Flower and Plant Tips

The bathroom is often one of the most challenging places to place a houseplant. It usually has limited light due to small or few windows, and high humidity. These plants do well there:

• Chlorophytum comosum, also called spider plant or airplane plant
• Dracaena
• Ferns
• Calathea
• Spathiphyllum, also called peace lily or spoon plant
• Monstera
• Aloe vera
• Tradescantia zebrina, also called Wandering Jew
• Tillandsia, also called air plant

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Around 1990, a research team at NASA conducted a study on which plants had the best filtering properties. This was because, at the time, many health issues arose due to a lack of fresh air in office buildings. The best air purifying plants identified were:

• Hedera Helix, also called English ivy
• Chlorophytum comosum, also called spider plant or air plant
• Epipremnum Aureum, also called dracaena ivy
• Spathiphyllum, also called peace lily or spoon plant
• Chamaedorea seifrizii, also called bamboo palm
• Aglaonema modestum, also called Chinese evergreen
• Sansevieria trifasciata Laurentii, also called mother-in-law's tongue
• Dracaena (marginata)

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Many pets love to sniff around and nibble on plants, but this isn't always safe. Many plants are toxic to cats and dogs. An incorrect bite can make them very sick or even cause death.
You can rest assured with these plants:

• Chlorophytum comosum, also called spider plant or airplane plant
• All 300 types of Calathea
• Howea forsteriana, also called Kentia palm
• Hibiscus
• Beaucarnea, also called elephant foot
• Orchid
• Pilea Peperomioides, also called pancake plant or Chinese money plant
• Aloe vera
• Banana plant

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Of course, you want to enjoy a beautiful bouquet of cut flowers for as long as possible. These tips will help extend their lifespan and keep them looking fresh:

• Place new flowers directly in a vase with fresh water when you arrive home and add a packet of cut flower food.
• Choose a glass vase that gives your flowers enough space. These vases also harbor fewer bacteria, making it easier to monitor the water level.
• Remove leaves from the stems so they don’t decay in the water or block light and air. Also, regularly remove wilted flowers and leaves.
• Cut the stems of your flowers diagonally so they can absorb water better.
• Change the water every 5 days, clean the vase briefly, and fill it no more than halfway. Add a second packet of cut flower food.
• Keep your flowers out of direct sunlight and away from central heating, drafts, or ripening fruit. At night, place your bouquet in a cool room.

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If you don’t have a green thumb but still love houseplants, these tips will help you enjoy your plants for a long time:

• Give each plant a fixed spot and turn it as little as possible. Choose a place with plenty of light (within a meter of the window), but without direct sunlight. Keep your plants away from heating and drafts.
• Water your plants daily and regularly wipe their leaves with a wet sponge to create sufficient humidity. If desired, you can even place a humidifier near groups of plants.
• Use flowerpots with a hole in the bottom and matching scales. Pour water slowly until water starts to collect in the scale. After 10 minutes, remove the excess of water.
• Water your plants regularly during the growing season (from April to October) and half as much during dormancy (from November to March). Fertilize your plants about once a month during the growing season.
• Preferably, use rainwater for your plants.
• Do you have a Poinsettia or Christmas star? They love warmth. Always use warm water when watering.

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