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Houseplants

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When it comes to dream home décor, many homeowners imagine furnished rooms casually accented with flourishing plant life.

Bedroom with houseplant

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However, few are willing to undertake the challenges associated with maintaining beautiful indoor vegetation. Tasks such as daily watering, fertilizing, and pruning are enough to keep the most avid gardener from bringing the garden indoors. Yet in reality, caring for houseplants is only as difficult as you choose to make it. From placement to maintenance, take a look at the following tips and tricks to find the perfect amount of "green" for your lifestyle:

Herb Garden

An herb garden is ideal for those who want houseplants that are as functional as they are attractive. Herb gardens are best kept on kitchen windowsills that face east, west, or south light. The various herbs can be pruned and used as needed while providing a touch of nature to your kitchen décor all year round.

Window Garden

Almost all plants can make up a window garden as long as the window environment suits them. Windows that face south, southeast, or southwest should be utilized by sun loving plants (aloe and cacti); those that face east and west are best for plant life that requires medium sunlight (various ficus). By paying close attention to your plants' needs, your window gardens can be enjoyed both indoors and out.

Window Garden in Kitchen

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Vertical Garden

One of the best ways to incorporate plant life in your home is making use of any available space, including vertical expanses. Trailing plants, for example philodendron, can be situated on high surfaces in order to showcase their hanging vines. Tall and spreading plants serve as dividers, breaking up bare walls and even directing a room's traffic flow.

Container Garden

Though typically used outdoors, container gardens are excellent for bringing nature into your home. Different containers allow homeowners an assortment of plant heights and placements with access to varying light intensity. Baskets, planters, and different containers also provide unique decorative elements, allowing your plants to reside harmoniously with other furnishings.

Luxury Living Room Container Plants

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Bathroom Garden

At first an unusual plant locale, the bathroom is actually ideal for some plant life. Humidity loving plants, like African violets, bring a refreshing touch to your daily routine and often require only occasional watering. Some of these plants require indirect natural light, so bathrooms with windows are usually best.

When purchasing houseplants seek out care labels for each. These labels identify the light, temperature, and amount of water each plant needs to flourish. Examining these care labels allows you to purchase only the plants that you are capable of keeping vibrant. Remember to regularly (often weekly) rotate your plants to ensure even growth. Also check with your provider that the plants chosen are safe around your family pets and children.

Houseplants are an excellent opportunity to practice gardening year round while providing cleaner air and natural sound barriers to the home. Do your homework and predict where to place nature within your home. Look up the various plants that can fill those areas and see if their care fits your lifestyle. If you get stuck, speak with a professional at your local gardening center or nursery. They can often make the best suggestions, ensuring you receive houseplants that invigorate your interior décor without draining time and patience.

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