Anyone else here a fan of the #Jungalow style?
I believe that every room should be decorated with plants. As a matter of fact I NEVER finish a space without styling it with some greenery to freshen up the look. I know many of you have some trepidation when it comes to caring for your indoor plants so I’m breaking down my TOP 5 tips and taking the guesswork out of the equation!
How to Care for Indoor Plants
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Repot the plant
The plants you purchase at your local store should already come with its own pot and soil. I usually purchase another bag of fertilizer to balance the nutrients out. Have you ever noticed how the potted plants you purchased have these little white specks and rocks in them? That’s the added nutrients- usually nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to help the plants survive and thrive. Buy a small bag of fertilizer with all 3 ingredients and repot your new plant with extra fertilizer thrown into the mix. There’s no need to remove the existing soil; You are simply adding a bit more soil in and repotting in a pot that is large enough to hold both the plant and a little more soil (I’d say add 30% more soil than what is there already).
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Place plants near a window with adequate sunlight
All plants require sunlight to grow. Indoor plants rely on indirect sunlight to undergo photosynthesis, the process that includes giving off oxygen while taking in carbon dioxide. Healthy plants provide fresher air so make sure you place your indoor plants in areas where they will flourish and grow, usually next to a window that receives sunlight throughout the day. Direct sunlight is a no-no, so is too little light. Fluorescent lights or well-lit rooms are a good alternative if you don’t have a room with any windows to place the plant.
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Water plants once a week
The correct method to watering indoor plants is by keeping the soil MOIST but not totally wet with room temperature water. Under and over watering plants can kill them. This takes a little practice to know when the pots dry out and how often to water the plants again, but with a little trial and error I have deduced that it takes between 6-7 days for my potted soil to dry out. Which means if I moistened the soil with room temperature water on Monday, by Sunday I can see the soil drying out, then by the following day I will need a fresh pot of water again.
Just make sure that your plant does not “stand” in water or else it will kill it. If it does, simply empty the standing water out.
Designer’s tip: I like to keep a consistent schedule of watering plants to take the guesswork out of the equation.
Every Monday works for me and my jungalow.
4. Prune regularly and trim off dead leaves
Dead leaves happen to the most obedient plants so don’t fret when you see a yellow tinge here and there. Keep your leafy greens totally green by trimming off the parts of the leaves that have rot and turned yellow. The same must be done for dead branches that have started to rot near the base of the plant. Dead branches attract bugs so cutting off the decay will prevent the pests from swarming your beautiful indoor garden. Maintaining a consistent pruning schedule (bi-monthly or when rotting is visible) will keep the plants healthy and vibrant.
5. Talk to your plants
I know this tip makes me sound like I’m crazy but it REALLY works! You don’t have to bust out a 15-minute soliloquy but a mere pep-talk will do. Something along the lines of… “I know you’ll grow big and strong one day”…. Or “Seeing how much you’ve grown makes me so happy”…. But in your own words of course!
Designer’s tip: I talk to my plants while touching them. I feel like the physical contact along with my soothing voice will help nurture my babies and give them the affection they deserve. Yup, crazy plant lady here! hahah
But seriously, have you seen the size of my fiddle leaf fig leaves? Yup! It’s the talking I tell ya! Plus the constant dusting of the leaves (use damp paper towels to keep leaves free of dust and debris).
Plants are a living, breathing entity that nourishes your home with so much positive energy you can’t help but feel revitalized by simply living amongst them.
When your plants are healthy and maintained, they have the ability to reduce stress and provide fresh oxygen to your lungs.
Breathe in positive energy and breathe out the negative ones.
SHOP THE LOOK
Sweat suit: c/o Shein 
In the end, have fun with it guys! Go buy a few indoor plants and test them out first to see how they hold up in your home. Move them around from room to room, change up their orientation in relation to a nearby window and watch them grow. Different plants acclimate differently to their surroundings so try and try again until you are happy with the placement and results.
Of course do your research if you want more detailed instructions but this simple guide should help you get started.
What do you think of indoor plants in the home? Love the look or too jungle fever for you?
