As someone who has openly struggled with plant care, I must admit: I am not the best plant parent. The term “green thumb” will never be associated with my name. I often forget to water my houseplants for extended periods, and I’ve even required medical assistance to remove splinters from my attempts to salvage the dried, neglected leaves of my plants. I hesitate to count the number of orchids I’ve let wither away, although I genuinely tried to nurture them.
However, during the lengthy days of quarantine, where my life has been confined to my home, two children, and a dog, my houseplants have begun to receive unprecedented attention. Over the last couple of months, I’ve rearranged them to catch more sunlight, trimmed off the brown tips, and watered them with newfound dedication.
Caring for my houseplants, which should have been on my radar prior to this, has become a daily ritual. It’s not that I’m devoid of responsibilities—homeschooling, working remotely, and tackling an ever-growing laundry pile consume nearly every waking moment. But perhaps in this period of slowed pace, there’s a soothing quality to focusing on something as uncomplicated as nurturing a plant.
This newfound appreciation for houseplants isn’t a solitary experience; people nationwide are embracing houseplants for various reasons. They offer companionship, provide a meditative experience devoid of chatter, and present the joy of witnessing growth in a tangible way.
Research has shown that houseplants carry several physical advantages. They can detoxify indoor air, enhance focus and productivity, alleviate stress, and elevate mood. With minimal downsides and abundant benefits, it’s worth considering the pandemic plant trend, especially with these easy-care options.
Low-Maintenance Plants:
- Spider Plant: This resilient plant has been my companion for a decade, surviving my neglect. It produces “babies” that can be replanted. My spider plant is a descendant of my mother-in-law’s own long-lived spider plant.
- Christmas Cactus: Part of the cactus family, it thrives on neglect—perfect for someone like me. Each holiday season, while the world outside is bleak, this plant bursts forth with vibrant pink flowers.
- Ponytail Palm: This plant thrives in my dining room, growing robustly with minimal care. It adds a lovely touch of greenery without demanding much from me.
- Rubber Plant: I once accidentally let this resilient plant die after eight years, but it had proven its durability with its striking green leaves before its unfortunate end.
For those seeking more options, Good Housekeeping has compiled a list of 30 nearly indestructible houseplants.
Where to Begin:
With many physical stores still closed, the plant business has shifted online. Companies like Rooted, The Sill, and Bloomscape are making it easier to find houseplants that can thrive in your care.
Etsy is another avenue to explore, allowing you to support local businesses while joining the pandemic plant craze. Shops such as PlantCraftingCo and Plantsandthings are shipping plants nationwide.
While we may not want to add another task to our pandemic to-do list, whether you’re an experienced plant parent or a newcomer, adopting a few houseplants could be just the remedy you need to brighten your home and remind you that a little light is often all it takes to thrive. For additional insights on related topics, consider reviewing our blog post here or check out this authoritative resource on the subject.
In summary, the trend of caring for houseplants has blossomed during the pandemic, providing individuals with mental and emotional benefits while beautifying their spaces. With many low-maintenance options available and a wealth of online resources, now is the perfect time to consider adding a few plants to your home.