When the days are long and the weather is cold and dreary, creating an indoor space that feels cozy, inviting, and alive is essential. Houseplants are a terrific addition that will add color and tranquility to your home, along with enhancing your indoor air quality. Here are a few tips from our real estate agents to help you pick the perfect houseplants for your winter oasis.

Understand the Best Plants for Your Home

You have a few different options for your home's indoor houseplants; your best selections will depend on the space where the plants will live and your desired level of care. 

• Succulents are an excellent alternative if you prefer a low-maintenance, hardy plant. While succulents do require a few hours of direct sunlight each day, they can usually go weeks between watering sessions. Even if your days are busy exploring Klamath Falls homes for sale, you can still successfully care for succulents. 
  
  
• Orchids are beautiful, classic houseplants with medium lighting needs and infrequent watering requirements. They come in several different colors and suit a variety of home styles. 
  
  
• Sansevieria boasts thick, lovely green leaves that are resistant to temperature fluctuations. They do well in areas with high and low lighting and don't require relocation around your home. 
  
  
• Schlumbergera truncate, better known as a Christmas cactus, is a popular choice thanks to its festive blooms. It does need indirect or direct light to thrive, and it does best in an area of your home with higher humidity levels. 
  
  
• Aloe vera plants produce a gel that you can use for a variety of skin woes or even as a nutritional supplement. While these plants do require bright light, they can also survive temperature fluctuations with ease.
  

Know When It's Time to Water Your Plants

Even though winter air tends to be drier, most plants grow slower during the winter months and require less water than at other times of the year. Check the soil to see if it's time to water while keeping the plant's individual needs in mind.

Avoid checking the soil's surface; instead, insert your finger an inch or so into the soil to see if it feels dry. If it does, it's time for a watering session. When you water your plants, rotate them to ensure they receive even amounts of sunlight. 

Use room temperature water to water your houseplants so you don't inadvertently shock their roots. Allow the water to sit for a few hours before watering.

Create a Welcoming Environment for Your Plants

Most houseplants do best in daytime temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, they can thrive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Keep your houseplants away from strong sources of hot air, like fireplaces, ovens, and radiators. You should also house them away from drafty windows and doors to prevent them from experiencing high levels of cold air. 

A south- or west-facing window is often a fantastic spot for hosting your plants, as these windows tend to be sunny the entire day. Make sure to regularly dust your plants, as even a thin layer of dust can reduce the amount of sunlight they receive. 

With a little care and knowledge, you can successfully integrate plants into your household. Interested in a home with more space for indoor plants? Contact us to explore your options.