35.8 F
Naperville
Friday, March 29, 2024

Naperville Gardener – Cabin fever? Bring nature inside!

-

After all the Santas, elves, reindeer, snowmen, etc. perched on every surface and tucked in all the nooks and crannies (some of which won’t be found until spring cleaning!) are boxed up, I have too many blank and empty spaces. My personal deadline for being done with Christmas is Valentine’s Day, hence the Christmas reference.

Fortunately, Kent gave me a Tovah Martin book, “The Indestructible Houseplant.” Tovah lives in a home that was once a cobbler shop (1790) and has less than desirable conditions for houseplants. And as a busy lady, she advises her readers on the houseplants that will thrive without much care.

Houseplants improve indoor air quality, but more importantly they help keep us linked to nature. Tovah is not a plant snob and we don’t have to be either. She has purchased many of her favorites at big box and grocery stores as well as garden centers, so take a look in the floral area the next time you’re shopping for groceries or a new hammer.

Here are a few of her favorites:

African Violet: Tovah calls these the golden retriever of indoor gardening because they aim to please. You will be surprised at the variety of colors and sizes available nowadays. Nix the doilies and your grandmother’s houseplant will be a welcome addition to your home.

Aloe: Perfect for any low-light space like on a bookshelf, coffee table or anywhere you would like some life. They, too, now come in new shapes and colors.

Hypoestes Phyllostachya (Polka Dot Plant): As well as being a bright spot of color on their own, these can be used as a “groundcover” around taller plants such as Norfolk Island pines, scheffleras and ficus. Be sure to keep well-watered.

Paphiopedilum Maudiae (Tropical Slipper Orchid): This orchid blooms in late autumn and continues through most of the winter! The easiest orchid to grow, it has beautiful mottled foliage that makes it attractive while we are waiting for the blooms to appear.

Be sure to read the planting instructions on the tag of any new plant, but be emboldened to stretch the guidelines to fit your desires. Swap out a knick-knack for a house plant, dusting for watering!

Stay Connected!

Get the latest local headlines delivered to your inbox each morning.
SUBSCRIBE
- Advertisement -
PN Ombudsman
PN Ombudsman
An ombudsman is Scandinavian in origin dating back to Viking times; and refers to a community representative; usually acting independently on behalf of an organization, body of elected officials, or civic group. Thanks Scandinavia for inventing ombudsman.

LATEST NEWS

DON’T MISS OUT!
GET THE DAILY
SQUARE-SCOOP
The latest local headlines delivered
to your inbox each morning.
SUBSCRIBE
Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime.
close-link

Stay Connected!

Get the latest local headlines delivered to your inbox each morning.
SUBSCRIBE
close-link