Houseplants can Beautify and Improve Air Quality

As a gardener, it would be impossible for me or any other gardener to not have at least a few plants in our homes, we just need to be surrounded by green living fauna. But, you really don't even have to be a gardener to have a beautiful plant somewhere in your home, one plant really requires very little time or care.

Did you know though that plants contribute to the quality of air in your home? The leaves of plants release oxygen they make into the air, important especially this time of year when all of us keep our windows closed due to the wintertime conditions.

That being said, it is very important to keep your plants clean of dust so that the leaves can breathe. One easy way to do this is to clean and water at the same time by putting your plants in the shower. A slow stream of tepid water will wash the leaves off and water the plant at the same time. If your plant is in a pot too heavy to move, take a wet rag and gently wipe each leaf off. If done regularly, your plants stay clean, healthy and will continue to contribute to the health and beauty of your home.

My Favorite Houseplant

When it comes to beauty and ease of care, you can't go wrong with the Bromeliad. Even without a green thumb, anyone can keep one of these plants as they are so easy to grow. The plant somewhat resembles a catcus, it's leaves are stout and beautifully variegated. Bromeliad's only need low light, nor do they require frequent watering, making them ideal for a house plant.

One of the best parts about this species of plants is the flowering habit. Each plant only blooms once, however the bloom will last 2 to 3 months. At the same time the plant will set out "pups", new plants that grow from the base of the mother plant. Once the flower begins to fade, the mother plant begins to die. You can either pot up the pups for new plants or allow the mother plant to die and allow the pups to grow in it's place. I have read of gardeners who have had a Bromeliad bloom more than once, although I have not had the good fortune to have this happen to me.

So, if you want to have some greenery in your home but are afraid of taking care of a plant, try a Bromeliad, the bright light the leaves send off along with a beautiful bloom, makes this plant a true favorite.