Cool house plants are not only a great way to add some greenery and beauty to your home, but also a natural way to purify the air and boost your mood. Whether you have a small space, a low-light area, or a busy schedule, there is a cool house plant that suits your needs and preferences.
In this article, we will introduce you to 14 cool house plants that will make your home more stylish and healthy, and give you some tips on how to care for them.
For more general tips on how to care for your houseplants, you can check out this helpful guide from The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
See the beautiful greenery make fresh eyes and give the impression of a beautiful home. If you live in an urban green open land with very limited, the need for a breath of fresh air is a luxury thing.
However, to get around this, you can choose to keep the plants that help to create an atmosphere that is clean, stabilize the humidity and provide oxygen. Here are some of the types of plants that can provide freshness, especially in the tropical climate.
Plants that help cool your home
#1. Aloe Vera.
The aloe vera is a cool house plant that has succulent and spiky leaves that contain a gel-like substance that has healing and soothing properties. It is widely used for treating burns, wounds, insect bites, and skin conditions, as well as for cosmetic and culinary purposes.
The aloe vera is a low-maintenance plant that can grow up to 2 feet tall, and can produce yellow or orange flowers in summer.
Aloe Vera can help to absorb air pollution, so the air in the House will be fresher. When Aloe Vera is already absorbing toxins normally at the Aloe Vera leaves there are many spots.
To care for your aloe vera, you should place it in a sunny and well-ventilated spot, and avoid direct sun exposure as it can scorch the leaves. You should use a cactus or succulent potting mix and a pot with drainage holes.
Water it deeply, and let the soil dry out completely between waterings. You can fertilize it once or twice a year with a diluted liquid fertilizer, and remove any dead or damaged leaves. The aloe vera can be propagated by removing and replanting the offsets or pups that grow at the base of the plant.
#2. Red-Edged Dracaena.
Similar to Aloe Vera, this plant is also able to absorb air pollution. However to note is this plant can grow well when it is near the sunlight.
#3. Betel Ivory (Golden Pothos).
In addition, the betel plant can get rid of toxins and able to absorb carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. The plant can live on land and in the water. Its adaptability is amazing.
#4. Lily Paris.
Ornamental plants of pollutant filter are also known as spider plant. This plant comes from South Africa but can we can find also in other parts of the world ie. in Western Australia. Lily Paris fits into a hanging ornamental plant to cope with small-sized room.
#5. Sansevieria.
These plants can absorb toxic materials such as air pollution by smoke, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other types of pollutants that can pollute the air. Particularly suitable are planted as a decoration in your home. But it should be noted also for removing this plant outdoors during nighttime, because each plant at night no longer absorbs carbon dioxide and the like but instead will absorb oxygen.
#6. Snake Plant
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the most popular and easy-to-care-for cool house plants. It has long, upright, and variegated leaves that resemble snakeskin, and can grow up to several feet tall.
The snake plant is very adaptable and can tolerate low light, dry air, and infrequent watering. It is also one of the best air-purifying plants, as it can remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air.
To care for your snake plant:
- Pot and Soil: Ensure your snake plant is in a well-drained pot with loose, sandy soil to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Watering: Only water when the soil is completely dry, typically every two weeks. Overwatering can harm your plant, so err on the side of caution.
- Fertilization: During the growing season, fertilize monthly to support healthy growth. Opt for a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients.
- Pruning: Regularly prune any damaged or yellow leaves to maintain the plant’s health and appearance.
- Propagation: Propagate your snake plant by dividing the rhizomes or using leaf cuttings. This allows you to expand your collection or share plants with friends.
#7. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is another cool house plant that is very easy to grow and maintain. It has glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped leaves that grow on thick and fleshy stems.
The ZZ plant can thrive in low light, drought, and neglect, and can survive for months without water. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, and can grow up to 3 feet tall.
To care for your ZZ plant, you should use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. Water it sparingly, and let the soil dry out between waterings. You can fertilize it once or twice a year with a balanced liquid fertilizer, and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust. The ZZ plant can be propagated by stem or leaf cuttings, or by dividing the tubers.
#8. Monstera
The monstera, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a cool house plant that has large, glossy, and perforated leaves that can create a tropical vibe in your home. It is native to the rainforests of Central and South America, and can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors.
The monstera is a fast-growing and climbing plant that needs a support structure, such as a trellis or a moss pole, to attach its aerial roots. It is also an air-purifying plant that can remove formaldehyde from the air.
To care for your monstera, you should place it in a bright and indirect light, and avoid direct sun exposure as it can burn the leaves. You should water it regularly, and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
You can fertilize it every two weeks during the growing season, and reduce it to once a month in winter. You can prune any unwanted or damaged leaves, and propagate it by stem cuttings.
#9. Pothos
The pothos, also known as the devil’s ivy, is a cool house plant that has heart-shaped and variegated leaves that can trail or climb.
It is one of the most versatile and forgiving plants, as it can adapt to various light conditions, from bright to low, and can tolerate drought and neglect. It is also an excellent air-purifying plant, as it can remove pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air.
To care for your pothos, you should use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. Water it when the top inch of the soil feels dry, and avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. You can fertilize it once a month during the growing season, and prune any leggy or yellow stems. The pothos can be propagated by stem cuttings in water or soil.
#10. Peace Lily
The peace lily, also known as Spathiphyllum, is a cool house plant that has dark green and glossy leaves, and white and spath-like flowers that can bloom year-round. It is a low-light and low-humidity plant that can grow up to 4 feet tall, and can purify the air by removing toxins such as ammonia, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.
