I will never get over the feeling of getting a new plant. Adding more green life to my space just does something peaceful to my body and spirit. So when I’m feeling stressed, anxious, or just generally having a bad day, tending to my plants helps me ease those feelings. Even just sitting among my plants and simply admiring them for what they are helps me feel better. And with this ongoing pandemic, it’s very easy for things to feel dull and monotonous. So I decided to take a trip to Lowe’s and liven my space up with some fresh new plants! Read more below to see what I got!
1) Bromeliad
This South American beauty is perfect for adding color to your space. When I first saw it, I was immediately drawn by it’s bright red and orange hues. Although the Bromeliad is a flowering tropical plant, it prefers low light (6′ to 10′ feet from window). So it does well in rooms or hallways that may not get as much sunlight exposure. I was so excited learning this because I’ve been meaning to get more plants for my bedroom. My bedroom has north facing windows so although it can sometimes have bright light, it’s usually more shaded than my living room and needs plants that will thrive in that kind of environment. I placed this plant on a shelf above my bed with enough distance from the windows to allow it to be comfortable.
Bromeliads have long leaves that stand upright and that surround the flower, almost as if to protect it. I’d describe the plant itself as small to medium sized (don’t let the picture above fool you). They prefer regular watering – 1 to 2 times per week – and moderate temperatures (above 50°F). Since I can’t be in the tropics right now *sigh*, why not bring the tropics to me? And I just seriously love the flower!
2) Philodendron birkin
Purse lovers, if you want a Birkin but can’t afford it yet (like most of us), consider getting this beautiful Birkin plant! I’ve said this before but I absolutely looooove variegated* plants! The way that plants can distribute color in both symmetrical and asymmetrical ways just fascinates me. It’s one of the many methods plants use to express their biodiversity. So when I saw these large pinstriped leaves I just fell in love! (Do I fall in love with every plant? Yes! haha) I also really enjoy how glossy and smooth these leaves are. The deep green color also reminds me of my birthstone – emerald – so what’s not to like?
In terms of plant care, the Birkin prefers medium to high light, average warmth (50 °F) and a normal watering routine which allows for the top two inches of the soil to dry between waterings. This is also a slow growing plant so I won’t have to worry about it outgrowing its pot too quickly. But I am excited to see how much fuller it can get, especially since she’s already sprouted a new leaf in just a few days time!
*Variegation just means that the plant consists of different colors, often in streaks or patches. This is perfectly normal and actually desired in many plants.
3) Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Another beautifully variegated plant! I love the simple colors of the Chinese Evergreen. The lighter green reminds me of a pastel/mint color. The leaves are long, almond shaped, and dense – making this a nice medium sized plant. Each leaf has a long stem that points upward and makes the plant sit kind of tall, which I also really like.
Aglaonemas prefer medium to bright indirect light and warmer temperatures (65 to 85 °F). They also like to be watered a bit infrequently so that the soil completely drains and dries before being watered again. Having added it to the shelf above my bed, its’ long and luscious leaves hang over the edge in such a graceful way that makes me feel very royal.
4) “Tropical Mix”
Sadly, this plant from Lowe’s was only labeled “10″ Tropical Mix” so I’m not 100% sure of the exact genus and species. Despite scouring the Lowe’s nursery website, I was unable to find anything useful or even the plant itself. So I used a plant identification site that claims that there’s an 85% chance this is a Spineless Yucca. I don’t think that’s entirely accurate because Spineless Yuccas usually have a very obvious trunk that let’s you know it’s a tree. But maybe I’m wrong and the trunk just hasn’t yet grown or maybe this is just a variety that doesn’t have a trunk (because it’s spineless? haha). I’m willing to wait patiently to see but we’ll go with it for now. What do you think it might be?
Outside of not being sure of the exact plant type, I am mesmerized by the long snake-like leaves of this plant. Most stand upright but they all shoot out in different layered directions. The leaves also have a matte texture and pointy ends that will lightly prick you if you pass too close it (take my word for it). This plant is already growing pretty rapidly with 3 new shoots so I am excited for its growth! Because it is a larger plant, I have it sitting on the floor by the entrance of my bedroom. It’s getting some medium to bright indirect sunlight and, to be safe, I will allow the soil to dry between waterings just do I don’t overdo it.
All in all, I am very happy with these new plant babies and I look forward to getting to know them better and taking care of them like the plant mom that I am! They’ve already boosted my happiness so much and I am so thankful that I was able to get them. I’ll share any interesting updates with you all – like figuring out exactly what plant #4 is – as time goes on. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Helena's Haven 