Why Houseplants?
Why visit our greenhouse in the winter? “Why not?” might be the better question. More green in your home and/or office may improve your health, while adding natural beauty.
Houseplants have many proven benefits to your life.
1. Indoor plants help reduce stress levels. They can help you feel more soothed, comfortable and natural.
2. Working with plants is known to be therapeutic to many people. Researchers have used horticultural therapy to increase feelings of well-being among people with depression, anxiety, dementia, and other conditions.
3. Plants are capable of helping you recover from illness quicker.
4. Indoor plants help improve your air quality and can help with allergy relief. Plants can also remove up to 87% of volatile organic compounds in our everyday environment every 24 hours. They increase the oxygen level in your home and help to suck up VOCs.
Most houseplants are easier to care for than you might think. Moderation in watering/misting, ample sunlight, appropriate soil and fertilization are key.
How can you get started on including houseplants in your home? We would love to help you! Any black thumb can be turned green!
Stop in TODAY and let our experienced staff advise you on the most appropriate types of plants for your space and how best to care for them.
Better health, greater focus and prettier surroundings – definitely worth a visit to Colonial’s greenhouse!
What are some good houseplants to look for?
Sansevieria - Characterized by their stiff, upright, sword-like leaves. Their architectural nature makes them a natural choice for modern and contemporary interior designs.
If you’re new to plant ownership a Sansevieria is the plant for you. They are easy to care for! These hardy plants remain popular because of their adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions. They can withstand full sun and handle low light—though they will do best in indirect sunlight. And because Sansevieria are native to the arid deserts of West Africa, they do not require much water, especially in the winter.
ZZ Plant - Low-maintenance and characterized by their shiny, wide, oval-shaped leaves that shoot upward. The plant natively grows in East Africa, namely Zanzibar and Tanzania. The plants are also called Zanzibar gems for their spotless, waxy leaves that are so deep green that sometimes, these plants are mistaken as artificial.
ZZ plants are slow-growing plants that prefer bright, indirect sunlight. One of the benefits of the ZZ is that it can thrive in many lighting conditions. If you plant or repot a ZZ, do it in the spring or summer when it's in an active growth phase.
Dieffenbachia - Dieffenbachia, also known by its common name “dumb cane plant”, is a captivating and popular houseplant that originates from the rich soils and warm climates of South America and the West Indies in the Caribbean. Dieffenbachia plants thrive in medium to bright light, but they can also adapt to low-light conditions. However, if placed in areas with too much shade, the new growth tends to be smaller and less vibrant – a clear sign you’ll want to move your pot to a better-lit area.
Pothos - Pothos care is very easy. These plants enjoy a wide range of environments. They do well in bright, indirect light as well as low light, and can be grown in dry soil or in vases of water. They will thrive in nutrient rich soil, but do almost as well in nutrient poor soil making them perfect starter plants.
Philodendron - Philodendron is a classic, and practically no-fail houseplant. The plants grow best in medium or bright light but tolerate low light exceedingly well.
Water philodendrons when the soil surface dries. They're tough enough plants they don't mind if you forget to water them now and again. Just take care not to overwater your philodendrons. They will rot if they're kept too wet.