To care for your peace lily, you should place it in a bright and indirect light, and avoid direct sun exposure as it can bleach the leaves. You should water it when the soil feels dry, and mist the leaves occasionally to increase the humidity.
You can fertilize it every two months with a balanced liquid fertilizer, and remove any faded or brown flowers. The peace lily can be propagated by dividing the root ball.
#11. Rubber Plant
The rubber plant, also known as Ficus elastica, is a cool house plant that has thick and leathery leaves that can range from dark green to burgundy. It is native to the tropical regions of Asia, and can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors.
The rubber plant is a fast-growing and hardy plant that can tolerate low light, dry air, and temperature fluctuations. It is also an air-purifying plant that can remove formaldehyde from the air.
To care for your rubber plant, you should place it in a bright and indirect light, and avoid direct sun exposure as it can damage the leaves. You should water it when the top inch of the soil feels dry, and reduce the watering in winter.
You can fertilize it every two weeks during the growing season, and once a month in winter. You can prune any unwanted or damaged branches, and propagate it by stem or leaf cuttings.
#12. Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese money plant, also known as Pilea peperomioides, is a cool house plant that has round and flat leaves that resemble coins. It is native to China, and is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The Chinese money plant is a slow-growing and compact plant that can grow up to 12 inches tall, and can produce tiny white flowers in summer.
To care for your Chinese money plant, you should place it in a bright and indirect light, and rotate it occasionally to ensure even growth. You should water it when the top half of the soil feels dry, and avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
You can fertilize it once a month during the growing season, and skip it in winter. You can prune any yellow or brown leaves, and propagate it by removing and replanting the baby plants that grow at the base of the plant.
#13. String of Pearls
The string of pearls, also known as Senecio rowleyanus, is a cool house plant that has spherical and succulent leaves that resemble pearls. It is native to South Africa, and is a trailing and cascading plant that can grow up to 3 feet long. The string of pearls is a low-water and low-light plant that can produce white and fragrant flowers in summer.
To care for your string of pearls, you should place it in a bright and indirect light, and avoid direct sun exposure as it can scorch the leaves. You should use a cactus or succulent potting mix and a pot with drainage holes.
Water it sparingly, and let the soil dry out completely between waterings. You can fertilize it once or twice a year with a diluted liquid fertilizer, and trim any dead or damaged stems. The string of pearls can be propagated by stem cuttings in water or soil.
#14. Air Plants
The air plants, also known as Tillandsia, are cool house plants that do not need soil to grow. They are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, and have thin and wiry leaves that can absorb water and nutrients from the air.
The air plants are low-maintenance and versatile plants that can grow up to 12 inches tall, and can produce colorful and exotic flowers.
To care for your air plants, you should place them in a bright and indirect light, and avoid direct sun exposure as it can dry them out. You should mist them once or twice a week, and soak them in water for 15 minutes once a month. You can fertilize them once a month with a diluted orchid or bromeliad fertilizer, and shake off any excess water.
You can display your air plants in various ways, such as hanging them from a wire, placing them in a glass terrarium, or attaching them to a piece of wood or stone. The air plants can be propagated by removing and replanting the pups or offsets that grow at the base of the plant.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about cool house plants:
How do I know if my cool house plant needs water?
The best way to check if your cool house plant needs water is to feel the soil with your finger. If the soil feels dry, then it is time to water your plant.
However, some plants, such as succulents and cacti, prefer to be watered less often, so you should also follow the specific watering instructions for each plant.
How do I prevent pests and diseases from affecting my cool house plant?
The most common pests and diseases that can affect your cool house plant are mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, aphids, fungus gnats, root rot, and leaf spot. To prevent them, you should keep your plant clean, healthy, and well-ventilated.
You should also inspect your plant regularly for any signs of infestation or infection, and treat them as soon as possible with natural or chemical remedies.
How do I choose the best pot and soil for my cool house plant?
The best pot and soil for your cool house plant depend on the type and size of your plant, as well as your personal preference. Generally, you should choose a pot that is slightly larger than the root ball of your plant, and has drainage holes at the bottom.
You should also choose a soil that is well-draining, loose, and rich in organic matter. However, some plants, such as succulents and cacti, require a special potting mix that is more sandy and gritty.
How do I repot my cool house plant?
You should repot your cool house plant when it outgrows its current pot, or when the soil becomes too compacted or depleted. To repot your plant, you should gently remove it from its old pot, shake off any excess soil, and trim any dead or damaged roots.
Then, you should place it in a new pot that is slightly larger than the old one, and fill it with fresh soil. You should water your plant thoroughly, and place it in a shaded spot for a few days to help it adjust.
How do I propagate my cool house plant?
The best way to propagate your cool house plant depends on the type and structure of your plant. Some plants, such as snake plant, ZZ plant, aloe vera, and Chinese money plant, can be propagated by dividing the root ball or the offsets.
Some plants, such as monstera, pothos, rubber plant, and string of pearls, can be propagated by stem or leaf cuttings. Some plants, such as air plants, can be propagated by removing and replanting the pups.
You should always use a sharp and sterile tool to make the cuttings, and place them in water or soil until they develop roots.
Wrap Up
Cool house plants are a wonderful addition to any home, as they can enhance the aesthetics, improve the air quality, and boost the mood of the inhabitants. There are many cool house plants to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits.
In this article, we have introduced you to 14 cool house plants that will make your home more stylish and healthy, and given you some tips on how to care for them. We hope you have enjoyed reading this article, and found it helpful and informative. Happy planting!
Thank you very much for reading Plants that cool your home, hopefully useful.
