How to keep your house plants alive

House plant care tips

Try not to sacrifice your plant life in the name of decoration. Plants are like people, they need attention and food! So put your plant in a ceramic plant pot, or succulent planter, in a spot where they will thrive even if it does fit into your interior display. Before you know you will have your very own indoor garden!

 The short history of the Monstera

The Monstera plant, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is native to Central America and is a member of the Araceae family. It is believed to have been first introduced to Europe in the late 19th century, where it became popular as a decorative indoor plant.

In the mid-20th century, the Monstera became especially popular in the United States, where it became a symbol of the "urban jungle" trend. This trend was characterized by the use of large, leafy plants to create a lush, tropical atmosphere in homes and offices. The unique shape of the Monstera's leaves, with their distinctive holes, made it a popular choice for this trend.

Over the years, the Monstera has continued to be a popular indoor plant, prized for its large, attractive leaves and its ease of care. In recent years, the Monstera has also become popular in the world of interior design, with many designers incorporating the plant into their decorating schemes to add a touch of natural beauty to a space.

Overall, the Monstera has a long and storied history as a popular indoor plant, and it continues to be a favorite choice for gardeners and designers alike.

• How to care for a Monstera

 

Monstera will thrive in a sunny spot but not in direct sunlight. Monsteras prefer soil that is moist but likes to dry out a bit between waterings. As quite common with aerial roots, Monstera is sensible to overwatering, so make sure to provide your plant with the proper soil and drainage solution. As a rule of tombs, if the top 2 to 4 cm of the soil are dry, your plant is thirsty!.

• Are monstera toxic to cats ? 

Well yes and know... 

The substance knowns as Calcium oxalate crystals, is present inside the leaves and stems of your Monstera plant. This substance is toxic to cats.It is embedded in the plant, and when the plant is injured, the substance can leaks out. If a cat is chewing on a plant like the monstera and break the outer core, the calcium oxalate crystals can like out and can be eaten by your cat. The symptoms of this are

This irritation is generally speaking temporarily  and can be relieved with the help of water or milk.

How to propagate your monstera

Can be propagated through seeds, cuttings or air layering. An handy and original tool for propagation and a cute gift ideal for all plant parent is a propagation station that will let you propagate your plant cutting in water and in style!

 Snake plant

The snake plant, also known as Sansevieria or mother-in-law's tongue, has a long and interesting history. This hardy and versatile plant is native to West Africa, where it was first discovered by European explorers in the late 18th century.

The plant's unique, spiky foliage and ability to tolerate low light and infrequent watering quickly made it a popular choice for indoor and outdoor decor in Europe and North America. In the 19th century, snake plants were widely grown in England and France, where they were used as decorative plants in Victorian-era homes and conservatories.

During World War II, the snake plant's ability to purify the air was discovered by NASA scientists, who were looking for ways to clean the air in space stations. The snake plant was found to be one of the most effective plants at removing toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.

Today, snake plants are a popular choice for home and office decor, thanks to their ease of care, air-purifying properties, and unique appearance. They are also commonly used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, respiratory problems, and skin conditions.

Overall, the snake plant's rich history and numerous benefits make it a fascinating and valuable addition to any home or garden.

How to take care of a snake plant

Snake plants are easy-to-care-for houseplants that can thrive in a wide range of conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for a snake plant:

1. Light: Snake plants can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light. However, they will grow best in bright, indirect light.

2. Water: Snake plants are drought-tolerant and do not require frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering, and be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.

3. Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix, such as a cactus or succulent soil, to prevent water from sitting in the soil.

4. Temperature and humidity: Snake plants prefer temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C) and can tolerate low humidity.

5. Fertilizer: Fertilize your snake plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

6. Propagation: Snake plants can be propagated by division or by leaf cuttings. To propagate by division, simply separate the plant into smaller sections and repot in well-draining soil. To propagate by leaf cuttings, cut a leaf into several pieces and plant them in a well-draining soil mix.

7. Pruning: Prune your snake plant as needed to remove any damaged or dead leaves, or to control its size and shape.

Overall, snake plants are low-maintenance plants that can add a touch of green to any space. With a little bit of care, your snake plant can thrive for many years to come.

Are snake plant toxic to cat ? 

Yes, snake plants (Sansevieria species) are toxic to cats, as well as dogs and horses. The plant contains saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling if ingested by pets. The symptoms can be mild to moderate, and in severe cases, the toxins in the plant can cause more serious symptoms such as breathing difficulties, tremors, and even paralysis.

If you have a cat, it's best to keep snake plants out of their reach and consider choosing non-toxic plants instead. If you suspect that your cat has ingested any part of a snake plant or any other toxic plant, it's important to contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and treatment.

How to propagate snake plant ? 

Snake plants (Sansevieria) can be propagated through division or leaf cuttings. Here are the steps for each method:

Propagation by Division:

1. Remove the mother plant from its pot and carefully loosen the soil around the roots.
2. Look for areas where new shoots are emerging from the soil, and gently separate them from the main plant using a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears.
3. Make sure that each new shoot has its own root system and several leaves.
4. Plant each new shoot in a separate pot with fresh potting soil and water thoroughly.

Propagation by Leaf Cuttings:

1. Select a healthy leaf from the mother plant and cut it into several sections, each about 2-3 inches long.
2. Allow the cuttings to dry out for a day or two so that the ends can callus over and prevent rotting.
3. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix, making sure that the ends are buried about an inch into the soil.
4. Water the soil thoroughly, but avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause them to rot.
5. Keep the cuttings in a warm, bright location and avoid direct sunlight until they have rooted and begun to produce new growth.

With proper care, both division and leaf cutting methods can result in healthy new snake plants that can be enjoyed for years to come.