Book Launching: The Houseplant Guide: How to Easily Select & Maintain Indoor Plants

Book Launching!!! 📚

I have been a gardener since the age of five and as I grew older, the desire to be surrounded by plants has expanded from the outdoors in. As my vast collection of common and rare houseplants has grown, it has rewarded me with a sense of joy and well being, as well as bringing a touch of the indoors inside. After writing five books pertaining to outdoor design, my friends, family and colleagues wanted to know why I had not written a book about indoor gardening. I am excited to finally say that I have! 

After two years of photographing my own houseplant collection as well as visiting nurseries, talking with owners, photographing and chatting about everything green, I have composed this comprehensive reference of over 120 selections of houseplants, including care requirements, maintenance tips and other important information. I am very excited to share my own experiences and to help others achieve the indoor collection of their dreams. Whether you have a green thumb or brown, and whatever your needs, there is likely a houseplant that is right for you!

Here is a little bit about the book:

Welcome to the world of indoor gardening! The Houseplant Guide: How to Easily Select & Maintain Indoor Plants is the definitive reference for both novice and seasoned plant enthusiasts. With over 120 in-depth listings of popular houseplants, each entry is arranged by common name and packed with key information, including botanical names, lighting preferences, soil, moisture and humidity needs and maintenance information, as well as expert tips on optimal care.

Designed to inspire and educate, this comprehensive guide also features dedicated chapters that cater to specific interests, such as flowering plants, trailing and climbing plants, cacti, succulents and epiphytes, low-maintenance options, pet-friendly plants, and air-purifying varieties. Whether you are looking for the perfect addition to a sunlit space, a safe plant for furry friends, or a resilient choice that thrives on minimal care, this book has you covered.

For plant owners facing common challenges, the book includes a vital chapter on identifying, managing, and preventing houseplant pests and diseases. With its rich, accessible layout and clear advice, The Houseplant Guide is the essential companion for a thriving indoor garden. 

Whether you have a green thumb or brown, houseplants are a wonderful way of bringing nature into your home, while improving overall air quality and health, and they are simple to grow, providing you have the proper knowledge. Join me as we begin our houseplant journey!

Thank you for being here and I hope to help you with your houseplant journey! Join me as we grow together!

My Author Page and Books

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations  

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

AND ANNOUNCING!!!

The Houseplant Guide: How to Easily Select & Maintain Indoor Plants 

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2025. All rights reserved. 

Feature Indoor Plant Profile: African Violet

This Month in the Garden: Feature Indoor Plant

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! Today we talk about African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha), one of the most common houseplants in the world known for their distinct rosette of fuzzy leaves, range of flower colors and ease of care. First discovered in 1892 in the tropical rainforests of the Usambara mountains near the border of Tanzania Africa, the first commercial varieties all with blue flowers were introduced into the market in 1927. In 1942, the first pink variety was introduced, followed by a white blooming variety, followed by the first single blooming crown cultivated in Germany. African Violet are also valued as being one of the best houseplants for purifying the air. These small, perennial plants have captured the hearts of plant enthusiasts worldwide. 

Types of African Violets: African Violets come in various flower forms, including single, semi-double, and double blossoms. They display an array of colors such as purple, pink, blue, and white, offering choices to suit different preferences. Leaf shapes vary in a number of forms from regular (plain) to round to ovate, scalloped, heart-shaped, and serrated to name a few and color of the foliage can range from light to dark green to silver, watermelon and deep pink depending on the variety. Sizes of African Violet range in diameter between 2 and 6 inches in width depending on the particular cultivar.

Soil Type & Potting: Proper soil is key to African Violet care. A well-draining, lightweight potting mix specifically formulated for these plants is recommended. African Violet prefer to be confined in their container, so use of a four- or six-inch pot is preferable. 

Temperature, Lighting & Watering: African Violet grow best at room temperature, between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and thrive in bright, indirect light, such as under a skylight or in a northern or eastern window, making them ideal for homes or offices with filtered sunlight. While they prefer a consistently moist environment, overwatering can lead to root rot. It's crucial to water them from the bottom or use a self-watering pot to prevent water from touching the leaves. Use of filtered or distilled water is best.

