Create a Joyful Home with Living Accessories: Houseplants
Houseplants can be soothing because of their visual impact. Besides being naturally appealing, interior plants can make you feel cooler on hot days, especially when they move softly in the breeze from a ceiling fan.
Houseplants are natural air filters, and can remove up to 70 percent of indoor air pollutants. Plants such as English Ivy, scheffleras, spider plants, and philodendrons absorb large also quantities of formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and benzene. The most effective plants at removing air pollution are spider plants, pot mums, snake plants, and aloe vera. They’re so effective, in fact, that environmental scientists recommend one plant per 100 square feet in your home and office.
Plant lights, in canister fixtures placed on the floor, can highlight a houseplant while casting dramatic shadows on walls and ceilings. Uplights, placed under palm trees cast magnificent line-type shadows, while plants with holes in their leaves, such as Swiss Cheese Philodendron, will cast lace-like shadows.
You can use houseplants to make a uniquely individual statement. For instance, one of my friends has only spiked-leafed plants in her home — spider plants, snake plants, corn plants, cast iron, and bromeliads. My cousin could only seem to get pothos to grow in her home, so she filled her entire house with them.
Delicate houseplants soften your space, while spiky plants add interesting texture. Collections of African violets, ferns, or trees of all sizes can look fantastic, too. Topiaries, shaped like globes or animals, can add a feeling of luxury and amusement, while Bonsai Plants will add a sense of richness to your home.
Keeping Plants Healthy
Because some houses don’t have adequate daylight for houseplants, the best method for keeping your houseplants healthy is to have two plants for each desired space. Keep one plant in a sheltered outside area and one in its decorative site, and switch the plants at least once a week. Special plant light bulbs can also help.
Low light plants include the cast iron plant, philodendrons, pothos, Chinese evergreen, English Ivy, and Satin. Flowering plants, like begonias, impatiens, and fuchsias, require more light. Plants requiring considerable amounts of water generally have hair-like roots, such as ferns and coleus, while plants requiring less water have thicker roots, like spider plants and cactuses.
You can remember to fertilize your plants by doing it on the first of every month, except in cold winter. Adding fish emulsion in the middle of the month during spring will help feed hungry plants like ferns. My staghorn fern has thrived for 15 years on banana skins and an occasional misting of orchid food.
Flowering plants, like white flag or peace lilies, need water-soluble fertilizer with a 20-20 concentration. Applying Plant Shine, a spray available in garden centers, once a month will clean and beautify leaves.
They may take some effort to help them continue to thrive, but the benefits you’ll derive from keeping houseplants in your home will be well worth any inconvenience, and you’ll be healthier and happier as a result.
Joy to you and your healthy, happy home!
(c) Copyright 2004, Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.
Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, newsletters, and sales flyer template, see http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm
About the Author
Find local residential construction contractors, articles, videos, and unique home decor products. Home renovation, home remodeling, kitchen and bathroom renovation contractors.
