DK - Grow Houseplants

The false shamrock has distinctive purple leaves that close up at night.

Houseplants can transform your living space immeasurably. Whether your tastes lean toward the minimal or the grand and baroque, theres sure to be a speciesor even a creative combination of plantswith the aesthetic attributes to create the style and atmosphere youre aiming for. The bold, architectural forms of cacti, the stunning flowers of amaryllis and hibiscus, and the lush tropical foliage of plants such as palms, bromeliads, and philodendronsall create their distinctive moods and can give one space very different looks.

Houseplants can be used to unite or divide interior spaces, to create patterns, to disguise features youd rather lose, and to create interest in dead spaces. Their colors can complement or contrast with interior finishes and decorations to give you a new look in just a few minutes, without lifting a paint brush or investing in costly new furniture. Choosing and positioning houseplants, along with the containers you grow them in, presents you with countless options and ways to express your personality in your home; and whats more, if you ever move, your garden can move with you.

Trailing houseplants are cleverly arranged here to accentuate the height and lightness of an urban interior.

DEVELOP AN INTEREST

An interest in houseplants often has small beginnings, perhaps triggered by the receipt of an unusual plant as a gift or by experiencing stunning foliage, flowers, and scents on a vacation to warmer climes. However your interest arises, it can soon take you in many directions. You may, for example, become captivated by one type of plantorchids or carnivorous plants, perhapsand be driven to collect and cultivate a range of such species.

You might also be inspired to grow plants from one particular country, continent, or ecosystemcacti from American deserts or Brazilian bromeliads, for example. Theres no need to have a theme in mind when keeping houseplants, but doing so turns plant collecting into a compelling pastime, through which you can build your appreciation of the living world.

Carnivorous plants provide a talking point in any household.

Inspiration for groupings may come from seeing plants in their natural habitats.

LEARN TO NURTURE

One of the most satisfying aspects of keeping houseplants is watching them mature into healthy specimens, and perhaps even flower and produce offspring. Many people who grow them are inspired to try outdoor gardening when they see what is possible with limited resources indoors.

When you begin keeping houseplants, select species that are relatively easy to grow and maintain, and that are well matched to the growing conditions in your home. Success will encourage you to move on to species that require more specialized care. Indoor gardening is an addictive hobby and before you know it, youll have a plant in every room of the house, and a network of fellow enthusiasts with whom you can share knowledge and cuttings.

Propagating and repotting houseplants to share with friends and family is a terrific social activity.

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PLANTS FOR A HEALTHY HOME

On average, we spend more than 85 percent of our time indoors, often surrounded by technology and cut off from nature. Whats more, our homesonce sanctuariesare increasingly becoming places of work. Houseplants offset some of the stresses of modern working and living by providing closer contact with naturea factor that has positive effects on our psychological and physical health.

Planning Your Planting | PLANTS FOR A HEALTHY HOME