Propagation: Propagation is best achieved through leaf cuttings, and rooting usually takes between four and six weeks. Select a healthy, mature leaf, trim it, place the stem into rooting hormone and plant in a light potting mix. With proper care and patience, new plants will emerge, providing an opportunity to expand your collection or share with fellow plant enthusiasts.

Maintenance: While African Violets are generally low maintenance, they do benefit from occasional grooming. Regular deadheading promotes continuous blooming and keeps the plant looking tidy. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves, and periodically rotate the pot to ensure even growth. Keeping the plant's environment clean helps prevent common issues like pests and diseases. To promote healthy growth and blooms, fertilize regularly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer designed for African Violets.

Folklore: African violets are often associated with sentiments of faith, love, loyalty, devotion and commitment. They symbolize delicate beauty and are considered tokens of affection. The flowers come in various colors, each carrying its own meaning. Purple symbolizes spirituality, blue for peace and royalty and pink for innocence, while white signifies purity. Additionally, African violets are thought to bring good fortune and positive energy, making them popular as gifts to express care and appreciation. In many cultures, African Violet have been used as an amulet to promote protection and spirituality in the home.

African Violets are delightful, versatile plants that bring beauty to indoor spaces. With a bit of attention to light, water, and soil, these charming houseplants will reward you with a profusion of blooms. Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, African Violets are an excellent choice for adding color and elegance to your indoor space. 

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! 

Plan your Outdoor Garden for Spring with my Books!:

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener 

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2024. All rights reserved. 

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up: Long Island Wintertime Garden

January Garden

Happy New Year and welcome to my south shore, zone 7 Long Island garden! After a relatively quiet December with the first dusting of snow on Christmas Eve day, Long Island was hit with its first significant snowfall on the 7th with 6-8 inches of snow across the island with deeper amounts on the north shore. The garden became a winter wonderland until it was washed away by rain a few days later, followed by a record high of 19 degrees on the 11th. The forecast calls for slightly warmer temperatures today, so come along with me on a tour of my January garden. You better bundle up because its cold outside!

First Winter's Snow!

The beauty of a virtual tour is that I am able to share some snowy views from one week ago. This was the morning of the 7th after the snow, with the sun just trying to peek through the dissipating clouds.

Snow Covered Garden

The backyard pool surround was covered in a layer of glistening white snow, making for a winter wonderland. I do love the seasons and first snow gracing the landscape. There is always something so magical about it; however, that statement may have a different tone by the end of the winter!

Blue Jay Visitor

It's wonderful getting to see visitors each morning, especially in winter. The birds hid for a bit after the snow, but a few days later this Blue Jay came out of hiding for a snack.

Skyland's Oriental Spruce Seed Cone

Along the driveway border, the seed cones on the Skyland's Oriental Spruce are in abundance this winter. We are able to get a view of this lower one up close.

Front Entrance Garden

Here are Weeping White Pine (front right), Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (middle) and Coral Bark Maple (back left) with Japanese Garden Juniper, Blue Star Juniper and Golden Sedge along the walkway. You can see the branches of the Coral Bark Maple are starting to glow red with the colder temperatures.

Winter Structure

Here is a closer view of 'Blue Star' Juniper and Golden Sedge, with Hoogendorn Holly, which reside along the foundation. I do depend on evergreens for winter color and structure and am always looking for new cultivars. Another benefit is that these selections are slow growing and low maintenance.

Hellebore 'Shooting Star'

Yes...there can be blooms in winter! Hellebore 'Shooting Star' is getting ready to open its buds to expose pale pink blooms with cream and green highlights! It should be any day now.

Hellebore 'Champion'

Here are the buds of Hellebore 'Champion', which displays greenish-yellow blooms. I have two other varieties as well, so look out for more buds and blooms as the winter progresses!

Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtle is known for its beautiful blooms that appear July through September, but it has nice exfoliating bark too, which is of interest in the wintertime. It has a bit of an artistic touch.

