It’s been said that “Plants give us oxygen for the lungs and for the soul.” Isn’t that the truth! Which brings me to the subject of this blog post: What are great potted plants for the home?
If plants give us oxygen for the soul, perhaps it’s time for us to add more plants to our home décor. After all, 2020 was pretty brutal to not just a lot of bodies, but it was brutal to a lot of souls. In fact, it was absolutely soul-crushing for millions. And like I’ve said in other posts, sometimes the simplest things can provide the biggest solutions to life’s most pressing problems. And what can be more simple than placing a few more plants around the home?
A little context about great potted plants for the home
I grew up in humble circumstances. We didn’t have a lot, but we had enough. And, our furnishings were typically thrift-store sourced and our home décor a mish-mash of hand-me-down artwork and yard-sale specials, one thing was for sure: we always had a goodly amount of houseplants to add character, warmth, and happy ambiance to our home. Yes, happy ambiance.
What is happy ambiance?
Happy ambiance is just that. It’s a happy environment. It’s an environment where happiness is felt even in the absence of activities. You know how you feel uplifted when a happy friend crosses your path? That same phenomenon can occur when you have happy houseplants throughout the home.
Happy Houseplants
So, now that we’ve established that great potted plants for the home bring happy ambiance, let’s get right into my suggestions for five essential potted plants to have in the home.
Yucca Cane
The Yucca Cane Plant
This plant is a great friend to have. Its size makes it nice and prominent, which helps make it a great talking point. Also, it has a certain flair and pizazz that seems to say, “Life is beautiful!” Additionally, a Yucca Cane Plant is pretty easy to take care of. Just keep it watered and give it an occasional misting.
Weeping Fig
Weeping Fig
Although the word “weeping” is in the name of this beautiful plant, there’s really nothing sad about it. This plant provides a sense of “fullness” and will grow well in a medium or large-sized pot. Be sure to keep it in a well-lit space. Some folks (like me) have a prominent place for it in the main parlor or living room.
Asparagus Fern
Asparagus Fern
This delightful fern is great for a hanging planter, but just be sure not to over-saturate the potting soil. You don’t want to have a muddy drip. This plant might be best if you hung it in a room that was NOT carpeted (just to be safe).
Aloe
Aloe
Ah yes, no list of home-potted plants would be complete without the Aloe Plant. To be sure, the Aloe Plant isn’t just a beautiful plant it is also a medicinal plant known for its soothing and healing qualities. This is a great choice for a potted plant to find its residence in the bathroom or laundry room.
Kentia Palm
Kentia Palm
And rounding off the list of five must-have potted plants is the Kentia Palm. Every home deserves a palm tree, even in the bleak, cold areas of the world. Just be sure to keep it away from drafty areas of the home where cold air could sting the leaves. My recommendation is to place this plant near your dining room table. I’m not sure exactly why, but it works well for me. Perhaps it’s because it’s big enough to convince me it’s like having a “friend” with me as I eat.
Conclusion about potted plants for the home
Like I said earlier, 2020 was absolutely brutal on so many souls. I hope this blog post provided a few helpful ideas to add a little brightness and breath to your soul. It’s amazing what a little green can do to add a little cheer and happiness to our homes and our lives!
Namaste