An Origami Bonsai sculpture called “Peach Dream”
|
|
Makita GD0600 1/4-Inch Die Grinder with Paddle Switch $132.00 Makita GD0600 1/4″ Paddle Switch Die GrinderMakita owes its reputation for building outstanding quality power tools to the drive and determination for excellence that began over 85 years ago as a manufacturer of electric motors. In 1958, Makita introduced their first electric tool and today Makita is one of the world’s largest power tool manufacturers.Makita GD0600 1/4″ Paddle Switch Die Grinder F… |
|
|
Bonsai Boy’s Watering Can $19.95 (2 Liter) Great for bonsai trees outdoor or indoor. Allows water to be dispensed very gently from the many fine drainage holes in the spout.12″ tall – 14″ wide… |
|
|
Bonsai Boy’s Grow Bulb Compact Fluorescent 32 Watt 150 Watt Equivalent $16.95 Compact fluorescent daylight spectrum grow bulb. Great for all indoor bonsai trees and plants…. |
|
|
Karate Kid Mr Miyagi Daniel Movie Headband $6.99 Karate Kid Movie headband. 2.5 inches x 42 inches…. |
|
|
Bliss-Philips Bikini Perfect Deluxe HP6378 Spa-At-Home Grooming System $59.99 NORELCO HP6378 BIKINI PERFECT DELUXE… |
|
|
Bonsai Boy’s Starter Kit – Juniper Procumbens Make Your Own Bonsai Tree $17.98 Make your own Bonsai Tree. Everything you need to create your own bonsai tree. Kit includes the following: Glazed ceramic imported container Juniper Procumbens Nana (3 years old) Annealed copper training wire Bonsai tree soil (conifer mix) Fiberglass drainage hole covers Multi-colored textured rock Separate typewritten instructions for potting, training and maintenance Ceramic… |
|
|
Bonsai Boy’s Miniature Bonsai Tree Treasure Box $9.95 Miniature bonsai tree treasure box. Opens with hinge to reveal a seed inside inscribed with the word “Seed”….a reminder that even the smallest of wishes planted in your mind can lead to the most beautiful creations in life…. |
|
|
Bonsai Boy’s Bonsai Turntable Indoor or Outdoor $44.95 The construction of this turntable lends itself to outdoor as well as indoor use. Steel ball bearings are well protected from moisture to resist rusting, and a large coin-slot screw provides ready access for cleaning and maintenance. A convenient thumb-screw locks the table in the desired position when working and displaying bonsai. 6″ diameter grained top surface reduces slipping and holds over 2… |
|
|
DIY Growing Pet Plant Seed Bonsai Phone Strap Charm Dangle $9.99 Have you ever think of planting while you are having lunch or even riding on a bus? Now with this mini pet plant, you can enjoy planting anytime anywhere. Just attach it to your cell phone and it will green your life. Guaranteed to charm anyone around you!… |
|
|
Lexmark 10N0139 Bonsai Color Single $90.16 Genuine Lexmark ink cartridges ensure reliable operation and the highest-quality output. Pack Size: Twin Pack. Color: Tri-Color. Warranty: 1 year. Mfr. Part Number: 10N0139. Technology Used: Inkjet. Quantity Per Package: 2. Maximum Page Yield: 275 pages. Item Type: Ink Cartridge. Remanufactured: No. Compatible Lexmark models: All-In-One: X75, X1150, X1185, X1270, X2250. Jetprinter: Z13, Z23, Z25, … |
|
|
Bonsai $10 Bonsai |
|
|
Berroco Bonsai Pattern Booklet # 255 $6.85 Built around the lovely, supple drape of “Bonsai” ribbon yarn, this pattern book gives you 7 terrific tops, cardigans, jackets & accessories. Many styles & tastes are covered including touches of lace and simple shapes like an empire-line wrap, ballet-neck pullover, V-neck tunic, short-sleeved cardigan & raglan tee. 12 pages.Click here for additional images. |
|
|
Blood Bonsai Tree Oval Ornament by CafePress $10 bonsai Tree Oval Ornament Instantly accessorize bare wall-space with our Oval Ornament. Makes great room or office accessories, fun favors for birthday parties, wedding or baby shower Ornaments, or adding a unique, special touch to gift-wrapped packages. Comes with its own festive |
|
|
no.SF560 bonsai $16.76 ca_product_FacetsTypeTattoo – no.SF560 bonsai; |
|
|
Japanese Style Budding Grafting Knife Horticulture Bonsai Tool $6.5 Japanese Style Budding Grafting Knife Horticulture Bonsai Tool, tmart.com store provides cool gadgets, cell phones, consumer electronics, LED flashlight, car accessories, phones accessories, computer accessories, games accessories, holiday gifts and security camera. |
