House Plants

Do House Plants Clean the Air?

Yes! Houseplants are natural air purifiers. They add oxygen to the air and remove carbon dioxide. They also filter toxins and pollutants from the air. Houseplants remove the toxins that cause Sick Building Syndrome. Some plants even absorb and eliminate mold spores. Nasa recommends having a plant every one hundred square feet for best air cleaning capacity.

How Often to Water House Plants

Most indoor plants should be watered when the soil begins to dry. You can test your soil by sticking your finger in one to two inches. If it feels cool and moist, wait to water. If it feels warm and dry go ahead and water. Check your specific houseplant’s requirements for best results. 

Where to Buy House Plants Near Me

Buy houseplants online at PlantingTree. We are a family owned and operated online garden center. We take pride in our high quality trees and plants for sale. We ship houseplants directly to your doorstep. Our customer service team is available to help you by phone or email. Our house plants for sale come in large sizes. No tiny plants you can barely see and need to wait for years to actually make an impact in your living space! 

How to Get Rid Of Gnats in House Plants Naturally

Fungus gnats are annoying little pests that love moist potting soil. One way to avoid fungus gnats is to water properly and be sure that the soil and pot have good drainage. Water when your plant is dry. Consistently moist soil encourages gnats to breed. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil sprayed directly on the soil. Alternatively Bacillus thuringiensis can also be added to the soil. These natural methods get rid of these pests and don’t put anything harmful in the air you breathe. You may need to apply these natural methods two or three times to completely eliminate the pests. But they do work well combined with proper watering. Yellow sticky tape can help eliminate adults. But without another treatment, you will have more adults in about a week or so and you’ll have to leave that sticky tape up continuously. 

How to Keep Cats Away from House Plants

Cats often like to chew on houseplants or worse, pee or poop in them! Keep cats away by putting things they don’t like in the soil or around your plant. Cayenne pepper in powder or spray form will keep your cat away from plants...unless they like it spicy. Cats tend to dislike the smell of citrus oils so adding orange or lemon peels to the soil can deter cats. You also put some type of mesh or even rocks over the soil. Another option is to put aluminum foil around your plant. Cats have a pretty intense hate for the stuff and will avoid it at all costs. You also buy your cats some plants like catnip or cat grass. Spoil those babies and get them some plants. They might just reward you by leaving your plants alone. And if not there is always tinfoil. 

How to Fertilize House Plants

Use PlantingTree Slow Release Fertilizer at least twice per year for the healthiest indoor plants.

Our specially formulated plant food feed plants for up to six months. The polymer coated pearls eliminate the risk of fertilizer burn. Use 2 teaspoons of fertilizer per gallon pot size or 1 teaspoon per foot of height. Mix our slow release fertilizer into the top layer of soil or sprinkle over the top and water in well. Repeat in 4 to 6 months.

What are the Best House Plants?

The Peace Lily is one of the best houseplants for purifying the air and ease of care. It does need some sunlight if you want flowers though. We really like the Croton Petra for color and beauty. It also requires minimum care. Water the soil when it dries. The Majesty Palm and Kimberly Queen Fern clean the air in your home and are completely non-toxic to pets making them both a top choice in best houseplants.

For additional options be sure to browse our other plant options!