The air was thin and brittle like parchment, slicing through flesh with a stinging, biting edge. The earth labored in the frigid temps, creaking and cracking in the might of its icy embrace. The polar vortex had returned, uninvited and unwelcomed.
Winter poses certain obstacles or opportunities, depending on how you choose to look at it. Certainly, more than any other season, we tend to retreat indoors, and for many, cabin fever ensues, as Spring seems distant and unattainable. But what if it wasn’t? What if Spring came early, if only in our homes and minds.
Soothe the fever with some easy to maintain house plants. Not only will they add life to the home, but house plants increase oxygen and humidity levels for easier breathing while improving the overall health of body and mind.
Snake Plant (Sansevierias):
Known to survive on neglect, Snake Plant has long, upright blades with interesting texture that can range from 4″ to 4′ in length, depending on the variety. It tolerates low light and dry conditions. In fact, the only way to insure its demise is by overwatering. Consider the shorter variety for windowsills or shelves, and the taller as a stately floor plant.
Peperomia:
A more compact, mounding plant, Peperomia’s heart-shaped leaves are shiny and smooth, sometimes with a hint of red or dark green veins. Just like Sansevierias, the only thing that will truly harm Peperomia is over-watering.
Arrowhead (Aglanonema):
Green or variegated, Arrowhead is highly decorative with large, narrow oval-shaped leaves on short stems. The more variegated the leaves, the more the light requirement, but they are still considered very low maintenance.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior):
Like its name sake, Cast Iron Plant is tough and almost indestructible. Its sword like, pointed leaves grow in a clump, and it prefers low light and sparse watering. Cast Iron Plant has even been known to flower indoors.
Of course, there are a myriad of ways to chase away the winter blahs, from forcing branches and bulbs to perusing gardening catalogues, but in the meantime, breathe some life and vitality into the home without creating an unintended hobby.
“Winter either bites with its teeth or lashes with its tail.”
-Unknown
Best and warm wishes,
Kim Sweeney
Houseplants are what get me through cold Chicago winters!
What kind of house plants do you grow? I’d love to know.
I’ve recently become enamored with air plants. I have around a dozen of those as well as Aloe, fittonia, jade, parlor palm, succulents, snake plants and mushrooms!
That’s an impressive list! You must have a green thumb 🙂