If you want to bring some life into your apartment, there’s nothing quite like plants. Greenery is a great way to enhance your living space; plants help purify the air, boost your well-being, and make for beautiful home décor. Apartment living can present some challenges if you’d like your own garden, but not to worry—whether you have a green thumb or are a gardening beginner, there are plenty of ways to bring greenery into your space.
Just in time for spring, here are some plant tips to consider for your Osgoode Properties apartment! Make sure to read until the end to find out how you could win a hydroponic garden, a perfect tool for growing lush plants in your apartment.
Image from Unsplash
Choose Low Maintenance Plants
If you're new to gardening, don't worry; there are tons of plants that can thrive in an apartment setting and are perfect for the inexperienced gardener. Remember, plants are living things and need some care to stay healthy—so when selecting plants for your home, it's important to pick the ones that best fit your lifestyle, especially if you’re a gardening novice.
Fortunately, there are many plants that don’t require much maintenance for them to thrive. Aloe vera is an easy-care plant with attractive foliage and health benefits; Aloe doesn’t need much attention and is known to help heal burns, skin irritations, and cuts. Another option is the spider plant; these are easy to care for and can thrive in almost any environment. Spider plants only need bright, indirect sunlight, regular watering, and occasional misting.
A couple bonus tips for you gardening rookies: Before watering your plants, make sure you check the soil; it can look dry on the surface but be very wet underneath, which could lead to root rot. Additionally, during colder months, make sure not to place your plants near windows with drafts. Finally, adding basic organic fertilizer from your local department store can help your plants grow quickly.
Brighten Your Apartment with Colourful Plants
Adding pops of colour to any room can make a huge difference in transforming the look and feel of your apartment. Fortunately, there are many plants that will thrive in apartment settings while adding beautiful splashes of colour!
Hanging plants such as Mandevilla vine and Verbena are excellent for balconies or windowsills, as they can trail down and provide a vibrant hue. Other options include flowering houseplants, like African violets, begonias, and impatiens. Succulents are also excellent for adding colour—many come in bright shades of pink, yellow, and orange, making them perfect for brightening up indoor or outdoor spaces.
Image from Pexels
Try Low-Light Plants if You’re Lacking in Light
All houseplants require some light, even if it’s only artificial, as sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis. That said, if your apartment doesn’t offer a ton of natural light, there are many low-light plants that can thrive in little or indirect light.
One to consider adding to your space is the snake plant (Sansevieria). These plants are a great choice as they can survive in low light, require little water, and can tolerate fluctuations in temperature, while also offering a range of interesting textures and colours to brighten up your space. Snake plants can be toxic to animals, though, so be sure to keep them out of reach for pets! Alternatively, you're looking for a low-light plant to add a splash of colour to your home, the nerve plant is a great option. This plant gets its name from its intricate leaves which resemble veins, with red and pink lines running across them. This plant also prefers shade and dimly lit areas. Or if you’re just looking for something that’s easy to care for, the Parlor Palm (Neanthe) is a great option; it grows well in low-light conditions, making it a great choice for those new to indoor gardening.
Clear the Air with Purifying Plants
Adding plants to your living space can create a healthier and happier home environment. Many plants are known for their air-purifying abilities, reducing levels of toxins in the air. They also release oxygen, making it easier to breathe.
Some of the best air-purifying plants for apartments are peace lilies and English ivy, both of which have the added benefit of being easy to care for. Peace lilies are known for their ability to fight against toxic gases such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. English ivy is a classically elegant choice that is also great for removing harmful chemicals found in the home. Why not give your apartment an air quality boost with the help of some indoor plants?
Image from Pexels
Try Growing Herbs for Scent and Flavour
Herbs are an excellent choice for growing in your apartment or on your balcony. They’re amazing to have on hand to add fresh flavours to your meals and bring some lovely scents into your living space. The best herbs for apartment and balcony gardening include thyme, oregano, basil, chives, parsley, and cilantro.
When choosing which herbs to grow, it's important to consider how much sunlight they will need to thrive. Herbs like oregano and basil love full sun and will do best if placed near a sunny window. Thyme, chives, parsley, and cilantro, on the other hand, will do well with partial shade.
Finally, make sure to give your herbs enough water, but not too much—they can easily become waterlogged! A good rule of thumb is to water them every few days when they look slightly wilted. With the right care, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh herbs in your kitchen all year long.
Grow the Garden of Your Dreams: Enter to Win a Hydroponic Garden!
We’d love to see what plants you’re using to bring your apartment to life! Osgoode Properties is running a contest for you to showcase your favourite plants. You could win a hydroponic garden—the perfect accessory for your apartment garden! All you have to do is:
- Follow us @osgoodeapts
- Like and save this post
- Tag a friend in the comments
There are unlimited entries, but you must tag a different person each time. You can even get bonus entries by sharing the social post—so spread the word! But hurry: The giveaway closes on April 21st at 12pm.
Happy planting!