2 Places That Will Definitely Kill Your Houseplants + Where To Put Them Instead
An important refresher now that winter is coming.
Tekef
November 10, 2021 — 0:04 AM
In the northern hemisphere, the time has come to get our greenery collections ready for the winter ahead. The first order of business: Finding each one a spot where it can thrive through dimmer days and chillier conditions.
You'll want to avoid pressing your plants against drafty, frigid windows or putting them on top of active radiators. Most popular houseplants hale from tropical conditions and appreciate mild temperatures (between 65 and 75°F) and moderate humidity levels (around 50%), so the former will be too cold for them and the latter will be too dry.
While these two spots are off the table, there are countless other places where you can show off your houseplants this season. Here are a few unexpected options to consider:
1. Hang them from the ceiling
Hanging houseplants pull the eye up and create beautiful layers of greenery. They're also great for pet owners worried about their furry friends going digging. For a fun weekend DIY, pop your trailing plants in a hanging planter (these are mbg's top picks) and install it from a ceiling hook or curtain rod (here's our how-to for that).
If drilling holes is out of the picture in your home, you can also drape houseplants with long, trailing leaves over a bookcase or tall shelf for a similar effect. If you have a few plants, weaving their leaves together or even training them to climb up a wall using a removable hook or clear tape creates an overgrown effect.
2. Cluster them by a window
Most plants go dormant in the winter, but just because your greenery isn't growing doesn't mean it doesn't need light. It's important to continue giving your houseplants adequate sun access as the seasons change.
In winter, you may find that the shadows fall in such a way that your home gets less light than in the summer. In this case, you'll want to move your plants to be closer to the window and life-enabling sun. (But again, watch out for drafts!) On the other hand, you also might notice that the formerly lush tree canopy outside your home has disappeared and more light is now entering your space through tree branches. This is a sign to move plants further away from windows to prevent leaf scorching. Here's a guide to getting your plant's lighting just right.
Either way, clustering plants with similar lighting needs together can create a lush feel and make watering a breeze.
probiotic+
Tackle your gut issues now, so you don’t have to think about them later.*
Japanese Kokedamas, funky moss balls covered in greenery, can be hung up or arranged on a table for a whimsical display. Here's a beginner's guide to the craft. The finished product shouldn't be perfect, as Kokedama is all about embracing wabi-sabi, or the beauty in nature's imperfection.
4. Curate a dining display
Smaller, heartier plants like succulents can thrive when placed side-by-side in a large bowl, pot, or dish. (Feng shui master Dana Claudat loves the look of a succulent display as a dining table centerpiece, and thinks it conveys abundant energy.) Another fun display idea from environmentalist Summer Rayne Oakes' plant-filled pad is to place succulents in repurposed tea containers for a lovely (and low-waste) kitchen window exhibit.
5. Relocate them to the bathroom
For plants that crave humidity and have a hard time during the dry days of winter, your bathroom can actually make for a great spot—as long as it gets some natural light. Here's a list of varieties that will appreciate the mist of a hot bath or shower. You can place them on the floor or counter, or get creative and try to replicate houseplant enthusiast Pamela Gant's green tub oasis. Hang some eucalyptus from the showerhead while you're at it to complete the spa-inspired transformation.
While different houseplant varieties have their own needs, most of them will suffer when placed on a heat source or drafty window. Be sure to move yours before winter hits, and cut down on watering, watch out for bugs, reduce your fertilizing, and maintain healthy humidity levels throughout the season to keep them comfortably cozy.
Want to learn how feng shui can help you create a high-vibe home and set powerful intentions to manifest your dreams? This is feng shui the modern way - no superstitions, all good vibes. Click here to register for a free session with Dana that will give you 3 tips to transform your home today!
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/places-you-should-never-put-your-houseplants
