A Brooklyn Girl’s Guide to Sunday: A Short Houseplant Primer

My time as an old plant lady has been slowly approaching for a while and is now thriving in full, full force. I’ve basically been putting off my fate for a few years now, trying to only purchase cacti and succulents and plants that don’t die (which is only true if you water them once in a while, don’t keep them in 24-hour sunlight, and give them a tiny bit of attention once in a while– if you do those things, cacti really do live). I’ve had the same baby cacti since college, and while I’ve definitely lost some (we’re not all perfect) most of them are still chugging away.

I recently decided to take the plunge and expand my collection to include an abnormal amount of houseplants, including bamboo palms– an air-purifying plant with soft tips– and philodendron, which is one of those weepy hanging plants that people stereotypically think of when they imagine a generic houseplant– but philodendron are totally underrated.

I’m also currently in love with peace lilies, all glossy leaves and waxy flowers. Snake plant is another easy one to take care of, great in a clay pot. If you’re looking for something bigger, nothing says “statement houseplant” more than a Parlor palm. They’re currently my biggest concern when I’m out and about or planning a weekend away, at which point I panic like ‘Who will water my plants?’– but the worry is worth it when it means seeing their little leaves grow and knowing that you made that happen.