Plant Daddy has some Tips!

So you wanna keep a house plant? But terrified you’ll kill it? Have no fear, Rich the plant daddy is here, offering up my top picks for easy to care for house plants. House plants can offer a silent companionship and enrich the home environment. Caring for your houseplant and seeing it thrive, can be a rewarding experience, beneficial to your health and well-being, and needn’t be a daunting prospect. With adequate care and attention, you could see your tiny plant baby become a towering jungle monster. Leading me straight into my first plant pick.

#1 Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant) This plant is native to the forests of Mexico and Panama. In the wild this vine grows on other plants for support, also know as an epiphyte. Plant care: This plant will enjoy bright but indirect light, and is fairly tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions, making it an excellent beginners choice. Watering it once a week should be adequate. And as a general rule when the soil feels dry, an inch or so down, give it a drink. If your lucky it may flower, and the fruits are said to taste like fruit salad! Top tip: Make sure you provide your plant with some support in the form of a moss pole.

#2 Chlorophytum comosum (Spider plant) A native plant to tropical and Southern Africa. Probably the most common houseplant of all, and widely underrated. Given time these majestic plants will produce long runners with multiple babies plantlets, coupled with pretty white flowers. Plant care: These plants are super easy to grow and will tolerate a certain degree of neglect so ideal for beginners. Grow in bright filtered light, and water when the soil dries out. Approximately once a week. Top Tip: Grow in a hanging pot or macrame to show off it’s cascading growth habit. And for a more full lush looking plant, add the baby plants to the mother’s pot.

#3 Dracaena marginata (Dragon tree) These wonderful plants are native to the Canary Islands and Morocco. A common easy to grow houseplant, tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions. Plants are widely available and relatively inexpensive. Plant care: These plants will like a bright spot but not in direct sun as the leaves will be damaged. It’s common that the lower leaves brown and fall off so don’t panic, this is what creates the stem. Watering is best when the soil dries out as overwatering can lead to rotted roots. Top Tip: These plants can be toxic to animals so not the best choice in a pet friendly home.

#4 Thaumatophyllum/Philodendron Xanadu This plant is a native to Brazil, but its grow all over the world in tropical climates. Philodendron is now newly classified as Thaumatophyllum. It’s a genus of plant that are m without doubt one of my personal favourites. Some species create towering vines, while others stay more compact. Plant care: Given a bright spot out of direct sun these plants will thrive. Watering is simple too, once a week or when the soil is dry. Some like higher humidity so giving them a mist with a spray bottle will help keep them happy. Top Tip: Climbing varieties will need support from a moss pole, and will cling to it with aerial roots.

#5 Begonia maculata (Angel wing begonia or cane begonia) Originating in Brazil but found all over Asia, South Africa and Central America. This plant is easy to care for, has the show stopper looks, and is probably one of the most photographed plants on the internet. It’s definitely up there as one of my favourite house plants, and it’s clear to see why. Big beautiful angel wing leaves, silvery polka dots, a beautiful burgundy underside to the leaves. What’s even better , it flowers too! Plant care: These plants are easy going. They like bright light but not full sun, and see even tolerant shadier positions. Avoiding afternoon sun will prevent the leaves from browning. Water them when the soil dries out completely, and these wonderful plants will thrive. Top Tip: When your plants get taller than a foot or so, chop off the stem and pop it in some water. When roots appear, plant it back in the same pot, and you will have a beautiful fuller looking plant. So That sums up my list of the best beginner house plants. Don’t be afraid to add one to your interior today. Plants can be forgiving and add enrichment to your life so what are you waiting for, go buy a plant!!