Plant Care
PLANT CARE TIPS: FROM A TO ZZ
We've assembled a tried-and-true collection of plant care tips, and added a few curated vessel pairings to elevate your look
ALOE VERA
Aloe vera plants are easy to care for. They make wonderful houseplants, or you can grow them outside. There is a common misconception that aloe vera is difficult to grow, but it’s actually quite easy. The key is to neglect it. Yes, that’s right, just ignore it(sort of). Avoid overwatering by allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Though they can be kept indoors year round, they will benefit from being outside during the hot and sunny months. Just be sure to bring it back indoors before freezing temperatures arrive in the fall. But be very careful when you first move it outside. An aloe plant that has been growing inside all winter will be sensitive to direct sunlight.
Audrey Ficus
Some experts see the trending Ficus Audrey as a contender for the Fiddle-Leaf Fig’s long-held position at the top of the charts. That’s good news to many gardeners because Ficus Audrey is less demanding while offering a similar bold “statement” for interior spaces. Ficus Audrey needs warm temperatures, bright to medium indirect light, and consistently moist, well-draining soil in a stable environment – the plant sheds leaves easily if stressed. It likes humidity but will tolerate normal levels indoors.
MONSTERA
With its big and bold evergreen tropical foliage, Monstera deliciosa is sure to bring an eye-catching and exotic appeal wherever it finds its indoor home.
When its basic requirements for care are met, this member of the Araceae should grace your indoor space with hardy growth for years to come. Keep your Monstera deliciosa healthy by growing it in rich, well-draining soil, fertilizing monthly and watering when the top several inches of soil become dry. Maintain moderate humidity and situate in an indoor location receiving bright indirect or filtered light
Ponytail Palm
If you are looking to spruce up your home with a bit of tropical exoticness, then the addition of a Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is the plant for you. Grow your Ponytail palm in well-drained soil and water when the top 3 or 4 inches of soil become dry. Spray weekly to create humidity, fertilize monthly, keep indoor temperatures around 60°F to 85°F and situate in bright light.
ZZ Plant
ZZ plant is one of the toughest and easiest to grow houseplants. If you are looking for a carefree plant that won’t suffer even if you neglect it for weeks or longer, then look no further than the ZZ plant! ZZ plant is one of those houseplants that will survive practically anywhere you will put it!
The best-case scenario would be to have bright indirect light, and a little bit of direct sun won’t hurt at all. Although this plant is tolerant of very low light, don’t expect it to grow too much if your light is very poor. I like to water thoroughly until water drains out of the drainage holes. After watering it thoroughly, I will wait pretty much until all of the soil is completely dry.