One best kept secrets of the staging industry is utilizing all types of fake foliage. Long gone are the days of tacky faux succulents gathering dust. Imitation greens play a proud centerpiece in some of the most elegant work we've done. A sprinkling of foliage and flora adds an indisputable charm to any home. While our team here at Pretty City prefers live plants in our homes- we understand that earning your green thumb is a process and you should begin exploring Plant Parenthood one step at a time. Here is our guide to finding a place to start:
Novice
Aloe: Surprisingly easy to care for- stick your aloe in a bright window and water once every other week lightly when the soil feels dry. That's it! Dust the leaves every once in a while and don't be afraid to cut a tendril off for a sunburn when you need it.
Pothos: The leafiest friend who loves low light and weekly-watering. A quick spritz on the leaves every few days keep the leaves strangely happy. Pathos starts small but grow mighty. They manage to sprout long strands of leaves that can drape over windowsills and bookshelves
Sansevieria (Snake Plants): The ultimate leave-it-be option for beginners, you could put this guy in a closet and it would survive if you gave it a splash of water once a month. These pointy, beautiful leaves grow long and lush under any circumstance. With these conditions, it is definitely a confidence booster for those looking to start somewhere.
Intermediate
Jade Plants: Also known as the 'lucky plant' or 'money tree' these little guys are easy to find at your local plant shop but you will need a careful hand and time to experiment with a watering regimen in order to keep its thick, glossy leaves from drooping and prevent root rot. A jade plant also needs a lot of sunlight! Minimal work but a careful eye to the plant's needs will have to be considered.
Parlor Palm: The 'Royal Palm' lives up to that name- the fronds are light and elegant, taking up a large amount of space as they grow to be very large. While this species requires indirect sunlight, it is extremely sensitive to root rot and needs to be watered deeply. It is especially nice for pet owner's because it is non-toxic to cats and dogs!
Lemon Button Fern: Cute as a button...but harder to care for than you think! They need to be placed in a bright area, but out of direct sunlight or they will begin to drop their namesake (tiny, button shaped leaves.) Also, if their living situation isn't humid the fronds will become baren as well- they require perfect lighting, humidity, and are extremely sensitive to over or under-watering
Expert
Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees: Probably the most iconic house plant that features large crinkly leaves and spindly branches. These trees need a difficult combination of indirect sunlight, humid conditions, moist soil, and the perfect amount of water and space for the leaves to spread out. These are for the experienced and not for the faint of heart. Corena's massive fiddle leaf trees can be seen from the street from where they live on the second story... and that is how you spot an expert.
Monstera deliciosa (Cheese Plants): With gorgeous large leaves and long, drapey stems- Monsteras are a sight to be seen in the home... but they can be a problem child for newbies. Their leaves will not form the iconic holes if it receives too much sunlight, so finding the perfect spot in your home is paramount. Gardeners also suggest giving the leaves a bath every week or two but recommend you grab some gloves because they plant can irritate the skin after prolonged touch!
Orchids: Another Corena specialty- the orchids in her home have been blooming for over two years! The difficulty with these blooms as houseplants is that they hail from constantly warm and humid climates. Reportedly, they are happiest in the bathroom window sill recieving sun indirect light and a steam from the shower. This is probably the easiest way to replicate their tropical origins.
Hopefully this overview might help you pick a place to begin your journey into plant responsibility. Greens play an important role beside aesthetics, studies have shown plants improve air quality by removing toxins, increasing humidity, and producing oxygen. A perfect balance of style and substance.