Improve Your Home's Vibes with Live Plants

Live plants are a great way to improve the mood and energy of your home. Simply put, house plants make you feel better. If you want to get scientific about it, as you probably recall from grade school, they convert Co2 from you into Oxygen for you. Many plants are experts at removing toxins like formaldehyde from the air. So, what if you don't think you have a green thumb? Here are some tips even the most earth-challenged can use to bring live plants into their home:

Start with the easiest plants to grow. Snake plants have to be top in this category, but not only are the among the easiest to grow, they are also incredibly good at removing environmental toxins. Snake plants can go with very little watering, so just make sure you don't overwater them, as overwatering is a common problem among beginners. Prior to watering poke a finger in the dirt on top and make sure it is dry to the touch. Snake plants love east and west facing windows and like to be root-bound so keep them in smaller pots, even the one they came in. If happy enough, they will even eventually bloom. Other common house plants that are great at removing toxins include Date Palm, Philodendron, Boston Fern and Peace Lily.

Gradually work your way to more difficult houseplants. Houseplants are basically tropical plants. Some grow naturally on the rain forest floor and prefer low light. Others grow in partial light and even full sun. Make sure you pay attention to the lighting requirements.

Thick, velvety leaves generally cannot touch water. Flowers such as African Violets and Begonias must be watered under the leaves with a watering can, or by watering the bottom dish. Never spray the leaves directly.

You can grow some herbs in your kitchen window year round. Herbs that do well indoors include rosemary, mint, thyme, and oregano. If the lighting in your home is an issue, you can now find light growing systems at places like home stores.

While succulents are beautiful indoors, they can be tricky to take care of. They must be in high light, which can be difficult to pull off. One succulent that is easier to care for is Aloe, and with it's healing properties (it's great for burns) it's a great plant to have in the home. Aloe comes in many varieties.

Give your houseplants a fertilizer such as "Miracle-Grow Indoor Plant Food", but make sure to provide adequate water when fertilizing.

Some plants must have a dormant period, which means they need to be exposed to cold weather in the winter. These include bulbs such as Narcisuss and Hyacinth. You can achieve this by putting them a the refrigerator during the winter months.

I have found grouping plants together means easier watering for me, adds a focal point to the home, and gives off a cheerful tropical vibe, especially during the winter. It might be my imagination, but when I group plants together they seem happier and healthier (maybe that's because I remember to water them!!).