Houseplants
Houseplants have been around for thousands of years and in almost every culture. From ancient Egypt to ancient Greece. They have been used to beautify homes, but also in temples and public spaces. In Sweden, potted plants became popular in the 17th century, especially among the upper classes. Today, potted plants are for everyone! It is well documented that potted plants indoors or on the balcony or patio have a positive effect on people.
How to take care of your houseplants
As there is a huge variety of potted plants on the market, it is difficult to give general tips on how to take care of indoor potted plants. However, here are some general tips to help you look after many of the most common houseplants:
- Place your houseplants in a location where they will get the amount of light that the particular variety thrives in.
- Water the potted plants regularly, the soil should be moist but not wet.
- Nourish potted plants during the growing season.
- Replant houseplants when they get too big for their pots.
With a little care, houseplants can give you many years of pleasure. Here are suggestions for some easy-care houseplants. They are easy to care for even if you are not used to potted plants.
- Aloe vera – Thrives in both shady and sunny locations and can be easily propagated by cuttings.
- Goldenrod – Can contribute to interesting environments through its meandering growth habit.
- Peace calla – Green leaves and beautiful white flowers, likes shade better than sun.
- Monstera – For those who like large and exotic houseplants that “take care of themselves”.
Decorate with potted plants
Potted plants are an interior design feature that can add a personal touch to a room. People like plants and well-chosen potted plants can change the visual impression of a room. By looking at pictures of indoor potted plants, you can get inspiration for what might suit your home. One tip from interior design professionals is to think about the shadow effects potted plants cast on a wall.
Flowering houseplants
If we’re talking about potted plants as an interior design feature, flowering plants have a special position. Because they bloom at different times, you get a home that changes with the seasons. Here are some examples of flowering houseplants that can be wonderfully beautiful when in bloom:
- Painted geranium – Large flowers in rich colours with a lovely scent.
- Chrysanthemums – Beautiful inflorescences that really attract attention.
- Saintpaulia – One of the world’s most popular houseplants. Small and handy.
- Hibiscus – Can grow large and give the home a cosy feel, likes partial shade.
What these flowers have in common is that they come in varieties with flowers of different colours. This gives you the opportunity to choose something that suits your home. Flowering houseplants can be, but do not have to be, more difficult to care for than green indoor houseplants. Specialised soil for flowering plants is available in stores.
Indoor potted plants improve the air
If you have several potted plants, the air humidity will increase. This is particularly desirable in winter, as indoor air is often too dry. Indoor potted plants absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen, which is also positive. Some houseplants can even absorb harmful substances in the air and act as ‘air purifiers’. Ivy and calendula are two common houseplants that can be used in this way.
What to do if you get pests on your houseplants
One of the biggest problems with indoor houseplants is that it’s easy to get pests if they don’t thrive. There are many different types of pests that affect houseplants in different ways. One treatment that often works is to bathe affected plants with one part green soap and five parts water.
Author: Johanna Damm
Fact-checked by Erik Hoekstra
Last updated 2022-12-28