My dad has a green thumb and I am fortunate to have inherited this trait from him. He used to make frequent visits to the nursery and I would inadvertently tag along. Well, to be honest, it started because I saw it as yet another opportunity to eat ice-creams. However, it soon turned into a love affair and I would eagerly wait for our next visit. For starters, the place was huge and we would spend an entire evening looking for the perfect saplings to adorn our house. I considered them to be as precious as jewels and would in my own ways, nurture them to their youth.
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I picked up the hobby again, years later, when I was battling depression and had lost interest in general. My dad got me four flowering plants that started me on my path to recovery. They were more effective than any therapy or medicine and I could feel the change within me.
Today, I have a mini balcony-garden of my own and I am always looking to add more plants to my space.
Green is a soothing colour that can instantly breathe life to your space. Apart from adding visual beauty and purifying the air, plants are said to improve your concentration and productivity. They can reduce stress and bring more positivity to your life. Here is how you can add plants to your homes and personal spaces.
How to add greens to your house
Start with succulents
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As the name suggests, these little plants have fleshy leaves that can store water. They are all the rage right now and are a great option for beginners. They are low maintenance and don’t have to be watered daily. Place them in a warm environment and they will take care of themselves. You can even get them in various hues to add pops of colours to your place. Plant them in cute little geometric planters and place them on your desks or shelves. To go a step further, you can buy a vertical planter and build a succulent wall.
Grow plants in water
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I understand if you do not have the time to pot the plants and manure them frequently. The flying-away dust can become an additional task to clean. You can grow plants in water jars or vases if you do not have a lot of time to invest. Spider plants, Pothos, English Ivy are a few examples that can survive in water. Make sure you get jars with a well-rounded bottom so that the roots have enough space to grow.
Use branches
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This is a dummy way to add greens to your space. It will brilliantly elevate your interiors without demanding any kind of commitments from you. You can cut fronds or branches and place them in vases. You can place them in your washrooms or study to add a more bohemian feel to your house. My favourites are Palms and Monstera fronds that I occasionally bring home from my community garden.
Get different planters
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For a decor lover like me, planters are all <3. There are so many cute planters out there that I go crazy picking them. You can even DIY some old jars and use your creativity to spruce up your space. Try to group them at various places around your house. It looks better visually, instead of putting all them together in one corner. You can also add brass planters to add a traditional touch to your house.
Hang a few plants
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You can use old rods, hooks or invest in a vertical hanger if space is a constraint for you. This way you won’t have to worry about staining or disfiguring your shelves or window sills.
Grow veggies and herbs
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These are my absolute favourites. Of course, you will have to nurture them like your babies to watch them grow. You will have to ensure they get enough sunlight, water them daily and add manure frequently. However, there is a distinct charm in plucking veggies and herbs from your own garden and serving them on a platter.
Here are a few tips to get the beginners started
- Some plants like it hot while others may prefer a moist environment. Read up before you get started so that you can place them accordingly.
- While watering is good, over watering can rot the roots and kill your plants. To get an idea, test the soil to understand how much water is required.
- Plants take some to acclimatize to their surroundings. Try to move them around in your house to aid their process.
- Prune your plants from time to time, especially if they flower. It will accelerate their growth and keep them in top shape.
- It is alright to skip the fertilizer for your indoor plants. Try changing the soil once a year for better effects.
- Repot your plants if you think it has become too big for its current pot.
- Always buy planters with holes in the bottom so that excess water can drain out.
If you are still struggling to take responsibility for some green living creatures, why not add some artprints of lush greens. This will add warmth and greeny to your home without any guilt.
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