My background
To start off I would like to explain my background with plants. I have always loved plants and when I was younger my mom and I always talked about building a huge garden. This summer I had the great opportunity of working at Bachmans, which is a floral and gardening store. I learned many new things and made many mistakes along the way. I spent at least half of my paycheck at Bachmans, but I don’t regret it. I have grown this love for horticulture that is unexplainable. There’s something about growing your own plants and food that is fulfilling and calming. In this article I am going to give recommendations and tips on my favorite indoor plants based on my experience.
My favorite indoor plants
Snake Plant- The snake plant is a very simple plant. It can withstand neglect and is best when watered every 10 days. The snake plant can survive in low light but it grows better in medium or high light.
Peace Lily- The peace lily is somewhat difficult to take care of. This plant needs to be watered every couple of days and does best in medium light. When the peace lily needs water it will droop down and become sad looking. If this happens you must water the peace lily thoroughly and it will pop back up within an hour.
Orchid- Orchids are a very unique plant and are very fun to grow. Orchids do need a lot of attention though. Most orchids come in a plastic container that is inside of a pot. This is very important to know when watering an orchid. The correct way to water an orchid is to fill the pot with water and let the orchid soak for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes you take the orchid out of the pot, so that it is just in the plastic container, and let it drain. Orchids should never sit in water. The water must also be room temperature because orchids are a tropical plant and cold water will shock the roots. Some places say to water your orchid with ice every week, but new research shows that this is not advisable. Just like cold water, the ice will shock the roots and can kill the plant. Orchids can live for years with the proper care. When an orchid loses its flowers it does not mean that it is dead. To grow more flowers you are supposed to cut about 2 inches off of the end of the stem that the flowers were originally on. With time the orchid will grow new flowers again. They grow best in medium to high light. Orchids are also non-poisonous to pets!
Sago Palm- The sago palm is my favorite indoor plant. It is very easy to take care of and can handle neglect. This palm needs to be watered about once every 10 days. I like the sago palm because it looks like a mini tree and it is a very unique looking plant. Sago palms survive best with high light.
Succulents and Cacti- Succulents and cacti are another very easy plant to take care of. Just like the sago palm they need high light and water once every 10 days. Succulents and Cacti also make great gifts!
Aloe Vera- Aloe Vera is a type of succulent with many amazing uses. It is great for skin relief and rejuvenation. I enjoy having an aloe vera plant because it is a natural source for aloe. To use an aloe plant, all you need to do is cut off a piece and cut it down the middle. You can then rub the aloe on your skin right from the plant.
Word Key
Horticulture- the art or practice of garden cultivation and management.
Low light- Minimal natural light. These are often rooms with windows that are north facing.
Medium light- Partial or indirect sunlight. Indirect sunlight for a couple hours during the day. Often east or west facing windows.
High light- Direct sunlight and long sun exposure. Often southern facing windows, sometimes east and west facing windows.
