By CHRISTINE LYNCH
As newlyweds, our first apartment was lovely but sparse. So, right after we moved in, my mom sent us two plants, one for each window—an asparagus fern that we named Andre and a big-leafed philodendron selloum, Oscar. Forty-three years and six moves later, both plants are still thriving. Perhaps getting a name adds to a plant’s longevity.
Plants make a difference to our living and work spaces. Having worked in a Manhattan skyscraper, I sat in a gray-carpeted, white-walled room for 40 hours a week. Placing a lush fern on my desk made it livable. Plants contribute a palpable comfort level. That’s why they’re displayed in homes, malls and indoor public spaces, including that office building’s cavernous lobby.
A natural setting provides a positive, calming influence. Scientific studies have proven that there are numerous benefits to keeping flora around us when indoors. Every schoolchild knows that plants take in carbon dioxide and expel oxygen. In doing so, plants purify the air and comfortably increase humidity levels, which is a big plus when folks are confined inside.
“I do believe houseplants boost a room’s energy, and bring the outside in. They help to filter the air and add an intangible feeling to the space,” professional designer Molly McGinness of Molly McGinness Interior Design commented via email. She became an interior designer in 1998.
“I started my firm in 2000 when I lived in Chicago,” she said. Moving to the Cape in 2009, many of her projects are now second homes. “I always suggest plants to my clients, not as a focal point, but as a design element to bring life into a room,” she added.
With a second home, residents are only there seasonally, so “it really depends on the client as to whether or not they are interested in taking on the responsibility of plant maintenance,” she said. That might mean finding plant sitters or carting plants between residences. “However,” she added, “I do think they are important to have in the house if you are willing to take care of them.”
Decorating with Plants
Green thumbs are overrated. Anyone can grow healthy plants if some homework is done before getting the plant, and follow-up care is provided. Before purchasing a plant, carefully consider where you will be placing it. Unlike a pet, it can’t move to a better spot on its own and you may not realize it isn’t happy until damage has been done.
Helpful points to consider are the amount of light the plant needs and the amount of light that will be available coming in from a nearby window or other light source. And does that light change significantly throughout the year? The best sources of sunlight in a home are from windows facing south, east and west. Take a day or so to watch the sun’s movement through your rooms. Then, figure which plants would benefit from the stronger light and those that could make do with weaker or reflected light.
Every room can benefit from having a plant in it. For the living areas and bedrooms, air purifiers and extra humidity really help. Several plants are efficient with this, including spider plants, weeping figs and areca palms. In the kitchen, microgreens and herbs can thrive and be handy while cooking. Bathrooms are an ideal spot for ferns, which love, love, love moisture. Conversely, if your home is especially dry, say from using a wood stove, succulent plants and cactus varieties will enjoy warmer temperatures and drier air.
What temperature does the plant prefer and what’s the temperature in the area where it sits? Are there nearby heat vents? Don’t place a plant too near an air vent that might blow too hot or cold. How much water does the plant require? Every plant has particular water and moisture preferences. Some need frequent waterings as well as misting, while some types shouldn’t be misted. There are plants that want less-frequent waterings, and still others that like to totally dry out before taking in more water.
When watering, it’s worth purchasing a good indoor watering can. Smaller than the outdoor garden types, these have a slender nozzle for a more-accurate aim. Whether a plant sits on the floor, a shelf or table, place a saucer to catch draining water. Garden centers carry large under dishes made of terra cotta or plastic. Oscar now needs a 22-inch one. Also, place extra protection on any surfaces that might be harmed by misting spray.
Another thing to think about is the traffic pattern of the area. Will the plant be in the way when more people come into the room? Might young children or pets cause some destruction? Along that line, be sure that the choice of plant is not dangerous for either young people or pets. One way to shield plants from direct touch is to create terrariums. These are low-maintenance, artistic mini-ecosystems that are ideal for small areas.
Regarding space, another factor is that every plant grows in its own unique way. If you are limited for room, succulents tend to be slow growers; some seemingly stay about the same size for lengthy stretches. On the other end, passion plants and philodendrons can sprawl, quickly crowding their area. Does anyone recall Kate Hepburn’s office in the movie “Desk Set?”
Whereas, if you want to fill open floor space, a large upright tree seated in an attractive, sturdy planter establishes itself in a room nicely. Good choices include the Fiddle Leaf Fig (ficus lyrata), Dragon Tree (dracaena), or Norfolk Island Pine.
Of course, if floors or tabletops are too crowded, consider suspending plants from the ceiling or in a window frame. Again, do some research before hanging a plant, as some will enjoy this treatment more than others. Those might thin out and get too leggy, wanting to grow downward, rather than up and out. The Kokedama planting technique does well when suspended, but with the moss-ball bases, they require careful watering.
Some Decorating Trends
With people having to spend extra time in their domiciles, more have taken an interest in styling. One trend is to add plants for green pops of color. Flowering plants add colorful shades. There are plants that bear long-lasting flowers, including begonias and geraniums. Also, fruit-bearing plants such as kumquats, limes and oranges can grow happily indoors. Bearing lush leaves, they produce small, fragrant blossoms. With the proper care, such as adding fertilizer (read the instructions) and maintaining proper lighting and watering, fruit should appear. As always, check with the nursery where you purchase a citrus tree for the proper care. One helpful tip is that they like deep planters so that their roots can stretch.
Terra cotta pots are highly recommended, being porous, but more-artistic planters can be used. Repurpose antique bowls, pottery pieces, metal boxes—pretty much anything goes. Just allow for drainage by drilling some small holes. Or you can insert a flowerpot inside a more-decorative container.
Lifting plants off the floor in an innovative way can make for inspired decorating. Pedestals or decorative columns set a dramatic appearance, provided small children and pets won’t be running nearby.
You can create an impressive wall display of multiple plants, maybe with cascading foliage. For this, affix small pot hangers onto a wall in a group formation. Use lighter weight pots that have an attached saucer to catch draining water. This is handy when kitchen counter/shelf space is limited. A variety of potted herbs can grow freely as you garner compliments with this decorator’s touch. Another idea is to gently train a plant’s tendrils to wrap around frames or mirrors. Also, tuck air ferns in surprising places, such as bookshelves. They readily grow unencumbered and add a burst of color.
As my millennial daughter mentioned, her friends like plants but don’t have time for fussy upkeep. One solution is to embrace succulents. These hardy species are lovely yet require little attention. Terrariums also are easy to care for once they are established. People with limited free time should avoid high-maintenance plants such as African violets and some orchids. Then again, there are folks who enjoy providing the extra care these require.
Bringing outdoor plants inside
One autumn, it was time for me to bring a lovely begonia inside as the weather chilled. To my chagrin, shortly after I placed it in a bright window, I noticed spiders crawling around the area. These weren’t the small wolf spiders that I usually scoop back outside. These were formidable-looking beasties. Recently, a friend recommended mixing up a solution of hydrogen peroxide, dish detergent and water, then soaking the plant for a day or so prior to carting it indoors. There are other homemade solutions to try, so you can find one that works for you.
Beyond buggy creatures, an outside plant needs to transition to the lower indoor light. So prior to shifting it inside, gradually adjust its amount of time in the sun.
In developing your own Green Thumb, find a good routine to care for your house plants. Understand which ones want a misting every day along with some water, and those that just like two drinks a week. Notice any browning of the leaf edges or drooping leaves and stalks. Also, try playing them music and talking with them from time to time. Perhaps, as with naming them, they’ll thrive for decades.