Welcome to My Plant Tour: A Green Journey Through My Home

Plants bring life, color, and a sense of tranquility to any space. In my home, they are more than just decor; they are companions that I nurture and grow alongside. Today, I’m excited to take you on a tour of my little indoor jungle. I’ll introduce you to each of my plant babies, share tips on how to care for them, and highlight whether they are safe for pets. Most are from estate sales, Trader Joe’s, Costco, Aldi, and propigations or splitting a plant. Let’s dive in!

1. Monstera Deliciosa

Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Benefits: Monstera is known for its iconic split leaves, which add a tropical vibe to any room. It’s also great for improving air quality by filtering out toxins.
Pet-Friendly: No. Monstera is toxic to pets if ingested.

The Monstera is a statement plant with its large, glossy leaves that can grow quite large, making it perfect for a focal point in a room. I’ve placed mine near a window where it can enjoy plenty of light but is protected from direct sun that could scorch its leaves. I got mine from Trader Joe’s.

2. Snake Plants (Sansevieria)

Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Water: Water every 3-4 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely.
Benefits: Snake plants are almost indestructible and are excellent at filtering out formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, making them perfect for improving indoor air quality.
Pet-Friendly: No. They are toxic to pets if ingested.

Snake plants are a staple for any indoor plant collection. I have two of these hardy beauties, and they thrive in low light or indirect light and add a touch of green. I got mine from an estate sale for free on the brink of death. I ended up splitting it into two and repotted them. I had to stake the bigger one so it wouldn’t fall over. They are doing much better than when I got them, but there is still a little work to do.

3. Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)

Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Water every 1-2 weeks, keeping the soil slightly moist.
Benefits: Spider plants are excellent air purifiers and are known to reduce indoor pollutants like carbon monoxide and xylene.
Pet-Friendly: Yes. Spider plants are non-toxic to pets.

Spider plants are a joy to have around. Their arching leaves and small plantlets that dangle like spiders on a web make them a charming addition. I have two of these, and they’re perfect for the shelf right above my bed and on a small table where they can show off their graceful leaves. I got both of these from the same estate sale.

4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Water: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Benefits: Pothos are easy to care for and are known for their air-purifying qualities. They’re also great for beginners as they can tolerate various conditions.
Pet-Friendly: No. Pothos are toxic to pets if ingested.

Pothos is another versatile plant in my collection. I have two of these trailing beauties that cascade down from shelves, adding a lush, green touch to any space. They’re incredibly forgiving and thrive in most light, making them perfect for any room. The bigger one I got from an estate sale. My smaller one came from a cutting I got from my Grandma. I propagated it in water, and then, after a couple of months, I potted it. It is doing wonderfully, and I think of my grandma every time I see it!

5. Burgundy Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out.
Benefits: Rubber plants are known for their large, glossy leaves and ability to remove toxins like formaldehyde from the air.
Pet-Friendly: No. Rubber plants are toxic to pets if ingested.

My burgundy rubber plant is a stunner, with deep leaves contrasting beautifully with the green plants around it. It adds a bold, sophisticated touch to the space and is relatively easy to care for. I got this plant from Trader Joe’s, and it is growing pretty quickly.

6. Aloe Vera

Light: Bright, indirect to direct sunlight.
Water: Water every 3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely.
Benefits: Aloe vera is a must-have because of its medicinal properties. The gel inside the leaves can be used to soothe burns, cuts, and skin irritations.
Pet-Friendly: No. Aloe Vera is toxic to pets if ingested.

Aloe vera, with its spiky, succulent leaves, is not only functional but also beautiful. I keep mine on a sunny windowsill, where it can soak up the light it needs while being readily available for any skin emergencies. I got this from a larger plant my mom had. It was struggling at first, but it is doing a lot better now.

7. Tree Houseleeks (Aeonium)

Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Benefits: These succulents are known for their rosette shape and are great for adding texture to your plant collection.
Pet-Friendly: Yes. Aeoniums are non-toxic to pets.

