These Are 5 Houseplants Perfect for the Austin Home

It seems that each year more and more research is published highlighting the importance of and real benefits achieved by exposing ourselves to increased time spent in nature. Physical and psychological benefits can be achieved simply by viewing nature! For most city-dwelling Austinites, an escape from the urban landscape only happens if we plan a long weekend getaway into the Texas Hill Country, Travis Lake, or take a trip to the East Texas Piney Woods. While these are some of our favorite outdoor spots, if we do not carve out the time dedicated to spending in nature, we can often go months without being truly immersed in a natural landscape. A great way to have the health benefits of the outdoors year-round is by dedicating a little shelf or hanging space in your home or apartment to the growing of interior houseplants.

Here are a few of our favorite, no fail, green thumb to black thumb houseplants that will do more than spruce up the esthetic of the interior of your home but also provide you with cleaner air, a more relaxed environment and a picture-perfect interior esthetic.

Tips to keep in mind for ALL indoor plants

Pick the perfect spot. Before you get too excited about buying your plants, do a bit of research on the specific plants you’ve been eying at the garden center. Find out all you can about them and their optimal growth habits. Do they like 8 hours of full sun in a window sill or would they be happier in a shady corner or humid bathroom? Do they mind the warm breeze of a late summer afternoon, or would they rather make their home in the still corner away from all vents and open windows? Remember, lots of popular indoor plant varieties come from tropical/semi-tropical or very dry and arid climates. Try to find a place for them in your own space that will make them feel right at home.

Room to grow. Just as you must do some quick research on the specific conditions your new indoor plant will require, you’ll also need to plan ahead when carving out a special space for your verdant new housemate. Some indoor plants will start out small both above and below the soil. Make sure you know the general growing habits of each plant – some like to trail and spread out while others like to grow upright and tall. Likewise, many species of popular indoor plants like to have their roots a little more bound than most.

Here are 5 perfect indoor plants for Austin, TX…

1. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Is there a corner of your home where nothing seems to fit? Try the Chinese evergreen to cover that unused space and soften the room. These large houseplants can grow up to three feet in height, with large, oval leaves that are a beautiful camouflage for bare spots in your home. Their leaves can come in a variety of shades of green, dark to light and even a variegated variety.

2. Pilea (Pilea)

These are plants that love the sun as much as any Austinite! In fact, if you add this plant to your space, you’ll likely find yourself needing to rotate it often because it will bend its leaves towards the light source. This plant grows fast and will need to be repotted often. If you have a space with lots of sun (who doesn’t in Austin?) and want to be highly involved with watering, repotting, trimming and other maintenance, then this whimsical plant is the one for you.

Photo by David Vázquez on Unsplash

3. Monstera (Monstera)

Also known as a split leaf philodendron, this gorgeous plant is one of the trendiest indoor plants of all with its iconic leaves making an appearance on art prints, upholstery, stationary and everything in between. Part of the Monstera’s popularity comes from the uniquely tropical vibe it lends any spaces it inhabits. Monstera plant is native to the Central American rainforest, therefore, it needs a warm climate, lots of sunlight, and plenty of water. With optional growing conditions, this plant can grow up to 30 feet high and needs frequent pruning or propagating so only bring it into your home if you have plenty of space and lots of direct light. It’s safe to say this plant isn’t going away anytime soon.

Photo by Mike Marquez on Unsplash

4. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum)

This popular indoor plant can be found listed under many names, one of which being Devil’s Ivy because it will grow in many harsh conditions. A perfect place for your new Golden Pothos is a corner that could use some new interest. Find a hanger to attach to your plant’s pot or place situated on a high shelf, Golden Pothos is a wonderful plant for low-light areas. As it is a vine, the plant will grow long and cascade down, offering a beautiful addition to any area of the home. You can prune back the vines as needed if they become too long.

Photo by Kevin Lessy on Unsplash

5. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The snake plant, or also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, is a low-maintenance plant with an artistic flare. The multi-colored leaves jet upward ending in a fine point and are mottled with green, yellows and even silver, similar to a snake’s skin. One of the most forgiving plants when it comes to care, it will survive with little attention, just be sure to not overwater your new Snake Plant because the roots will rot easily. These plants are a great way to fill your Austin home with life and vitality, even those areas that are hidden from bright outdoor light.

Photo by Julie Johnson on Unsplash

It might seem overwhelming and foreign at first, but by asking around at any one of Austin’s local garden centers, you’ll quickly find that indoor houseplants are a passion for many people who are all more than happy to share their knowledge.

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Top photo: Architectural Digest