House plants

Many homeowners tend to underestimate the potential of house plants to enhance the decor, whether it's on the sideboard in the living room, or taking centre stage on the dining room table. A houseplant is an easy way to bring the outdoors in, creating a touch of freshness in the home, and as there are so many to choose from finding one that is right for you is easy.

Advantages of house plants

Houseplants are an easy to way to create a focal point and to add a touch of texture and colour in a room. There are many different types of house plants; some are more difficult than others to look after (check labels or ask for advice). Many of the more common ones actually require very little care and are forgiving if you sometimes forget watering and feeding. They should be placed where they get the right amount of light and should be fed and watered as per the instructions. If treated with care some house plants will last for many years.

House plants also have a number of health benefits for the occupants as they can help to remove contaminants from the air and they have the ability to act as natural humidifiers.

Easy care plants

Not every room has great natural light but there are some varieties of plants that do well in slightly darker conditions.  These plants include the Zanzibar gem and the Kentia palm as well as the peace lily. The Zanzibar gem is considered a very resilient plant as it is can tolerate long spells without water and does not rely on bright light. It has the potential to grow to around 60 cm, so is ideal for a corner of the room where it can be placed in a decorative floor standing pot. The peace lily is another favourite in many homes. It can be situated almost anywhere and should be allowed to dry out properly between each watering.

Plants for strong light

Strong light is needed for the popular anthurium. This can be placed on a windowsill and should be kept moist. With red, pink or white flowers it can brighten up any room. Another option is the moth orchid. This plant will need to be kept in a warm spot that gets plenty of light. It should also be sprayed with water regularly to ensure flowering.

Those who consider them difficult to look after often avoid house plants but there are plenty which require minimal care and will add a great deal to the home.