A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Indoor Plants This Spring

For all those questioning their green thumb but dying to add some foliage to their interior space, this guide is for you.

Reader Contribution by Lisa Smalls
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by Unsplash/Huy Phan

Green thumb or not, there is one house project you should seriously consider tackling this spring–growing indoor plants.

At some point or another, you have probably toyed with the idea of adding some foliage to your interior. There’s just one problem: you can barely keep a store-bought bouquet of flowers alive. But that doesn’t mean you can’t exercise your green thumb this spring. We’ve come up with the foolproof beginner’s guide to growing indoor plants this spring. All it takes is a little sun, water, and willingness to learn!

Reap What You Sow: 3 Health Benefits to Indoor Plants

Adding a few indoor plants to your home goes far beyond sprucing up the design aesthetic of your interior. In fact, there are a number of health benefits to indoor plants that go far beyond looks. We thought we’d name of few:

Less Stress

There is science behind why we feel at peace in the presence of nature. The same goes for why we feel the tranquility of a space laden with plants. Multiple studies have found the presence of potted plants has been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower anxiety, and increase feelings of serenity.

Cleaner Air

Plants are hard workers and do the exact opposite of us–absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This not only freshens up the air, but it also cleanses it of harmful toxins. In fact, one study by NASA found houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins over a 24 hour time period.

Better Sleep

Yes, it’s true. Plants can help you breathe and sleep better. Actually, the reason plants improve sleep quality is because of their ability to replenish oxygen. If you are struggling from sleep caused by an uncomfortable mattress or racing thoughts, adding some foliage to your bedroom might help assuage the problem.

Are you convinced you should be growing plants yet? Hopefully, the answer is yes. If so, here are five easy specimens to try your hand at growing.

5 Easy Indoor Plants for Beginners

Succulents

Succulents are one of the most popular, low-maintenance, eye-pleasing plants you can add to your home. With a lot of sunlight and a little bit of water, you are sure to see success growing succulents. But although they are pretty self-sufficient, they still need some attention every now and then. Pot your succulents in well-draining soil and place them in a spot that gets direct sunlight, preferably up to eight hours a day. Water every week or a few days after the soil dries. One popular species to grow is aloe vera. Aloe is just as low-maintenance and also has medicinal benefits you can take advantage of by having it on your home.

Pothos

Pothos is a popular house plant because it is nearly impossible to kill (which is exactly the type of plant beginners want to grow)! This plant prefers low, indirect sunlight which makes it a great option for most anyone to grow. Plant pothos in potting soil and water every so often when the first two inches of soil become dry.

Peace Lily

Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant because of its striking blooms and the fact it thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. This indoor beauty prefers a warm, humid environment so avoid placing it in drafty areas of the house. Due to its powerful toxin filtering ability, the peace lily is especially beneficial for improved indoor air quality and sleep.

Spider Plant

Also known as a “ribbon plant” during the Victorian Era, a spider plant is another good option to consider adding to your home. Spider plant thrives in indirect sunlight and only needs moderate amounts of water. Just make sure it’s planted in well-draining potting soil. Like the peace lily, the spider plant is known for its air-purifying properties so if you are looking to keep your home’s atmosphere fresh, give this plant a shot.

Cast-Iron Plant

If the name of this plant is any indication of its resilience, all us aspiring gardeners are in luck. The good news is that its name isn’t a coincidence. In fact, it received the label “cast iron” because it can survive in the worst conditions, including outdoors in deep shade and poor soil. This is the type of sturdy plant beginners should definitely give a try. The cast-iron plant prefers low light, occasional watering, and a variety of temperatures. This plant, like the succulent, does well when left alone so it won’t demand too much of your attention.

All in all, if you are looking for a new hobby to learn this spring, mastering the art of indoor gardening is a great way to both revamp and cleanse your interior while simultaneously improving your health. Go ahead, get planting!

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