|
|
Green Cute Kiss DIY Plant Grass China Ornament Bonsai $3.96 Green Cute Kiss DIY Plant Grass China Ornament Bonsai, tmart.com store provides cool gadgets, cell phones, consumer electronics, LED flashlight, car accessories, phones accessories, computer accessories, games accessories, holiday gifts and security camera. |
|
|
Green Cute Hug DIY Plant Grass China Ornament Bonsai $3.78 Green Cute Hug DIY Plant Grass China Ornament Bonsai, tmart.com store provides cool gadgets, cell phones, consumer electronics, LED flashlight, car accessories, phones accessories, computer accessories, games accessories, holiday gifts and security camera. |
|
|
Bonsai I $89.99 Charlene Audrey Bonsai I – Framed Art Print |
|
|
Bonsai II $89.99 Charlene Audrey Bonsai II – Framed Art Print |
|
|
Bonsai III $89.99 Charlene Audrey Bonsai III – Framed Art Print |
|
|
Bonsai IV $89.99 Charlene Audrey Bonsai IV – Framed Art Print |
|
|
Azalea Bonsai $39.99 Gloria Eriksen Azalea Bonsai – Framed Art Print |
|
|
Autumn Bonsai $24.99 L. Toshio Kishiyama Autumn Bonsai – Photographic Print |
|
|
Bonsai Pear $249.99 Lydia Marano Bonsai Pear – Art on Acrylic |
|
|
Contemporary Pink Bonsai $19.99 Contemporary Pink Bonsai – Wall Decal |
|
|
Bonsai Sacred Tree $14.99 Bonsai Sacred Tree – Art Print |
|
|
Japanese Girls with Bonsai $49.99 Japanese Girls with Bonsai – Giclee Print |
|
|
Bonsai Regular $29 Download the Bonsai Regular font for Mac or Windows in OpenType, TrueType or PostScript format. |
|
|
Bonsai Italic $29 Download the Bonsai Italic font for Mac or Windows in OpenType, TrueType or PostScript format. |
|
|
Bonsai Cave Tree $59.99 OM Bonsai Cave Tree – Giclee Print |
|
|
Bonsai Poets Tree $59.99 OM Bonsai Poets Tree – Giclee Print |
|
|
Bonsai Immortality Tree $59.99 OM Bonsai Immortality Tree – Giclee Print |
|
|
Zen Bonsai I $129.99 Jennifer Goldberger Zen Bonsai I – Art Print |
|
|
Zen Bonsai III $129.99 Jennifer Goldberger Zen Bonsai III – Art Print |
|
|
Bonsai Fall Foliage $24.99 L. Toshio Kishiyama Bonsai Fall Foliage – Photographic Print |
|
|
Bonsai Tree at the National Arboretum $39.99 David Evans Bonsai Tree at the National Arboretum – Photographic Print |
|
|
Hotel Bonsai $72.51 Local attractions surrounding Hotel Bonsai include S’Albufera Natural Park. Hotel Features. Hotel Bonsai features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. The hotel serves a complimentary buffet breakfast. Recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness facility. High speed (wired) Internet access (surcharge) is available in public areas. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include an elevator (lift). Guestrooms. Air conditioned guestrooms at Hotel Bonsai feature safes. All accommodations have balconies. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations. Wired high speed Internet access is available for a surcharge. Satellite television is provided. |
|
|
Blue Ribbon BONSAI OAK ORANGE LVS SM $6.7 Blue Ribbon BONSAI OAK ORANGE LVS SM |
|
|
Blue Ribbon BONSAI OAK BLUE FLOWR SM $6.7 Blue Ribbon BONSAI OAK BLUE FLOWR SM |
|
|
Blue Ribbon BONSAI BIRCH PINE NEEDLE SM $6.51 Blue Ribbon BONSAI BIRCH PINE NEEDLE SM |
|
|
Blue Ribbon BONSAI FOREST ORANGE LVS MD $10.99 Blue Ribbon BONSAI FOREST ORANGE LVS MD |
|
|
Blue Ribbon BONSAI WALNUT BLUE FLOWR MD $10.99 Blue Ribbon BONSAI WALNUT BLUE FLOWR MD |
|
|
Blue Ribbon BONSAI OAK RED LEAVES MD $10.68 Blue Ribbon BONSAI OAK RED LEAVES MD |
|
|
Blue Ribbon BONSAI WALNUT RED LEAVES LG $14.67 Blue Ribbon BONSAI WALNUT RED LEAVES LG |
|
|
Blue Ribbon BONSAI BIRCH PINE NEEDLE LG $15.08 Blue Ribbon BONSAI BIRCH PINE NEEDLE LG |
|
|
Respironics CHAD Therapeutics Bonsai Oxygen Conserving Device $210 Respironics CHAD Therapeutics Bonsai Oxygen Conserving Device |
|
|
Bonsai Tree at Thai Hoa Palace $124.99 Tony Burns Bonsai Tree at Thai Hoa Palace – Wall Mural |
|
|
Close-Up of a Bonsai Ash Tree $24.99 C. Dani Close-Up of a Bonsai Ash Tree – Photographic Print |
|
|
Bonsai/Pruning Scissors: J $11.86 These long-reach scissors are perfectly designed for bonsai, floral, craft and horticulture applications. Length: 8.3" |
