Going Green

Having plants wasn't an option while we were trekking the planet a few years ago, but when we first moved into our house back in the States, I wanted to get some plants.  After spending seven years of being constantly on the move and not being able to keep plants or pets, I was desperate to be surrounded by life and growth.  Mr. Bleu feared the worst, but indulged me.  True to his apprehensions, all of our plants eventually succumbed to the darkness of our house and died.  Distraught over the loss of life and wasted money, I promptly gave up on keeping plants.  (All the animals are still alive with very few exceptions, in case you're wondering).  

Peace Lily: Photo from Better Homes & Gardens

I have been learning about keeping a home that is as free of toxins as possible and one excellent way is by having plants that purify the air.  If you have a rather shady home like me, there are actually a number of plants that can clean the air while living and even thriving in low light conditions such as are found in my home:

1.  Peace Lilies-Filtering out more air pollutants than your average house plant, these tropical evergreens typically bloom twice a year and are not actually lilies.  Water frequently and mist, keep the soil moist not soggy.  Fertilize frequently too with a slow release variety.  They're toxic to children and pets, so keep 'em out of reach of the kiddos and critters, and with the right care they can reach an average of 3'/1m tall.

2.  Boston Ferns-Another tropical baby that loves warm, humid environments, so keep them away from the a/c vent.  They also need proper drainage, but mist them frequently.  They need a little sun when they're indoors and they're non-toxic so safe for a child or pet friendly home.

Both of these plants help to clean and oxygenate the air and thrive in low light, which is perfect for my extremely shady house.

Two more helpful plants that purify the air but also need sun are:

1.  Rubber Plant

2.  Bromeliad

They're great for cleaning the air and let's face it, plants just make a home seem homier.

Boston Fern from Better Homes & Gardens

I started slowly, buying one plant on each visit to the grocery store until I had a whole little row in the only sunny spot in my home.  To my amazement, they all lived.  Feeling empowered, I decided to press on and get a few more specimens to place in decidedly more shady spots in the house.

I really am thrilled with the way that having plants has made my home so much more cozy and inviting.  I did decide to treat my plants to one hanging pot and figured while I was at it I may as well go fancy with this vintage puka shell pot.  Adding decorative pots will soon follow, but for now, I am just happy they're still alive and going with me into winter.

Related Reading: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/projects/indoor-plants-for-low-light/

https://www.thespruce.com/grow-peace-lilies-1902767

https://www.thespruce.com/grow-nephrolepis-boston-ferns-1902723