Give yourself a pat on the back. You made it to January and into the new year. Now that the stress of the holidays are behind us take a moment to relax and unwind. And what better way to do that than with the help of some much-needed nature. There is no question about it. Adding nature to your routine reduces stress, adds peace of mind, and creates a sense of calm. But it’s dead of winter in Omaha, and unless you are going skiing, tubing, or enjoying some other winter sport, we aren’t venturing outside anytime soon. So bring nature inside.
Recent studies show that decorating your house with indoor plants can reduce stress and anxiety up to 50 percent. Unsure of what type of plants to get, or worried you may not have the time to
care for them? Sunset Lawns is here with a list of five of the most easy-to-care-for household plants you can grow right now.
The Snake Plant
If you’re looking for a plant that’s almost impossible to kill and can go for weeks without water, you want a snake plant. Snake plants also require little sunlight making this the perfect plant for any area of the household, even those dark areas such as hallway corners and bathrooms. There are approximately 70 different snake plant varieties, with the most common displaying a yellow border along the edges of its thick, hardy leaves. Depending upon the variety, these long slender leaves range from six to eight inches tall.
According to NASA research, the snake plant acts as an air purifier helping to keep your Omaha home or business free of toxins. To help a snake plant thrive, place it in a spot that receives only indirect sunlight and don’t overwater it. It should also be noted that snake plants are considered mildly toxic if ingested by your furry best friends.
Jade Plant
Another easy to care for yet attractive house plant is the Jade plant. This interesting plant can grow old with you, living up to 70 to 80 years old. It has thick, full oval-shaped leaves with a smooth, waxy look. Jade plants are part of the succulent family and, like other succulents, prefer full sun or bright filtered light and require little water. In the summer, you should water it every two weeks but in the winter, it can survive up to a month without it. The jade plant is known as a symbol of good luck and can make a colorful statement in any Omaha home or office.
Pothos
The pothos plant is dubbed the “cubicle plant” because it is a favorite among office workers. This is because it can easily fit on a desk or cubicle because it grows to fit in its original container. The pothos plant is a vine-like philodendron and can often be seen climbing over bookshelves, cubicle walls, or whatever is reachable. It is an excellent plant for beginners and can tolerate a variety of environments. It’s waxy; leaves shaped in a pointed heart are the only part of the plant that can create energy. Therefore the leaves must receive enough light to grow. Like the snake plant, pathos is known for its air filtration abilities. Unfortunately, it too can be toxic for pets causing irritation and vomiting.
ZZ Plant
One of the hardiest of all houseplants is the ZZ plant. It is known for its ability to go for weeks without taking a drink of water. Another great plant for beginners, it can be left over the weekend or for long periods of time without demanding attention. If you are a frequent traveler or want a plant you can keep at the office, the ZZ plant is for you. It has thick, waxy leaves that are smooth to the touch. Like the snake and pothos, the ZZ plant is also a great purifier and can remove toxins from your home.
The Heartleaf Philodendron
Finally on our list is the heartleaf philodendron. This bold vine with heart-shaped leaves is the perfect plant to have in a study or room with tall ceilings. Given the opportunity, this green vine will climb up anything creating a beautiful piece of living garland. Philodendrons grow best in partial sunlight with moderate amounts of water. Place in a pot with holes so the water can drain as it does not do well in soggy moisture. You can pinch stems off at any time to help keep the plant full and bushy. Pinch leaves after the leaf node to encourage a new stem to grow.
Like some of the others, it too is toxic when ingested by cats and dogs. So when growing these particular plants, be sure to keep your plant away from small children and pets or invest in pet repellants, sprays designed to keep pets from eating plants and other household items. You can find these on Amazon or at your local pet stores.
Get Ahead Start on Your Lawn Care Needs by Contacting Sunset Lawns Today
So while enjoying nature inside your Omaha home or business, start thinking ahead to spring. It will be here before you know it. Sunset Lawns provides the best in local lawn care. Our six-step fertilization program begins in mid-March and runs through late October. This highly effective program includes the appropriate nutrients needed to keep your turf healthy and robust. It also contains the right amounts of weed and insect control to protect your grass from the wrath of disease and pests.
Learn more about this extensive lawn care program by visiting our website or reaching out to us now. You can contact us through our easy-to-use online form or by giving us a call at 402-537-8030.
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