me up, enough to want to kick them in the butt! Certainly, karma will deal with them in due time!

Key Benefits of Indoor Plants

Indoor plants can enhance the aesthetics and air quality of your living space. They're known to improve mental health, reduce stress, and enhance concentration. Be it a succulent, a fiddle leaf fig, or an orchid, each plant has its unique way of brightening your home and adding life to it.

Tips for Care

**Watering**: Understand the water needs of your plant. Some thrive in being watered from the bottom, while others need the soil to be kept moist but not soggy. **Lighting**: Each plant has different light requirements, so placing them in the right spot is crucial. Some enjoy direct sunlight, while others prefer indirect light. **Feeding**: Use general plant food to keep your plants healthy and vibrant. **Humidity**: Some plants benefit from increased humidity levels. Using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant can help. **Repotting**: As your plants grow, you may need to repot them into larger containers.

Indoor plants not only beautify your home but also contribute positively to your well-being. Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, the joy of nurturing and watching plants grow is a rewarding experience. Share your tips and plant stories in the comments below!