The 7 Must-Have Indoor Plants for Any Serious Collector

To consider yourself a true plant collector, there are some house plants you absolutely need. Read on to learn the top seven.
As you scroll through your Instagram feed, do you ever notice homes that are speckled with greenery? Don’t they look cosy and clean? That’s precisely what house plants can do for you, too.
Don’t let any doubts over your green thumb prevent you from creating a green space inside your home that can not only dress it up but promote clean air for you and your loved ones.
Without getting caught up in the science of it all, here’s how house plants benefit the environment. They absorb gases through the pores on their leaves. That spurs photosynthesis and, in the end, we benefit from their release of oxygen. Some of the best house plants for air purification are Boston ferns, English ivy, and aloe vera. Let’s take a look at some of your best options.

1. Red-Edged Dracaena

This beauty looks exactly as it sounds. It’s lovely and perky, and each bit of green is trimmed in red. This plant is a winner in terms of purifying indoor air.
It does well in brightly-lit areas but would be happy in lower light, too. When watering, be sure to only water the base because this beauty is susceptible to leaf spot and that would surely detract from its colourful red edging.

2. Boston Fern

Ferns can really cosy up a space. They like to spread out, warming any living room, bedroom, or kitchen. They’re luscious and full and, of course, purify the air. In fact, ferns are reported to be one of the best plants for removing formaldehyde from the air.
When watering, make sure you stop as soon as you start to see water leak from the drain holes. Boston ferns are susceptible to root rot and over-watering is their worst enemy. Also, be prepared for a little sweeping when the leaves fall off.

3. Bamboo Palm

Bamboo is an enchanting, unique plant. Their stems are very recognizable and signal tropical tranquility. Like their friend the fern, bamboo palm works to clear formaldehyde from the air.
Also, feel free to dress up your bamboo plant a little bit. They love humidity. So, if you line a tray with pebbles and fill it with water, the fern would love to sit atop that moist spot. Whenever you see the water evaporating, be sure to add a little more so the pebbles are always covered.

4. Aloe Vera

Why not continue the tropical vibe? Aloe vera isn’t just lovely to look at, it’s also useful in many ways. First, it absorbs carbon dioxide from the air and releases oxygen at night. This makes it a great little bedside accessory.
Secondly, anytime you develop a minor cut or wound, feel free to use some of your very own homegrown aloe to speed up the healing process. Aloe vera continually produces plantlets. Those little babies can easily be removed and replanted to start a new plant. Doesn’t that sound like a unique gift-giving opportunity for family and friends?

5. Kalanchoe

Ready for a little colour amidst all that refreshing green? Kalanchoe produces bright red pops of colour when it’s in bloom.
Unfortunately, many people consider kalanchoe to be a disposable plant once it’s done flowering. However, some have been know to rebloom the following season. Just don’t get too attached because it’s hit or miss with these beauties.
These plants love sunlight and water. Be sure to water your kalanchoe frequently, but do let it dry in between waterings. Kalanchoe will contribute to the clean air in your home and can even be encouraged to produce robust blooms if you trim it whenever you see any dead spots.

6. English Ivy

Similar to the Boston fern, English ivy is regal and eye-catching. This is an easy to grow beauty that doesn’t need direct sunlight. Like bamboo, English ivy enjoys a little moisture and humidity. Feel free to place another rock tray beneath it or simply mist it regularly.
You may want to consider taking your plant care one step further with English ivy. It wouldn’t hurt to regularly fertilize this beauty, encouraging its long and luscious growth.

7. Peperomia

Peperomia produces unique leaves that feature symmetrical striping. There are over 1,000 varieties of this plant, offering quite a selection. These will be small additions that you can pepper about the home. They never grow more than 18 inches tall.
Peperomia require low to medium light. They also need to maintain moist, well-drained soil. Just be careful there, because overwatering can lead to root rot. This is another winner in terms of clearing formaldehyde from the air and creating a clean oasis.

Watering Your House Plants

Sunlight and water are your two biggest concerns when adding house plants to your home. Here at Bloomspace, we’ve created a watering guide to help you get to know the lay of the land. Knowing your new plant’s origin is important, but so is its location and the temperatures produced by your air condition or heater.
To help you become a master planter, we’ve also created a guide titled, “How to Keep Indoor Plants Alive.” In it, you’ll find ten gardening tips, covering important topics like water, light, room temperature, and fertilization.
When you feel like you’re up for the job, get ready to improve the air quality and beauty of your home with these best-selling plants. You’ll find interesting ivy selections, ferns, and peperomia. We look forward to helping you create your own green space at home!