Fridays At 5:00: 5 "New-To-Me" House Plants

Today for my Fridays at 5:00 Roundup – I am sharing 5 “new to me” houseplants that I am excited to add to my home!

A few years ago I began bringing live plants into our home. I started with easy plants like Pothos and Ferns and I soon added in a few Fiddle Figs and a Monstera. I soon realized just how much ‘life’ they add to the rooms in our home. And, probably like many of you, I am now always on the lookout for new ones. After a recent trip to Pikes, I somehow came home with 5 ‘new-to-me’ house plants that I am excited to share with you! May I introduce to you the newest ‘members’ of our family!

Bird’s Nest Fern

The Bird’s Nest Fern is a house plant that has wide strappy foliage with a ruffled edge and has a contemporary feel. It thrives in medium light and will grow to 1-2 feet tall. This plant enjoys staying moist so be sure to water it regularly.

Rubber Plant

The Rubber Plant is a popular ornamental house plant and is easy to care for. Luckily it will thrive in almost any condition – why haven’t I had one of these yet? The Rubber Plant has beautiful broad shiny leaves (which I think will need to be dusted from time to time) and enjoys high to medium light. It will grow to be 3 – 10 feet tall and enjoys a moderate amount of water.

Silver Lace Fern

The Silver Lace Fern is a delicate and attractive house plant that is relatively easy to care for as long as you set it up for success. This plant thrives in medium light (avoid direct sun as it will dry out the plant) and water the Silver Lace Fern whenever the soil begins to get dry. This plant will grow up to 3 feet tall. I love it because it instantly will add a bit of height to any space!

Aglaonema ‘Maria’

Aglaonema ‘Maria’ is a beautifully patterned tropical plant, which is very easy to care for and perfect for beginners. Tolerant of low light conditions and requiring only periodic maintenance care, this Chinese Evergreen is incredibly versatile and adaptable. It will grow to a height of about 4 feet. I am really drawn to the the coloring on this particular variety.

Schefflera

The Schefflera is an easy to care for house plant. It likes medium to high light and will grow very tall. You will want to water it about once a week, once the water has dried up. The Schrfflera is sometimes referred to as the umbrella tree because it has kush leaves that form in the pattern of an umbrella.

P.S.

Lighting:

Different plants enjoy different levels of light. Too much or too little light can quickly stress a plant out. And, each room in your home offers different levels of light. With this is mind, I want to share the three types of indoor lighting for houseplants so that you can help your plants thrive.

Bright Light

Bright light means an area that receives bright, natural light such as a sunny southern or western facing window. It should get a minimum of five to six hours of sunlight each day, preferably more. This can be hard to accomplish during the winter but resist the temptation to move your plant closer to the window. Most plants that need bright light will not be able to handle the cold draft that increases the closer you move toward a window.

LIGHT CHECK TIP: If you hold your hand a foot above a piece of paper you’d see a Distinct shadow.

Medium or Indirect Light

Medium or indirect light refers to an area in your home that has an east-facing window or west-facing windows that are filtered by blinds or sheer curtains.

LIGHT CHECK TIP: If you hold your hand a foot above a piece of paper you will see a Fuzzy shadow.

Low Light

Many rooms qualify as low light, especially in winter. Rooms with north-facing or partially shaded windows would qualify as low light situations. Areas in your home that are eight feet from a natural light source or that are darkened by shades or furniture are considered to have low light.

LIGHT CHECK TIP: If youhold your hand a foot above a piece of paper and you see NO shadow.