ASK MARTHA: EASY INDOOR PLANTS

Of all the questions I’m asked, which houseplants are best to grow in the winter months is one of the most frequent. Here are two common questions.

Q: Hi Martha! My basement has a few high windows. Would there be enough light to add houseplants?

A: Three plants that could survive in your basement are the peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii), bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii), and cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior). The cast iron plant and peace lily are tropical understory plants—in nature they grow on the forest floor or in the shade. They, along with the bamboo palm, are adaptable to low light in the basement. Still, they will be healthiest with some direct light, so place them as close to your windows as possible.

Of course, all plants need water, but these three don’t need that much. To determine when to give the plants a drink, place your finger about half an inch into the potting mix. If it feels dry, water the plant well (in a sink until water seeps out from the bottom of the pot). Use a quality potting mix that provides proper drainage to prevent rot. I like to use nutrient-rich Miracle-Gro Organic™ Indoor Potting Mix.

Martha’s Tip: To keep pots and their contents from damaging floors or furniture surfaces, place them in saucers with surface protectors on the bottoms of the plates. Be sure the pots are glazed so they’ll keep moisture off of furniture surfaces.

Q: Can you recommend any houseplants that will thrive through winter?

A: These popular plants are easy to care for and hardy enough to stand up to changes in temperature and humidity, common in winter months. Water them thoroughly when the soil feels dry about a half inch below the surface (except for the peace lily, which prefers constantly moist soil).