Tree houseleeks, unique rosette shapes, and vibrant colors are a striking addition to my indoor garden. They’re low-maintenance and thrive in bright light, making them perfect for a sunny spot. I got this one from an estate sale. It is tall, so I have it resting on the window to keep it from falling over.

8. Gasteraloe

Light: Bright, indirect to direct light.
Water: Water every 3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely.
Benefits: Gasteraloe is a hybrid succulent, combining the best traits of Aloe and Gasteria. It’s drought-tolerant and adds a unique texture to your collection.
Pet-Friendly: No. Gasteraloe is toxic to pets if ingested.

Gasteraloe’s chunky, patterned leaves make it a standout piece. It’s a hybrid succulent that’s as hardy as attractive, perfect for a sunny windowsill. I got this from an estate sale, and it wasn’t even in the dirt. I got it potted, and it is doing fantastic now.

9. Philodendron

Light: Low to bright, indirect light.
Water: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Benefits: Philodendrons are excellent for indoor air purification and are known for their easy-going nature.
Pet-Friendly: No. Philodendrons are toxic to pets if ingested.

Philodendrons are also fun. I have it on a bookshelf near the window, where it gets plenty of indirect light and thrives beautifully. I got this from my mom. She had it potted with two in there. One was way bigger and was shadowing out the smaller one, so I split it and took the smaller one. Hopefully, one day, this one will get just as big.

10. Striped Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis)

Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Water every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Benefits: Dracaenas, which include formaldehyde and benzene, are great for removing toxins from the air.
Pet-Friendly: No. Dracaenas are toxic to pets if ingested.

The striped dracaena adds a touch of elegance with its variegated leaves that stand out in my collection. It’s a low-maintenance plant that does well in bright, indirect light, making it perfect for a well-lit room. I have mine on a bookshelf near the window. I got this plant from an estate sale.

11. Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina)

Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Water every 1-2 weeks, keeping the soil slightly moist.
Benefits: Inch plants are known for their striking purple and green leaves, adding a pop of color to your indoor garden.
Pet-Friendly: No. Inch plants are toxic to pets if ingested.

The inch plant’s vibrant colors make it one of the most eye-catching plants in my collection. I have them both trailing down from shelves where they get plenty of indirect light to maintain their vivid hues. This one I got from Trader Joe’s at Easter in a bunny pot. I propagated this plant, so now I have two of them.

12. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

Light: Bright, direct sunlight.
Water: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out.
Benefits: Bird of Paradise plants are known for their large, banana-like leaves and the stunning, bird-like flowers they produce. They add a tropical flair to any space.
Pet-Friendly: No. Bird of Paradise plants are toxic to pets if ingested.

The Bird of Paradise is the crown jewel of my indoor garden. With its large leaves and potential for beautiful flowers, it commands attention. I’ve placed it in a bright spot where it can bask in the sunlight. I just got this from Costco the other day, and it was only $34.

Herb Garden: Basil, Mint, and Oregano

Light: Bright, direct sunlight.
Water: Water every 4-5 days, keeping the soil consistently moist.
Benefits: These herbs are not only great for cooking but also help improve indoor air quality. They can also deter pests.
Pet-Friendly: Yes. All three herbs are non-toxic to pets.

My small herb garden is a functional and fragrant addition to my kitchen. Basil, mint, and oregano are perfect for adding fresh flavors to dishes, and their presence in the kitchen makes cooking even more enjoyable. Once I see the leaves drooping a bit, I water them. I got all of these from Trader Joe’s.

Propagation Station

In addition to my primary plant collection, I also have a propagation station where I’m experimenting with growing new plants from cuttings. Here’s what’s currently in my propagation station:

Snake Plant

Propagation Method: Leaf cuttings in water.
Care: Keep in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly.

Inch Plant

Propagation Method: Stem cuttings in water.
Care: Keep in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly.

Garden Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

Propagation Method: Stem cuttings in water.
Care: Keep in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly.

Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)

Propagation Method: Leaf or stem cuttings in water.
Care: Keep it bright,