One Hundred Dollars a Month

I am in the market for a houseplant.   Just something green to set in my kitchen window.  On top of a little bit of color in the kitchen, houseplants have tons of air purification qualities.  One little plant can help you breath easier–and unlike humans, they love it when you breath in their face.  Plus, according to a study cited on Huffington Post, plants have a mood boosting effects–I’m pretty sure gardeners everywhere didn’t need a study to confirm this one.

I don’t have many requirements.  I want a plant that looks good, is low maintenance, and that has a reputation for cleaning the air…okay, maybe that is a lot to ask {might as well throw in that I wouldn’t mind if the plant could solve world hunger :)}.

I made a list…because I love lists.  I might one day make a list of all of the lists I need to make.  I digress.  I made a list of some of the plants I am considering.  I am sharing my list, because I’ve done waaaay more research than any one person should do on a houseplant, and now, you don’t have to. No need to thank me.

Aloe

I like Aloe because it thrives in a sunny location.  It doesn’t need a ton of water–in fact, it prefers a little neglect.  Best of all, when I burn myself in the kitchen, which I do like once a week, I can slice a little piece off and soothe my blisters.  It would be like having a little pal in the kitchen that requires almost nothing of  me, but gives, gives, gives.

English Ivy

English Ivy is classic.  It screams classy, which hopefully will fool others into thinking that I am classy.  The only thing I don’t love about this one is that I prefers cooler temperatures–and with all of the baking/cooking I do, the kitchen tends to be quite a bit warmer than the rest of the house.  Still, it would be very Downton Abbey of me, and I may chance it.

Spider Plant

Spider plants add a pretty big boost of green to where ever you set them.  They are one of the top air purifiers.  They are virtually impossible to kill and are fast growers.  The only thing I don’t love about them is that they are common.  It’s not that out of the ordinary to see one, so occasionally they fade into the background.

Peace Lily

Peace lilies are another common choice for air purification.  I like these because they flower–which adds another element of awesomeness.  They have the same downside as English Ivy for me, though, in that they don’t do as well in higher temperatures…which it’s not like I am cranking out 70 plus degree temperatures on a regular basis, but like I said, I am really looking for low maintenance, and not giving it its preferred environment might mean more work for me.  Also, these ones are a little taller, and I don’t want the plant to block my whole view of the outside, just add a little splash of life.

Orchid

Orchids are super popular right now.  They come in a ton of different colors.  Caring for them is pretty easy, once you know how.  The only thing is that they bloom for several months, then you’re done.  You have to start over.  They have HUGE visual appeal, though, and make any space seem graceful and feng shui.

Jade Plant

Jade plants are succulents, and I have never met a succulent I don’t like.  They call to me, visually, what can I say?  I like this option because of the way they look, the fact that they aren’t bothered by normal fluctuations in room temperature, and wait for it…they thrive on a little watering neglect.  They also live forever {okay, maybe not literally}, but they do live for YEARS.  They grow slowly, so it’s one of those plants that you can grow attached to.  They’ll witness graduations, Christmas dinners, births, deaths…and there is something comforting about knowing that they’ll be there with you every step of the way {I might have an unhealthy relationship with plants, but I accept it}.

There are obviously a ton more to choose from, but those are the ones I am tossing around for the space that I have.  Do you have any other suggestions?

~Mavis