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The (Painted) Green Thumb

Plants for Beginners

Plants for Beginners

I am obsessed with plants! But, truth be told, I have a painted green thumb. This can be translated as “having a love for plants, killing some while successfully growing others.” I confess that in spite my best efforts, I cannot keep orchids, ferns or succulents alive for more than a few weeks. I can, however, grow some things and do so very well! I can’t wait to share with you the plants that have lived in my home for over 15 years… successfully!! If you’re new to the plant world then I hope knowing that about me gives you the courage to try your hand at growing too. So, paint your thumb green (hypothetically!) and join me @silvertoothfarmhome as we grow things together. 

General growing tips for the beginner… 1) The Seasonal Cycles are not just in the outdoor plant world! Did you know that indoor plants go through seasonal cycles too? Indoor plants require regular water and fertilizer in the summer and then go through a dormant period in the winter requiring minimal water and fertilizer. My seasonal rhythm is to treat Oct-February as dormant months and March-Sept as growing months. 2) Watering: The number one way folks kill their plants is by overwatering. Don’t be a wet blanket! Literally. Make sure to test your soil (with your finger or this little tool) before watering to make sure that you don’t over do it. Soggy soil kills. It helps me to pick one day of the week as watering day so I don’t accidentally overdo it. I’ve been doing Water-Wednesdays for years! As a general rule, water 1x per week in the growing months and 1-2x per month in the dormant months. Finding an app such as Planta (free) or setting an alarm reminder on your phone can also help to manage your itch to overwater.  3) Fertilizing is key. We don’t live on water alone and the same is true with plants. Plants need water AND food to thrive! I use a general indoor liquid plant food and simply add to my plants water as recommended on the label.  4) Double pot your plants to avoid root rot as well as having water leak onto your floors and shelves. Keep your plant in a plastic pot with drain holes and then place that pot into a larger pot without drain holes. Now everyone is happy! Also, repot your plant yearly (or as needed) as they outgrow the current one lived in.  5) If bugs and fungi creep in then spray my plants with Neem Oil according to directions. I’m not going to lie, this stuff stinks like crazy. But, it takes care of a multitude of problems without the use of chemicals and your plants will thank you.

My favorite plants (because I don’t kill them)

African Violet

This was the very first house plant that I tried to keep alive as a newly married homemaker. I still have the original African Violet plant that my mother-in-law gave me 15 years ago. That alone should prove how easy they are to love. Afrian violets produce small colorful flowers that range from purple, pink and multi color. Just make sure you don’t drip water on their leaves or let the leaves get direct sunlight as both will burn them. If you do burn a leaf, simply pinch it off and your plant will grow a new one. Easy.

Croton

I’ve almost killed this plant-baby several times over. Fortunately, it forgives easily and with simple adjustments to light and water it always comes back to love me! I just adore the technicolor leaves and the more light you give them the more colorful they become! If you’ve been to the south you probably have seen them in outdoor landscaping. Here in Kansas City it is too cold for that but they do wonderfully for us indoors especially if pulled outdoors in the summer.

Dracaena

This giant plant is a statement, for sure. Mine is 6ft tall and still growing! If you watch The Office then you might have noticed that a Dracaena cameos in many of the character’s interviews! I move mine outdoors during the summer months and it goes crazy with new growth. 

Fiddle Leaf Fig

This is included in my favorite list but be warned as they are a bit finicky. Make sure to not let the leaves see direct sunlight or they will burn and occasionally rotate so it grows up straight. And, if all else fails, get a faux Fiddle Leaf Fig! Your guests probably won’t know the difference.

Pothos

In my opinion, the easiest indoor plant to grow is a Pothos! If you don’t try to grow anything else, try to grow this dramatic vine!! Pothos are by far my favorite for trailing vines up walls (tip: hold up vines on walls with adhesive hooks) or draping them down mantles. These babies require minimal light and forgive you for forgetting to water them. 

Snake Plant

You’ll appreciate that this guy is extremely hardy and doesn’t like a lot of attention. Give him lots of space, don’t over water, and whisper when you’re in the same room (just kidding).

Spider Plant

A close second to Pothos, this one has a high success rate for beginner growers. I think it looks so whimsical with all the little spiderettes hanging from the mother plant. I especially love when it produces its dainty white blooms in the spring. Our kids get a kick out of cutting the “baby spiders” from the mother plant, placing them in water and watching as the new plant grows roots. Bonus: not only is this plant non-toxic, studies by NASA prove that they reduce indoor air pollution as well. Nice!

Monstera

Along with Fiddle Leaf Fig, the Monstera is a trending plant in the home decor world. Nicknamed Swiss Cheese Plant for its natural splitting leaves. The younger the plant the less leaf splits  (this one is a baby so doesn’t have the split leaves yet). In the wild the Monstera is a tropical vine that climbs up larger plants. Cool, huh? 

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