As temperatures drop and we spend more time indoors, consider surrounding yourself with plants to provide a hint of spring all winter long. Here are our top choices:

Schefflera Amate

The Schefflera plant, also known as the Umbrella Plant, is available in several varieties and sizes. The full-size plants can be 5-6 feet tall, while the dwarf plants are great for tabletops. These are easy-to-care-for plants. 

Light: Umbrella Plants need bright, indirect light. They can do well in medium lighting conditions, but if they start to get leggy and floppy, you’ll want to move them to a brighter spot.  

Water: Schefflera plants like to dry out between waterings. Allow the soil to dry completely and then give it a soak when it’s time to water. If the leaves turn yellow, it’s getting too much water. 

Fertilizer: Use a balanced house plant fertilizer every month during the spring and summer. Or a half-strength fertilizer every 2-3 weeks all year. 

Note: Scheffleras are more susceptible to pests and disease so monitor them often and bring a sample of any issue into our garden pharmacy for treatment as soon as they arise. 

Crispy Wave Fern

Cripsy Wave Ferns also known as Birds Nest Ferns are excellent air purifiers and lower maintenance ferns. Ferns love humidity and Crispy Waves can tolerate low light, making them great for bathrooms. With proper care, these plants can last for years.

Water: All Ferns like to stay consistently moist. Crispy Wave Ferns are no different. Monitor the soil often and water when the top layer starts to dry out. Watering in the morning will allow time for evaporation and the soil to soak up the nutrients. 

Light: Birds Nest Ferns can tolerate low lighting conditions, but too much or too little light will affect the leaves. If your leaves are starting to crinkle, your plant is getting too much light. On the other hand, if your leaves are yellowing the plant isn’t getting enough light. 

Fertilizer: Use a diluted balanced fertilizer once every two weeks in the spring. Continue to fertilize through the summer for best results. 

Christmas Cactus

These beautiful blooming succulent plants are popular during the holiday season when they are usually in bloom. A Christmas Cactus needs a specific regiment to keep them blooming year after year. Because these plants go dormant the light and water requirements vary depending on the time of year. 

Water: While in bloom, Christmas Cactus like moist soil and to be misted often. When dormant, water only enough to moisten the soil. 

Light: These plants like bright light and can even tolerate some levels of direct sunlight. When dormant, place your Christmas Cactus in a dark cool place to encourage reblooming. 

Fertilizer: Use a balanced bloom booster fertilizer monthly from late winter through dormancy (usually spring). 

A Christmas Cactus can rebloom year after year. Some plants have continued to bloom for decades, with the oldest plant said to be 100 years old. 

Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise is the perfect low-maintenance addition to your home. With its large leaves and tropical look, this plant adds a touch of the tropics to your decor — indoors or outdoors.

Water: Water weekly, and allow the first few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. The plant will droop and the leaves will curl if it is not getting enough water. 

Light: They love direct sunlight and high humidity, but will do well in just about any home. 

Fertilizer: Bird of Paradise plants are heavy feeders and require feeding every two weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Only fertilize once a month in the winter. 

Learn more about the benefits of plants and flowers here. 

For more information on selecting the perfect House Plant visit your nearest English Gardens location and talk with one of our experts.