Spring is in full bloom here in London. The sun is shining, and the trees have started to blossom, their baby pink and white hues brightening up even the dreariest of London streets.
In normal circumstances, it would be the perfect time to get outside, immerse ourselves in nature, or perhaps try a spot of Forest Bathing (a mindful amble through the woods). But with current government guidelines keeping us housebound, Spring 2020 will likely be spent indoors. It’s time to bring the plants inside…hello house plants!
House plants have grown in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. They boost your mood (especially if you live in a city where green space is few and far between), they can brighten up even the darkest corners of your home and can even help filter the air.
No green fingers, no worries.
You don’t need to be a horticulturist to be a successful plant parent – a window and some water is all you need. With the right care, your plants will live far longer than this COVID-19 lockdown period (the longest living house plant is 242 years old and lives in Kew Gardens, West London).
Here are the best house plants which are almost impossible to kill and are guaranteed to bring some calm to even the most hectic of days, both now and in the future.
The Curly Spider Plant is the Tina Turner of house plants thanks to its big voluminous bouffant. A small and mighty houseplant, the Curly Spider plant can survive extended periods of drought – an excellent choice for jet setters.
The Peace Lily is a perfect addition to your bathroom thanks to its love of humidity. Its shiny leaves and pretty flowers are hardier than they look, and the Peace Lily will live happily in low light conditions. True to its name, the Peace Lily is thought to bring calm and harmony into your home.
A popular choice for decorating coffee shops and cafes, the humble succulent is also a great choice for living rooms and bedrooms. They’re easy to care for, just don’t overwater them – another winner if you travel a lot and don’t want to employ a plant sitter. They thrive in a bright spot with indirect light.
A Kentia Palm is the perfect statement houseplant. Reaching up to 10 meters in height, this lanky chap will happily fill an empty corner of your hallway or living room with its big bountiful fronds. A grand plant needs an equally grand pot and we love these patterned wooden leg planters https://www.westelm.co.uk/mid-century-turned-wood-leg-planters-whitegold-d4417?quantity=1&attribute_2=White%2FGold, just make sure you get one large enough.
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Colourful houseplants tend to be a little weak-willed, but not the Orchid. This tough cookie grows on rocks and trees in the wild, so they’re able to withstand even the worst plant parents among us. The Orchid is a true giver and will bloom again and again with a bit of pruning and fertilizer. Make sure you allow your orchid to dry out fully before watering.
The String of Hearts looks as elegant as its name suggests. The stems of this climbing perennial can grow up to a meter, so keep it up high – it looks particularly pleasing draped over a bookcase. The String of Hearts has small, pink-hued, heart-shaped leaves making it a true romantic – move over roses.
The Mini Swiss Cheese plant might look like a victim of the Hungry Caterpillar, but the quirky holes are actually crucial as they allow light to penetrate the lower leaves. This miniature house plant needs medium light and enjoys humid conditions.
If you really can't be trusted with plants, get yourself a sealed Terrarium. These miniature ecosystems are completely self-sustaining so there's no need to water. Top tip – don't leave them in direct sunlight.
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