Weeping Norway Spruce Seed Cone

Here is another seed cone, that of Weeping Norway Spruce. I do enjoy looking for them and they have a reddish-pink hue before turning brown.

Hot Cocoa on a Cold Day!

Remember the welcoming committee? Here they are to say greetings!

What Every Gardener Needs!

My dear friend knows me well and surprised me with this door mat as a gift. It's perfect!!! 

Winter Bear

Before we venture onto the indoor garden, here is some more seasonal interest. I do enjoy my garden bears and this one is all decorated for the winter months. Now, since it's freezing out here, follow me inside to warm up and see some more plants!

Kalanchoe, Peace Lily and Fern

Welcome to the indoor garden. When the temperatures are cold outside, there's always the indoor garden to depend on for some enjoyment. Here are some selections that are blooming right now.

Hawaiian Anthurium

This collection keeps me smiling year round, but even more so in the wintertime. The blooms on this Anthurium last for months at a time. The orchid is also forming its flower stalks, so blooms should be coming in a couple of months.

Indoor Garden-30 year old Jade Plant

One of my favorite plants in the indoor collection is this Jade plant, which I have had for over 30 years. There is another twin of the same age on the opposite windowsill in what I refer to as the plant room. There are also some succulents and Thanksgiving Cactus that are still producing buds and blooms. I have seen the Jade produce little white blooms over the years, usually around March. Other plants in the indoor collection currently include Spathiphyllum, ZZ Plant, Parlor Palm, Dracaena, Philodendron and Ficus.

Thank you for Visiting!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my winter garden and as always, I look forward to your comments and seeing what's growing in your neck of the woods! Special thanks go out to our hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens, who makes it possible to see blooms on the 15th of every month with her meme Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day. Also, special thanks to Pam Penick at Digging who has hosted Foliage Follow-Up for all these years, a meme I will still continue to honor. I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Floral Friday Fotos, Macro Monday 2, Mosaic Monday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf, Nature Notes at Rambling Woods, Image-in-ing weekly photo share every Tuesday with NC Sue and Gardens Galore Link Up Party every other Monday with Everyday Living. I am also happy to join the Weekly Photo Link-Up at My Corner of the World on Wednesdays and Garden Affair at Jaipur Garden. 

A GUIDE TO NORTHEASTERN GARDENING NEWS:

It's been pretty quiet around here these days, but the good news is that I have started working on a new book for the northeast and Mid-Atlantic garden! I am doing the brainstorming and writing each day while it's cold outside and springtime will bring lots of photo taking, so stay tuned!

I have been enjoying connecting with gardening friends during our regular zoom meetings on GardenComm. It's a wonderful way to get through the winter months and share gardening adventures! 

If you would like to receive post updates for the 1st and 15th of each month, there is a new follow.it subscription widget for A Guide to Northeastern Gardening at the top right side of this page.

If you haven't already done so, be sure to visit My Author Page. I have poured a lifetime of gardening love into each of my books. along with experiences, tips, journeys, design inspiration, maintenance advice, guidance and more! Check out A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9, Landscape Design Combinations, Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener and Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden. 

"As Always...Be Well and Happy Gardening”! 😊

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2022. All rights reserved.

This Month in the Garden: Indoor Gardening-8 Ways to Decorate with Houseplants

This Month in the Garden: 8 Ways to Decorate with Houseplants

Did you know that having a few houseplants in your living space can help improve concentration, enhance productivity, and boost your mood? Yep, and scientists believe the reason why is twofold: First, because plants help to freshen up the air and eliminate harmful toxins, thereby making you feel all-around healthier; second, because nature and greenery have long been proven to help us destress and unwind. In addition to helping you feel your best, houseplants also bring vibrant color, earthiness, and texture to your design scheme. So, if you’re in the market for some natural, serene décor that boosts your mood, then look to the succulents, herbs, ferns, and flowering houseplants!

1. Hang Them from the Ceiling–Macrame hangers, wicker baskets, and hooks are awesome for showcasing your very best houseplants, especially the ones that tend to cascade and climb (look for philodendron or hoya), spilling out over the sides of the pot and dancing in midair. This creates a mesmerizing look overhead and keeps your plants off the floor or furniture, as well as away from any pets or kids. Just make sure to hang them in a fairly sunny room and to always take them down to water.

