It’s officially the doldrums of winter. Most days are cold, rainy and windy. Spring seems forever away.
If you’re looking for some relief from melancholy, professional gardener Lai-Chung Houlihan, one of the members of our Element community, recommends tending to an indoor plant or seedling. “Caring for a plant—starting it from seed, watering, fertilizing, pruning and transplanting it— is in our nature, especially for those who have a passion for nurturing,” she says.
Lai-Chung, who has been designing gardens in New York City since 2004, says that having a relationship with plants can ground you as a human being. “Plants make you aware of the passage of time on plant terms,” she says. “Plants also make you feel appreciative of your own time on this universe.”
Are you afraid to buy a plant for your house because you’re convinced you have a “black thumb?” Or because you are afraid you won’t be able to take care of it? Below, Lai-Chung gives her recommendations for the best houseplants for beginners.
In terms of indoor plants that are good for your physical and mental well-being, Lai-Chung recommends the following:
1. Peace Lily: The Peace Lily, otherwise known as Spathiphyllum, is one of the top air purifiers in the plant kingdom. In terms of care, Lai-Chung notes: “The Peace Lily is easy to grow as long as you provide enough growth space in the pot, and medium light. It prefers to stay moist but avoid the plant sitting on water in a pot with no drainage.” It is unfortunately toxic to cats, so be careful!
2. English Ivy: Otherwise known as Hedera, English Ivy is a climbing plant that is typically used outdoors, but you can also place them in a medium-high light window. “Make sure to mist them to prevent dust mites,” Lai-Chung recommends.
3. Spider Plant: Otherwise known as Chlorophytum, the Spider Plant is one of the most adaptable houseplants. Lai-Chung notes: “It’s great for a hanging plant, and prefers medium to high light, and medium watering.” An added benefit? “It has a little babies, and you can cut them off and root in water for a new plant!” Spider Plants are non-toxic to pets, so they’re safe to have around cats.
For people who are new to taking care of plants, Lai-Chung recommends the following:
1. Snake Plant: The Snake Plant, or Sansevieria, is great for people who want the lowest possible maintenance plant. It can tolerate wide ranges of light — even artificial light! — and prefer to be dry. “There are also so many kinds with different shapes such as the Cylindrica variety, which are very sculptural and exciting!” notes Lai-Chung.
2. Bird’s Nest Fern: This is a great plant for people who forget about taking care of plants, Lai-Chung says. “They are the only fern I know that can tolerate some dryness in between watering,” she notes. They prefer medium watering and tolerate low to medium light. “I recommend potting it in a new pot at least 2-inches larger than the nursery pot size for success.”
3. Peperomia: There are many different varieties of Peperomia, and they are all easy to grow, Lai-Chung notes. The plan prefers low to medium light, and medium watering. “I like the trailing ones the most, but the most popular one is definitely the Peperomioides.”
Lai-Chung Houlihan is the owner of Lai Chung Gardens. Visit her website for more information. And consider hiring her to get your garden ready for summer!