“Who says gorgeous gardens are just for outside? I've found that with the right houseplants, you can create the most wonderful little indoor garden right in your own home.”
Philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum
Who says gorgeous gardens are just for outside? I've found that with the right houseplants, you can create the most wonderful little indoor garden right in your own home.
Houseplants are such a lovely way to bring that peaceful, natural feeling inside. Whether you're a one-plant person or you've got a whole collection going, taking good care of them really matters.
Sure, the right soil, watering schedule, and light and temperature needs change from plant to plant. But there's one thing I do with every single houseplant I bring home — give it a good cleaning.
Just give your new plant a gentle rinse with plain lukewarm water. For bigger plants, I pop them right under the shower — smaller ones fit nicely in the sink, especially if you have a faucet sprayer. After the rinse, I like to wipe down any broad leaves with a soft cloth or paper towel.
This little spa treatment clears away dust and any residue from hard water, fertilizers, or pesticides the nursery might have used. Trust me, it can also dislodge sneaky pests you definitely don't want spreading to your other plants. I always isolate new arrivals for a week or two anyway, just to make sure no surprise pest problems pop up.
Your existing plants love an occasional shower too, or at least a gentle wipe-down with a damp cloth. I've found that keeping leaves dust-free really helps — it lets light and air reach the leaf surface, which keeps them so much healthier.
