As we creep towards the cooler, darker months of fall and winter, we’re all looking for ways to bring warmth, life, and color into our space. Styling your home with houseplants can help you create a tropical escape from the harsh cold outside your door.
For new houseplant parents, selecting the right varieties can be daunting. Finding the right specimen for your light levels, watering needs, and tolerance for pests can be difficult. Thankfully, Lora Bonnot, manager at Larry’s Nursery in Riverside, gave us insight into the best options for every space and style.
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Low-Maintence Marvels
For the beginner plant parent, Lora suggests varieties that don’t require much light or water. Sanseverias, often called “snake plants” or “mother-in-law’s tongue,” and ZZ Plants fit the bill. These plants thrive on neglect and are the perfect plants for lower-light areas in your home or office. These low-fuss favorites only require occasional watering–about once a month or when the soil is completely dry.
Sanseveria is particularly diverse in appearance, coming in many colors and shapes. While for most, these plants conjure images of sturdy foliage growing tall, varieties like the ‘starfish’ sanseveria grow out in sculptural, cylindrical shapes. In areas of the home like corners and bathrooms, the sansevieria can thrive. Even better, they purify the air, making sure you breathe easy all year long.
A Pop of Color
Did you think all houseplants were the same boring shade of green? It’s a common misconception. Avid houseplant collectors prize the philodendron for its lively color variations – pinks, oranges, lime greens, and even silvery tones. Philodendrons are happy to climb, drape, and trail across your home, and are avid growers when they’re happy in the spot they’re in.
Varieties like the ‘Prince of Orange’, ‘Pink Princess’, and ‘Silver Sword’ can brighten your space with their unique hues. They’re happiest in bright, indirect light, so they’ll need to be placed right near a window in your home. Their bright colors add a splash of color and a bit of drama to every bookshelf or windowsill in your space. While some varieties climb or trail, others grow in upright clusters from a strong, central stem. With so many types to choose from, there's a philodendron to add color to every corner of your home.
Show-Stoppers
Have you ever walked into a space and been “wow-ed” by a particularly large, fabulous plant? Large tropicals make incredible, grandiose focal points for any room.
Birds of paradise have long, angular leaves and can grow over 6ft tall. Their clean lines lend themselves particularly well to minimalist, modern spaces, where their foliage can shine. Birds of paradise require a sunny spot and like to be watered when the first few inches of soil are dry. When they like the place they’re in, they’re vigorous growers, and will frequently put out gorgeous, architectural leaves.
Alocasia look prehistoric. Their broad, crinkly create a whimsical atmosphere. Some varieties of the alocasia can grow up to ten feet tall, with leaves almost as wide. They love sun and water, but thanks to their rhizome-based root systems, they can tolerate some underwatering. Alocasias command the spaces they’re in, making them the perfect option if you’re looking for a plant to anchor a room.
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Visiting a nursery like Larry’s Nursery opens the world of possibilities when it comes to houseplants. No matter the shape, size, or color you’re looking for, they’ll have what you’re looking for. Being presented with so many options can be daunting, but the knowledgeable staff are happy to point you in the right direction. If you’re lucky, you may even spot Janice, the resident nursery cat, napping amongst the foliage.
A tip from Lora on narrowing your selection? Start by choosing a pot you think will look nice with your decor, and pair it with a plant that fits. It’s like having a piece of your home with you while you’re picking out your plant.
Get a start this month on building your indoor jungle–you’ll thank your past self when the dreary winter greys come in full force.
You can find plants, pots, and pet Janice at Larry’s Nursery, located at 2501 NW Platte Road in Riverside and online at larrysnursery.com.
Get a start this month on building your indoor jungle–you’ll thank your past self when the dreary winter greys come in full force.