When my husband and I were newlyweds I couldn't keep a plant alive. I've learned a lot about houseplants over the years. One of the main ways to keep them healthy is to not over water them. I've killed more plants with water than without.
Another tip is to make sure you have the right lighting for each plant you have. Sometimes I have to move them around when they aren't getting enough light or are getting too much. Most of our house is best for low light plants but I haven't found many different types for those rooms. I've had the same pothos plant for over 10 years. Those babies are hard to kill and easy to take cuttings of. I have two or three pots going from my original one now.
I decided to combine my new plants in two pots and a basket I had on hand. To use the basket I lined it with doubled trash bags, added potting soil and then the plants. I haven't planted in a basket for years and had forgotten how nice they look with the plants. A big advantage to using the basket is cost. You can find them at most thrift stores for a dollar or two which is much more economical than buying even the cheapest pot at the store.
The basket will stay on my dresser. The two pots will be moved to the schoolroom when it is finished. We needed a few more plants in the schoolroom. Since we will be putting in two large windows these plants will get lots of light.
One of the ivy plants (not pictured) ended up in the living room. I have had a few bad experiences with ivy. I kill it! I can't get the watering right. I'm hoping that having it in a larger pot will protect it from my abuse and neglect.
I thought I had bought too many plants but I could have found a home for even more. These were all bright light plants so I wasn't able to give any to the children for their rooms as I had intended. I'll have to find some low light plants or take cuttings of the ones I have for their rooms.
My children have the houseplant bug thanks to me. I've kept plants in their rooms since they were old enough to understand that they shouldn't be played with. They think it is a fun treat to get a new plant for their room.
Do you have houseplants? What is your favorite?