Hanging Houseplants (Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

   2. Stagger Them on a Ladder–Many of our favorite houseplant decorating ideas involve repurposing or reusing old, discarded items, and why not? It’s an affordable, eco-friendly way to showcase all your gorgeous specimens. The idea of repurposing an old ladder as a plant stand, creating a tower of greenery that extends all the way to the ceiling is an exciting one. Just make sure it’s sturdy (you may have to add boards for stability) so it doesn’t waver when you move things around or water.

       3. Place Them on an Old Ironing Board–Much like the old ladder, the antique ironing board serves as a budget-friendly option for lining your plants up next to the window. Often available at estate sales, flea markets, and antiques stores, old wooden ironing boards provide ample surface area with more sunlight than your typical side table or desk. Keep your eyes out for colorful houseplants for sale to counter the rustic, antique wood. If you can’t find an old ironing board, stack up a few old fruit crates or transform drawers into cool vintage planters for the same antique effect.

3     4. Use Them to Flank the Front Door–If you’ve got a little room to spare, why not invest in a few large houseplants in floor pots? Some of the more popular large indoor plants include yucca, ficus, jade (they can get surprisingly huge), and all sorts of palms and pines. Planting two indoor trees in sturdy, matching pots and using them to flank the entryway, creates a bold threshold that totally sets the stage for the rest of your décor.

Floor Plants (Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

 5. Use Them as an Enduring Centerpiece–While fresh floral centerpieces are so beautiful; unfortunately, they are short-lived, and those brightly colored blooms barely last a week before they start to wilt. On the other hand, a live centerpiece endures year-round (as long as it gets enough sunlight on the dining room table) and keeps everything looking fresh and lively from one season to the next. Elaborate succulent gardens, terrariums, and cactus vases are a few great potted centerpiece ideas.

 6. Let Them Pepper in Some Color–Green is the name of the game when it comes to houseplants, and the idea of turning a sun-room, den, or office into a veritable jungle is pleasing to the senses, but color can be fun too! Look for easy-care flowering houseplants in hues that complement your home décor. Annual geraniums, impatiens, begonias, and calla are wonderful for growing indoors and are can be transplanted outside when it gets warm. Orchids are a very popular flowering indoor plant, offering relatively easy care, especially when using the ice watering method. Orchids should stay inside throughout the year, though.

  7. Set Them on the Windowsill–The windowsill is the locale of choice for your small, sun-loving indoor plants, especially herbs, succulents, and cacti. You can turn your windowsill display into a miniature herb garden and grow all your favorite flavor-adders, like rosemary, mint, cilantro, parsley, oregano, and basil. This is always ideal in the wintertime when fresh herbs are out of season and expensive to buy from the supermarket. Just make sure they’re planted in well-draining pots, preferably by a window in the kitchen for easy access while cooking

Windowsill Plants (Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

    8. Easy, Adaptable, Affordable Décor-There are few home-décor items out there that are quite as adaptable, cheerful, and versatile as the houseplant. By adding a few ferns to the foyer, you can soak up a ton of distinct benefits, from enjoying the natural beauty of nature to purifying the air and creating a sense of peace. And, once you get the hang of keeping them alive, it isn’t as hard as you think…you’ll be hooked.

Author Bio: Grace Quarer oversees Park Seed content development from Park’s headquarters in Greenwood, South Carolina. Before joining Park Seed, Grace managed garden content for a large national chain of home improvement stores. Grace grew up in a gardening family, but it was marrying into a farming family that introduced her to seed starting for home gardeners and professionals. Her hobby is teaching friends and her community how to sprout, grow and cook as a proud part of the “farm to table” movement.

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for February. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. of each month for This Month in the Garden, as I share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! Linking with:  Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, Friday Photo Journal, Image-in-ing Weekly Photo Link-Up and Dishing It & Digging It.

~As Always...Happy Gardening! ~

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2020. All rights reserved.