The presence of potted plants inside your home bring a certain warmth and character that cannot be matched by other decorative items. With the added benefits of acting as natural air purifiers and positively impacting your emotional state, it’s no wonder that potted plants make a popular gift for your recipient.
However, not every plant is suitable for any home and vice versa. Lighting conditions, humidity levels and space should be important factors to consider prior to bringing a plant home. While most Toronto florists sell houseplants that are bred to thrive in the cooler Canadian climate (withstanding this type of environment), such factors can still affect longevity.
Lighting Conditions
Most plants love the sun, much like us humans. Unfortunately, the amount of light a specific houseplant requires to thrive varies. For example, most ferns (pictured above, first on the right) like the sun as long as it’s not directly on them. The same goes for areca palms. Eucalyptus, on the other hand, love a full blast of direct sun. You may find that the spot you’ve chosen for your plant has different levels of sunlight throughout the year, which means that you may have to move your plant around to accommodate.
Humidity Levels
As a Canadian, we are far too familiar with the dry, arid climate of our winters. Many of us get dry skin because the air leeches the moisture from it. Unfortunately, this is the same for potted plants. Most leafy plants available at florists enjoy an environment that is more humid than dry, and that can be difficult to recreate in the winter or if you live on a higher floor of a condo/apartment. Fine misting the leaves and a humidifier can both help. If you’re concerned about the level of humidity in your home, try cactii instead.
Space
This one’s pretty obvious. A big plant won’t do very well in a small space. It’ll just be cramped and be less of a decorative item than it is a nuisance. But here’s a warning: don’t think that what you’ve just brought home will stay that size. With the right living conditions, your potted plant will most likely grow. Be prepared!
