Over the past few years, we have seen a houseplant boom, as every design catalog, influencer, and cutting-edge brand has made use of houseplants to boost their aesthetic. There are health reasons for keeping living plants in the home, and many are surprisingly easy to look after. The three plants listed here are particularly pleasing, as they look good, help to purify the air, and offer value for money.
Peace Lily
Offering glossy green leaves on elegant stems, this plant is well-known for cleansing the air in your living space. They don’t generally require too much care, and if you place them in bright, indirect sunlight, you should be rewarded with pretty, creamy white flowers. Do be aware that peace lilies are mildly toxic to pets and small children, so keep them out of reach of any grabbing hands (or paws). Keep the soil lightly moist to the touch, but not saturated. Feed the plant every week or so and your peace lily should thrive in your home for years to come.
Aloe Vera
A statement plant, aloe vera plants grow in arid, desert environments. You won’t want to overwater this plant, once a week is ample. Keep it in bright sunlight, it needs a minimum of six hours of bright sunlight each day to really thrive. It is possible to use aloe vera juice, a thick, sap-like substance stored in the stems of the plants which has cosmetic uses for skin. Break a stem off from the base of the plant and let it drain into a glass for 15-20 minutes, to allow the yellow-tinted resin to soak out. Peel off the skin and scoop out the clear aloe vera gel. You can use it as it is or blend it for a smoother consistency. Kept in the fridge, it will last up to one week.
Spider Plant
With its distinctive long, pale green leaves, spider plants are one of the most common house plants. This means they can be bought very cheaply, and they require minimal care. Place them in direct sunlight, partial light, or even in a darker spot, and they will tend to thrive. Water once a week, and feed fortnightly if you wish. Be warned, spider plants produce lots of “spiderettes”, small spider plants attached to the mother plant. You can cut these off, place them in water until the roots are established, and then replant them, to really get the most out of your spider plant.
