Improve the Air with Low Light, Low Maintenance Indoor Plants

Melinda’s Garden Moments is heard Mon.-Fri. at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on 97.9 WHAV.

Melinda’s Garden Moments is heard Mon.-Fri. at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on 97.9 WHAV.

Add a little beauty and improve indoor air quality with low maintenance houseplants. Selecting the right plants and providing proper care will save you time and keep your plants looking their best.

Pothos, philodendron, snake plant, cast iron and ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) plants are a few of the most low-light tolerant plants. Look for newer varieties like Neon pothos or Brazil philodendron, if you want to try something different.

Use your finger to check the soil moisture. Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil are starting to dry. Pour off excess water that collects in the saucer to avoid root rot.

Or set the plants on a saucer filled with pebbles. The pebbles elevate the pot above the excess water, preventing root rot. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plants.

Keep in mind, plants growing in low light will need less water and very little fertilizer.

A bit more information:  Once a month use a damp cloth to wipe off the dust that accumulates on your plants. You’ll let more light in and help reduce the risk of certain insect pests. Use a cosmetic brush to dust off fuzzy leaves of plants like African violets.

Visit Melinda’s website www.melindamyers.com for more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and answers to your garden questions.