Recently, Wes and I did something we’ve never done before but have always been interested in: we bought a ton of houseplants! From working long hours in the film industry to having two kids, we’ve never really had the time to take on the responsibility of caring for plants, but being in our home so much lately, we decided it was time to brighten up our space and bring some ferns, pothos, and other plants into our home! If you are like I was a month ago, you probably have SO MANY questions about houseplants and how to make sure they thrive in your house. Below, I’ve compiled some resources on everything from the benefits of having plants in your home, to information about the different types, and how to care for them.

The Sill is a great resource on everything plants if you have any more questions. You can also shop for plants there!

Why You Should Have Plants In Your House

There are many studies on the benefits of having a house full of plants. This article from The Sill is a great place to start in your search for all things plants, and they list the following benefits of houseplants:

• “Boost mood, productivity, concentration, and creativity”

• “Reduce stress, fatigue, sore throats, and colds.”

• “Clean indoor air by absorbing toxins, increasing humidity, and producing oxygen.”

• “Add life to a sterile office, give privacy, and reduce noise levels".”

• “Are therapeutic”

The article also lists plants that are good for air purification.

*Note from the editor (Abbigayle) : In college, I lived in an apartment that had ….a mold issue. While I was waiting for my lease to run out, I decided to invest in some air purifying plants. Namely, a snake plant, and English Ivy. Maybe it was all placebo effect, but I swear the air in my room felt cleaner after incorporating plants.

This Slideshow from WebMD also lists allergy relief and restful sleep among the benefits of indoor plants.

What House Plants are right for me?

Here is a full guide to choosing the right house plant for you. Plants are as individual as their owners, so before you commit to any plants, take the time to figure out what level of care you are willing and capable to give your plants, and make sure you do some research on each plant that catches your eye. For instance, I know I will forget to look at my plants for days at a time, so I would never pick a plant that needs to be watered and tended to every day.

Here is a list of the best plants for your home, along with pros and cons of each! This is a great resource to start with as well.

“I Kill Every Plant Ever!”

Ok, hear me out….same. That’s why i started going for plants that are hardier and need less day to day upkeep. Below are some plants that can thrive with minimal attention, and these are great plants for people who are new to houseplants as well. Pro-tip, many of the hardiest plants are ALSO the plants that rate highest for air purification. It’s a win-win with these picks.

For a full list, look HERE

• Snake Plants - Abbigayle’s Pick. I’ve had a snake plant now for a little over a year, and it’s the only plant I’ve never killed. Seriously, i’ve even dropped books on it and accidentally broken some of the leaves, and this thing is still thriving. These plants are super forgiving, and need low light and little water, so they are a great pick for anyone who wants to dip their toes into owning house plants.

• Golden Pothos. These vining plants are gorgeous, and I love the striations on the leaves.

• English Ivy - I’m a sucker for vining plants in general, and you can’t beat a classic English Ivy

• Peace Lily - This is a good pick if you prefer a flowering plant.

• Calathea - I can’t get over this purple gorgeous foliage.

Philodendron - This is easily one of my favorites to look at - I mean LOOK at those leaves.

Plants That Are Animal-Safe

This list from HGTV lists plants that are safe for cats, dogs, and kids. Many of these overlap with the “easy to maintain plants” list as well!

How to Repot Plants you Already Own

Whether you want to change your plant from its boring store pot to a cool, cute new one you have, or your plant has outgrown it’s old pot, here is a suuuuuper in-depth article explaining when-to and how-to repot your plants.

Other Things To Consider

This article details all the aspects you should consider for bringing plants into your home, from soil, to light, to ventilation. At the end of the day, There are so many plants out there, that you are always going to want to do your research and try your hand for each new plant you consider buying. It’s a wide world out there, and going to a nursery or other store that specializes in house plants can be a great way to make sure you get all the info possible on your new plants! Have fun planting, and in the comments on this post, let me know about your journey with houseplants!