House Plants

Benefits of House Plants

Improved Air Quality

Indoor air can contain surprising amounts of pollutants—from furniture off-gassing to cleaning product residues. Fortunately, many indoor plants act as natural air purifiers, absorbing toxins while releasing oxygen through photosynthesis.

NASA's renowned Clean Air Study identified several effective air-purifying plants, many of which are available at The Grow Centre. The Snake Plant is particularly effective at removing formaldehyde and benzene while releasing oxygen even at night—a rare trait among plants. The Peace Lily excels at eliminating common household toxins, making it a powerful air-cleaning addition to any room.

For maximum air purification, experts recommend one substantial plant per 100 square feet of home space. This will transform your indoor air quality while adding visual appeal to your surroundings.

Mental Health & Well-Being

The presence of indoor greenery offers profound psychological benefits that science continues to validate. The simple act of caring for plants provides a mindful routine that grounds us in the present moment.

Many varieties available at The Grow Centre have been linked to improved focus and productivity—making them excellent additions to home offices. Plants with lush foliage create a serene atmosphere that can lower blood pressure and anxiety levels, while vibrant varieties can elevate mood and stimulate creativity.

The nurturing relationship we develop with our indoor plants also provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Watching new leaves unfurl on your Fiddle Leaf Fig or witnessing your Zanzibar Gem thrive under your care, joy, and satisfaction contribute to overall well-being.

Aesthetic & Decorative Appeal

Indoor plants are powerful design elements that transform living spaces. Tall, architectural varieties make stunning focal points in living rooms with high ceilings while cascading plants add dynamic movement when placed on shelves or in hanging planters.

For colour beyond green, consider the pink-tinged foliage of the Lady Valentine (Aglaonema) or the rich burgundy of the Ficus Elastica Ruby. These plants add unexpected colour dimensions that complement existing decor schemes.

Plants also introduce organic textures that balance modern interiors. Varieties with dramatic furrowed leaves create striking textural contrast against smooth surfaces like glass or polished concrete. Meanwhile, those with delicate, paper-like leaves add subtle texture to smaller spaces like shelves or desktops.

Grouping plants of varying heights, textures, and leaf shapes creates visually compelling arrangements. Combining tall, structural plants with those featuring broad leaves and trailing varieties creates a dynamic, multi-layered display.

Popular House Plants & Their Care

Low-Maintenance Plants

For busy individuals or beginners, several resilient indoor plants thrive with minimal attention:

The Zanzibar Gem has earned its reputation as nearly indestructible. Its glossy, deep green leaves store water efficiently, allowing it to survive weeks of neglect. Place it in medium to low light, water only when the soil is completely dry, and watch it flourish with almost no effort.

Similarly, the Snake Plant combines striking architectural form with remarkable durability. Its sword-like leaves stand tall in conditions ranging from bright indirect light to low light corners, and it requires watering only every 3-4 weeks.

The Golden Pothos offers cascading vines that adapt to various light conditions. Its heart-shaped leaves come in several variegation patterns, and it forgives irregular watering schedules. Trim it back when it grows too long, and place cuttings in water to propagate new plants—perfect for expanding your collection cost-effectively.

For those who appreciate tropical aesthetics without fuss, the Happy Plant provides dramatic strappy leaves with a distinctive yellow stripe. It thrives in medium light and needs watering only when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Pet-Friendly House Plants

Plant enthusiasts with furry companions must choose their greenery carefully, as many popular varieties can be toxic if ingested. The Grow Centre offers several beautiful, pet-safe options:

The Spider Plant produces arching variegated leaves and grows baby plants that dangle playfully from the mother plant. It’s non-toxic to cats and dogs and highly adaptable to different light conditions.

The graceful Lady Palm features fan-like fronds that add tropical elegance to any room while remaining completely safe for curious pets. It tolerates lower light conditions and occasional dry spells, making it pet and caretaker friendly.

The Peperomia is another excellent pet-safe choice, with compact growth that fits perfectly on windowsills or tables. Its thick leaves store water efficiently, and its non-toxic nature means you can display it anywhere without worry.

For those seeking dramatic foliage that's safe for pets, The Grow Centre offers several options with distinctive patterned leaves that add interest without posing any risk to your animal companions.

House Plant Care Tips

Lighting & Placement

Understanding your home's light conditions is crucial for plant success. Most indoor plants prefer bright indirect, medium, or low light.

Bright indirect light locations sit near windows but out of direct sun rays. Morning light is ideal for plants to thrive in conditions and avoid the harsh afternoon sun.

Consider spots 5-10 feet from windows or near north-facing windows for medium light requirements. Many varieties flourish in these conditions, developing lush foliage without stretching toward light sources.

Low-light areas (corners far from windows) can still support plant life. Varieties like the Zanzibar Gem and Snake Plant thrive even in these challenging conditions, though growth may be slower.

Rotate plants quarterly to encourage even growth, as most plants will naturally lean toward light sources. Seasonal changes affect indoor light intensity—relocation of plants closer to windows during winter months when daylight hours diminish.

Watering & Feeding

Watering practices vary significantly between plant species, but some universal principles apply:

Check soil moisture before watering by inserting your finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it's time to water. Some plants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings, while others will dramatically droop to signal thirst.

When watering, saturate the soil thoroughly until water flows from drainage holes, then discard excess water from saucers to prevent root rot. Vining plants often prefer consistent moisture, while succulents require complete drying between waterings.

Adjust the watering schedule seasonally. Most plants need less water during dormant winter months and more during active spring and summer growth periods.

For fertilizing, most indoor plants benefit from a balanced liquid fertilizer applied at half-strength every 4-6 weeks during growing seasons (spring and summer). Plants with colourful foliage particularly appreciate this nutrient boost. Reduce or eliminate fertilizing during fall and winter when growth naturally slows.

Common Issues & Solutions

Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering—the most common cause of indoor plant decline. Allow soil to dry more thoroughly between waterings and ensure pots have proper drainage. Varieties with thick, waxy leaves are particularly susceptible to rot from excessive moisture.

Brown leaf tips or edges typically signal low humidity. To increase humidity around moisture-loving plants, group them together, use a pebble tray with water, or employ a small humidifier during dry winter months.

Pests like spider mites appear as tiny specks on leaves with fine webbing. They thrive in dry conditions and often infest plants with delicate foliage. Combat them by increasing humidity and wiping leaves regularly with a damp cloth or mild soap solution.

Fungus gnats emerge when the soil remains consistently wet. Allow the top layers to dry completely between waterings and consider repotting with fresh soil if infestation persists. Plants with delicate, feathery leaves are particularly vulnerable to these pests when overwatered.

For plants displaying general decline, assess light conditions first—insufficient light is a common but often overlooked cause of poor plant health. Large-leaved tropical varieties are susceptible to inadequate light and will show it through stunted growth and leaf drop.

Get Your Perfect Indoor Greenery Today!

Whether you're seeking a statement piece like the majestic Giant White Bird of Paradise, an air-purifying champion like the Peace Lily, or a low-maintenance companion like the Zanzibar Gem, our nursery offers the perfect plant to enhance your living space.

Our expert staff can help match you with indoor greenery that suits your lifestyle, light conditions, and aesthetic preferences. Visit us in-store to experience our lush selection firsthand or browse our website for your new botanical companions.

Transform your home into a rejuvenating green sanctuary today—your perfect plant is waiting at The Grow Centre!