Indoor plants not only add color to your rooms, but they add life and a sense of relaxed comfort. However, its not as easy as just picking a plant from a local store, putting it in a corner and hoping for the best. There are a few basic rules you need to keep in mind when you are deciding which type of plants you would like to bring home.

There is room size to consider, lighting, humidity and temperature. Of course there is also your time, and how much of it are you willing to spend caring for your plants. It needn't be a huge commitment, but a bit of knowledge before hand is invaluable when choosing the right plants for your lifestyle.

Where to Start

There are many different varieties of indoor plants to choose from and it's all about preferences. If you are a beginner then looking for something that is hardy and easy to care for based on your own routines. Succulents such as Cactus and Aloe Vera require very little maintenance other than good lighting and are very forgiving while you are settling into a new routine of plant care.

If you want a flowering plant, African Violets are another easy alternative that are available in almost any colour; however they do they require a bit more consistent care. They can grow both in natural and artificial light and prefer to stay put in the same location once placed. Philodendrons are a favorite with both large and small leaf varieties and can be placed or hung in corners that do not have as much direct light. English Ivy love a quiet corner out of the sun,they grows quickly and as with most vines, are easy to transplant.

Shamrocks are great indoor plants which have pretty while blossoms and are one of the easiest house plants to care for if you have a nice sunny spot for them to enjoy. The Peace lily is also an eye catcher, quite sturdy and is comfortable in either sun or indirect sun.

Aside from being beautiful, plants are natural air-purifiers. Areca Palms, Spider plants and many Ferns are all beneficially to our environment by cleaning our air from many pollutants such paints, gases and pesticides that we are exposed to daily.

When you purchase your plants, ensure that they are free from any pests by checking the undersides of the leaves for any possible signs of disease or insects. Make sure to select plants that look clean, well-potted, and with healthy foliage and new growth.

When transporting your plants, be wary of extreme temperatures and wrap them accordingly. Keep them away from drafts and open windows when possible. Never leave them in your car for any length of time and be sure to allow them to acclimatize to your home temperatures before you begin any re-potting.

Routines

Believe it or not, plants love routine. By establishing a regular routine when watering, they will learn to adapt to your schedule. If they are not doing well in a specific location, move them slightly and allow them to re-adjust. They will quickly show you if they are unhappy. If you travel, there are many self watering containers on the market to keep your plants healthy while away. Take note, most people tend to over water their plants, so once you get your watering regime in place, keep it consistent.

Keep in mind your lifestyle when choosing your plants. Will there be children in the home or pets? Do your research on the plants you are interested in. There are many plants that are poisonous when ingested and gathering information will minimize any potential hazardous that can arise.

Having house plants is like having an indoor garden; it adds peacefulness to your home. Once started, you may in fact tap into your inner green thumb. Before long, you will be swapping clippings with friends and find yourself with new additions to your gardens both inside and out.