I’m always on the lookout for new poetry, especially about nature. And while there are numerous classical authors, like Henry David Thoreau and John Keats, I find myself veering more toward modern female poets. Recently, I discovered Diane Ackerman.
With a keen interest in the natural world and human nature, Ackerman often brings both elements together in her poetry, essays, and other writings. She’s been awarded numourous prizes and awards for her work, including the Poets Prize and the Peter I.B. Lavan Award from the Academy of American Poets.
In my glamorous pouch baby kangaroos could nestle, but I’m built to hold water, one ladleful per bird. Sip, friend, and travel. Distracted by the jibbering plenty of the jungle, rest here then carry the message in my cells.
I haven’t read much of her poetry, but I love the poems I’ve read so far. Like similar poets, she captures the beauty and intricacies of nature than many can miss without deliberate and curious observation. The following poem, St. Louse Botanical Gardens (The Orchid Exhibit), is one of the first I read:
Harlots’ frillies in lavender plaid, iridescent puce, and a boa of plashing maroon down a stem iced with glitter. What will fetch the silent exclamation from a bee? Come, friend, torch your heels with my pollen. Carry me like a rumor through the green waves of your jungle.
The world’s most pampered flower we are velvet pauch, we are brassy blondes. While outside, at 35 Fahrenheit, squirrels wait in suspense for the headlines of spring, and in Australia wallabies steal the crop of winter grapes, we’re cossetted and coaxed
by servile human hands, which keep our silk purses steamy ripe. We dine on the equivalent of larks’ tongues and chocolate. We are free
By now, it should come as no surprise to learn that nearly every room in my home is occupied by at least one plant. And we know that plants for your home can add a touch of color and quite literally breathe life into every room.
But not all houseplants are created equal. Some do better with high humidity and others love to soak up the sun. The good news is that for every main room in your home, there’s a houseplant that will fit in perfectly with the decor, purpose, and level of light.
Living Room Your living room is often your greatest area of traffic and what many guests will see first. Choosing a statement floor plant (or two) will provide a refreshing focal point. They’re also useful for hiding unattractive cords or equipment and for filling in the empty corners of the room. If you have any shelving or mantles than need a little extra decor, a shelf plant is a perfect addition. Recommended plants:
Bird of Paradise: bright light, floor decor
Rubber tree: medium light, floor decor
Philodendron: low light, shelf decor
Dining Room Your dining room may not have as much extra space as the living room, but that doesn’t mean a plant or two can’t adorn this room. In most homes, the dining room is full of bright light, so this room is ideal for fiddle leaf figs and other floor plants that need full sun. If you don’t have room for a floor plant, hanging a creeping vine (such as a philodendron or pothos) in the corner of the room can add a touch of elegance, too. Recommended plants:
Kitchen The best part of having plants in the kitchen is that you can choose ones that can double both for decor and to add flavor to your meals. If you have a window in your kitchen, you have a prime spot for plants you can also eat, such as basil, cilantro, and other herbs. While your kitchen won’t be as humid as your bathroom, it will still be more so than other rooms in your house, so succulents are an excellent addition, too. Recommend plants:
Herbs: bright light, countertop decor
Succulents: medium light, windowsill decor
Philodendron: low light, hanging/cabinet top decor
Bedroom Plants in your home will help purify the air, but this is especially helpful in bedrooms. Adding a plant or two to your bedroom provides a calming sanctuary for resting and may even help you breathe easier! Choose plants that not only make you feel happy but ones that fit in with the level of light most common for your room. A plant in need of bright light may not do well if you like to keep the curtains drawn for most of the day. Recommended plants:
Fiddle Leaf Fig: bright light, floor decor
Snake plant: medium light, floor decor
Philodendron: low light, hanging/dresser top decor
Bathroom Your bathroom is unique in that it gets the highest level of humidity, but often the lowest level of sunlight. If your bathroom does have a window (like mine), you have a perfect tropical oasis for such plants as succulents and cacti. Otherwise, sticking with a plant that prefers the humidity, but not the direct light is a better choice. Unless you’re fine with leaving them near a window for a few hours each week. Recommended plants:
Succulents, Air plants, Cacti: bright light, shelf decor
Parlor Palm: medium light, floor decor
Pothos: low light, shelf/hanging decor
What’s in Your Home? Buying plants for your home can seem a little daunting, so I hope this guide will make shopping fun! What plants do you already have in your home? Which ones are you going to buy next? I’d love to know!
Houseplants are some of the best additions you can make to your home, but caring for them can sometimes be a challenge. I’ve had my fair share of plant woes (I see you, succulents), so this week’s blog post is all about troubleshooting common problems you’ll most likely experience.
Most houseplants, like the golden pothos, are fairly low-maintenance and won’t need much care from you. But paying attention to the common signs that show they’re in need of a little extra love will keep them happy and healthy for much longer. Here are six common mistakes new plant parents can make and how to fix them:
1. Overwatering Perhaps the most common mistake you can make is overwatering your plants. Don’t worry! It’s easy to do, but once you’re aware of how to properly water your plants, you won’t be making this mistake again. If mature leaves are turning yellow or new leaves look more brown than light green, hold off the watering for a while. The best way to keep your plant from drowning is to only water it when 1-2 inches of the top layer of soil no longer feels moist. It’s ok to wait to water your plant until the soil is quite dry.
2. Underwatering Your plant will make it fairly obvious if you’re not giving it enough water. The leaves will turn pale yellow and sickly and may even feel dry and crisp to the touch. The stems will be droopy and weak. If you notice that the soil is very dry and crumbly, it’s time to water! Give your plant a good soaking, then be sure to follow the tip above to ensure you’re providing the proper amount of water.
3. Root Rot Plants that have been overwatered for too long can fall victim to root rot. This condition can occur when the soil is too dense or the pot doesn’t have a proper drainage hole. This leaves the soil moist long enough for fungus to grow and spread. If your plant has more yellow leaves than not, remove it from the pot and check to see if the roots look dark and soggy. If so, gently remove all the soil from the roots, cut away the unhealthy roots, and repot. Most importantly, don’t overwater your plant!
4. Too Much Sun Many houseplants don’t actually require much direct sunlight. This is what makes them so easy to care for! If your plant is getting too much sun, many or all the leaves will pale and become yellow-brown, tan, or even appear scorched. You may be able to accommodate the high levels of sunlight by watering your plant more. However, it is probably best to move the plant to a less sunny part of your home and replace it with one that loves spending time in direct sunlight, like a cactus or succulent.
5. Too Little Sun Much like when plants are underwatered, if a plant isn’t getting enough sunlight, it’ll appear wilted and droopy. The leaves will feel soft and curl inward and also easily fall off the stem. Certain plants can also grow tall and spindly, leaning toward any source of natural light. If your plant is looking pale and dreary, simply move it closer to a window and let it soak up some rays. It won’t take long for your plant to perk up again.
6. Overlooking Pests Unfortunately, indoor plants can attract pesky insects, too. Fungal gnats, spider mites, and other pests can seriously damage your plants. Check routinely for signs of an infestation, including white veins, yellowing blotches, and streaks on leaves. And, of course, actual insects. If you see signs of trouble, spray your plants with neem oil, a non-toxic and natural pesticide you can find at your local garden center. Once the insects are gone, you can keep them from returning by misting your plants monthly with a 1:1 rubbing alcohol-water solution mixed with 1 teaspoon of dish soap.
Keep Your Plants Happy Now that you know some common problems many people have with their houseplants, you’ll be better able to diagnose the cause of your own. And keep your plants happy and thriving long-term! Have specific questions about one of your plants? I’d love to help!
