Top 3 Houseplants For The Adventurous Plant Parent
Ever find yourself wanting to try your hand at taking care of a high-maintenance houseplant but don't know where to start? Too scared of what you might do to it if you don't have a detailed list telling you what you should do and how to do it? Don't worry. We've all been there before. For those of you looking to branch out and keep something other than a pothos alive we're gonna list a few plants that'll challenge you to be the best plant parent you can be.
CACTI
Now how could a plant that requires so little attention make the list of plants that need nothing but attention? The answer is simple. Attention. Speaking from experience we give cacti more attention (water, care, and too much light) than it needs. These plants are notorious for being spiky and hard to kill, but to a new plant parent doing the most is actually the opposite of what they should be doing. Let’s take a deeper look at this. Cacti grow in areas that have dry, hot climates and little to no rainfall. Because of this they are able to store water in their stems to use when needed. The cactus you have at home has this same ability and only needs to be watered once or twice a month. This next one might sound shocking and that’s because it is. Do not put your cactus in direct sunlight as it can get sunburned. Most cacti need between 10 and 13 hours of sunlight a day and varies between species. It’s never a bad idea to do a little research on the specific plant you want to make sure you’re able to meet its needs.
CARNIVOROUS PLANTS
Like all plants carnivorous plants such as venus flytraps, pitcher plants, and butterworts do best when growing in conditions that mimic those of the ones in nature. We see them once or twice a year and figure putting them in our kitchen is a better way to get rid of the flies or gnats in our home, but how many of us know what care to actually give them? The instructions on the box aren’t as transparent as they should be and that could be a reason why you haven’t had much luck with them. High pH levels, acidity, moisture, and sunlight is what makes these plants not only grow, but thrive, allowing you to see its full potential. Mineral-free water is best to water these plants with as minerals have a tendency to build up in the soil causing the plants growth to be stunted. 6 hours of sunlight a day, soil that stays moist (be sure to use distilled water as tap water can have a high alkalinity level) and temperatures between 70º-95º degrees F is what you should look to give your plant.
CROTON
Personally, these are plants I tend to stay away from. From a distance they look beautiful and seem like the perfect addition for the bleak corner of the living room and can even pull pollutants from the air that get transformed into nutrients for the soil, but crotons are a lot more difficult to take care of than expected. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Plants thrive best in conditions that mimic the ones they have in nature. For crotons, the slightest decrease of what it's used to in nature and you can have a dead plant on your hands. These guys love high humidity, sunlight and moisture making them the perfect plant for anyone looking to spend the extra time it takes to ensure optimum growth. Plants that don’t get the needed care are quick to attract pests, spider mites being at the top of that list. Before you take one home make sure you have the time of day and attention to give them.