|
|
Bonsai Complete Family Pack $49 Download the Bonsai Complete Family Pack font for Mac or Windows in OpenType, TrueType or PostScript format. |
|
|
Bonsai Paufo Two $19 Download the Bonsai Paufo Two font for Mac or Windows in OpenType, TrueType or PostScript format. |
|
|
Bonsai Paufo Regular $19 Download the Bonsai Paufo Regular font for Mac or Windows in OpenType, TrueType or PostScript format. |
|
|
Bedtime For Bonsai $9.39 Dylan is new to Fredericksburg starting life fresh away from his alcoholic mom and his lawless youth in Baltimore. Hes done a little jail time but is now an artist with a pottery shop. Penelope a real society girl is divorced and half-heartedly considering a reunion with her Ivy League lawyer ex-husband since her hopes for motherhood dim every day and thats the irreconcilable issue that split them up. Enter Dylan whos opened his shop right across the street from Penelopes store. Theyre constantly running into each other because Penelopes dog (whom she calls Mr Darcy and he calls Bonsai) keeps sneaking into Dylans shop via some secret entry. While the chemistry between them may be heating up neither has any illusions about the other: They are from different worlds. But the heart does not always play fair and as much as Penelope convinces herself that Dylan is not her type nothing can shake the vision of him playing with her good friend Megans daughter. This is a man she could love. Together they stake out the dog discovering that not only has he found a path between their two shops but hes forged an unbreakable connection between them. Hello Dylan Penelope Bonsai…and baby?! |
|
|
Bonsai Nancy $53.18 Bonsai Nancy is located in Ludres and local attractions include Musee de l’Ecole de Nancy, Musee des Beaux arts, and Place Stanislas. Additional area points of interest include Henri Poincare University and Nancy Cathedral. Hotel Features. Bonsai Nancy features multilingual staff. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. Guest parking is complimentary. Guestrooms. All guestrooms at Bonsai Nancy feature complimentary newspapers and windows that open. Bathrooms feature showers and complimentary toiletries. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. Televisions have satellite channels and complimentary TV Internet access. A nightly turndown service is offered. Notifications and Fees:Some properties have extra fees for amenities or services that may apply even if you do not use them. Government fees or taxes also may be charged to you when you check in or check out. This property told us they will charge you for the following: A tax is imposed by the city: EUR 0.20 per person, per night We have included all charges provided to us by the property. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.Additional fees and deposits may be charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Notifications and Fees:Some properties have extra fees for amenities or services that may apply even if you do not use them. Government fees or taxes also may be charged to you when you check in or check out. This property told us they will charge you for the following: A tax is imposed by the city: EUR 0.20 per person, per night We have included all charges provided to us by the property. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.Additional fees and deposits may be charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. |
|
|
Bonsai Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $36 Come, buy and become a member of the Bonsai Growers Association today Bonsai Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend – both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90 |
|
|
Bonsai Hobbies Sweatshirt by CafePress $29 ?? – Bonsai with kanji characters – Bonsai are small plants grown in a container and kept small by pruning. Bonsai Gifts are great for gardening lovers and nature lovers Hobbies Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Warm up in our stylin’ Hanes Heavyweight 90/10 cotton/polyester sweatshirt. Thick but not bulky, for maximum comfort and durability whether you’re working out or hanging out. 10.1 oz. patented PrintPro174; fabric in a 90/10 cotton/polyester |