Plant Nursery Trip
Plant Nursery Trip
All photos in this post are from The Natural Gardener on Old Bee Caves
One of my favorite things to do is go to the plant nursery. There are some plant nurseries that are so wonderful I can just get lost in them. Depending on where you live perhaps there is a plant nursery in your area. Many nurseries have both indoor and outdoor plant options. Though there are some plant nurseries that may focus solely on outdoor plants and others that are only wholesalers.
Typically, due to the popularity and demand of houseplants, most plant nurseries have a houseplant section. This section is usually a greenhouse which houses all the variety of plants that the store has to offer and are arranged by type of plant. This can definitely come in handy for those looking for a particular plant. The ferns will be grouped with ferns, the pothos with the pothos and so on. The plants that are grouped together tend to require the same care routine. So when you’re visiting the nursery and you’re not sure what to get, consider the lighting requirements generally listed on the pot.
Plant nurseries generally store similar plants in the same location to make it easier to shop for them
When it comes to plant aesthetics there is much to consider. Do you want a tall angular plant, a light bushy fern, or a more floral plant variety? Something that blooms eventually? With all of these options there is no wonder that the nursery can be a bit overwhelming. What’s your plant style and what can you accommodate?
I noticed that on my trips to the nursery my eye usually wonders what might be strange and unusual but not very hard to care for. Leaves that curl, stems that have spots, wild patterns and colors. My taste leans a bit more on the eclectic style. I also enjoy some of the traditional staple plants. The long loved pothos and palms. Palms are a wonderful home staple plant that is fresh, fun and welcoming. Each plant comes with its own characteristics and its own appeal. Plants are not a one size fits all purchase. Deciding what type of plant fits your style and level of care will make your plant purchasing journey a smooth one.
Plants aren’t one size fits all. You should look for ones that fit your style and care level.
Peace lilies, zebra plant and begonia are floral houseplants. Peace lilies are elegant and grow beautiful white floral stems that are colored with rich yellow pollen. The larger variety of peace lilies are striking and operate as a great centerpiece. They are easy to care for and require moderate light. The zebra plant is one of my favorite blooming plants. Though they are one of more finicky plants and are very sensitive to tap water. The heavy metal content in tap water can burn the tips of the leaves and cause discoloration. When zebra plants are given filtered or rain water they grow well and bloom a very beautiful bright yellow and red flower. The zebra plant is a very cheerful plant and would work great in an office area that could use some brightness. Begonias are whimsical. They provide lots of flowers and bring to mind a flower field. It’s one of the best ways to bring the outdoors in. They look great in any open space to welcome you home. Begonias are fairly easy to care for and don’t require tons of light.
Floral plants like Peace Lilies, Zebra Plants, and Begonias can really make a home feel welcoming
Desert plants are some of the most popular varieties. For those plant parents looking for a southwestern flair, cactus and succulents are a must. The number one thing to remember is that for Southwest plants it’s important that they are either in a south facing or west facing window for the most optimal bright and direct light. No desert plant life is complete without ample levels of sunlight. Also never underestimate a prickly cactus, even the small ones come with an added punch. Whether the needles are thin or thick when moving a cactus you will want to wear gloves that have some sort of barrier protecting your skin. Succulents are also another popular and sound choice for desert plants. Many succulents start off small but many can grow very large over time. There are succulents that look like flowers and some that look like rocks. While others look like coral reefs and plants that you would find at the bottom of the ocean. The options are endless with succulents and they are fairly easy to care for, similar to their cactus cousins.
Desert plants are easy to care for as long as you ensure they are getting enough light and are careful with their needles
Indoor trees are also a very popular category of houseplants. These include Fiddle Leaf Figs, Ficuses and Citrus Plants. There is something special about walking into someone’s residence or place of business and seeing a tree growing. It shapes the environment in more ways than one. It signifies health and prosperity and encourages the growth of new ideas to flourish. To achieve this magical effect in your own home, try adding a fiddle leaf fig to the home. They can be a game changer.
Fiddle leaf figs are sold at nurseries in all stages of their life from 2 feet tall to 12 feet. There are boundless size options. Trees usually work really well in spacious kitchens and living rooms. Places where people and families gather the most. The tree adds calmness to a densely populated area. Fiddle leaf figs can stand the test of time. If cared for properly they can live up to 50 years and be passed down through generations.
Ficus trees are another great houseplant that is hardy and requires a good amount of bright light. They are very resilient and grow very fast. You will see changes in your ficus after just one month of purchasing it. One of my favorite house trees are citrus plants. They are evergreen and usually never lose their dark green color. A healthy and mature citrus tree will bloom white flowers with an intoxicating scent similar to the jasmine flower. After the flowers fall the fruit appears. It’s a great thing to witness the citrus tree going through its growth cycle. There are a variety of citrus trees including lemon, orange and tangerines.
Indoor trees like Fiddle Leaf Figs, Ficuses and Citrus Plants can live for a long time and have a big impact on the feel of your home
Nurseries aren’t the only locations that sell plants. Grocery stores and some general merchandise retailers also carry a variety of houseplants. Some hardware supply shops have a plant nursery section too. You may even find local plant nursery boutiques in your neighborhood. In larger metropolitan areas you can find smaller locally owned plant boutiques that operate similar to a gift shop sourcing local plant products from ceramic artists and potters. Finding plants for your home can be a great adventure and a worthwhile experience. Good luck on your search and happy plant shopping!
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