INTRODUCTION
Houseplants were all the rage in the 1970s, and then, for unknown reasons, they fell out of favor. As you presumably know (you picked up this book, after all!), their popularity has returned.
Why the resurgence? People are more aware of the healthy benefits plants have to offer. Plants provide us with oxygen, clean the air, and lower our blood pressure. Without them we wouldn’t have air to breathe; they are therapeutic and can reduce stress. After a long day at work, our plants greet us when we walk in the door, and the cares of the day melt away. We may have even stopped on the way home to pick up a new friend to add to our burgeoning collection. Plants give us something to love and take care of without the intensity of a pet. The new term applied to plant owners is “plant parents.” So fitting!
As a human parent myself, I understand what tremendous meaning that term has. Being a parent is serious business, so taking on the role of plant parent means making sure your plants are loved, tended to, and treated like part of the family. You’re the one who will provide what they need not only to survive, but to thrive. And even better: plants don’t talk back or cause any problems (for the most part, anyway). As long as you choose the best plants for your conditions (start with the cool plants I profile in the first section), meet their need for sufficient light, water them at the right time, and provide fresh air, they’re going to thrive. Listen to your plants and they’ll “tell” you how they’re feeling. Do they seem pale and spindly? They may be telling you they need more light. Do they have leaves that are yellow or wilted? They may be receiving too much or too little water. Don’t lose heart. The second section of this book tells you all about how to properly care for your indoor plants to help ensure your chances of success.
Maybe you’ve had a plant fatality or two and want to give up. Or you don’t feel you have the fabled “green thumb” others seem to have two of. Some people may have a natural affinity for plant care, but you too can have success with plants. A “green thumb” can be yours simply by paying attention and meeting the plant’s needs in a timely manner.
Once you have met your plant’s basic needs, it’s time to bring home some new “toys” for your green babies. It’s time to spoil them! That’s where the third section of this book comes in. I’ve put together 15 houseplant- focused projects that add to your décor and at the same time give your plants new places to hang out and grow. Some include upcycling—using things that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Some are super easy, and some take a bit more time and materials. But I promise you, they are all fun to make, alone or with a handful of houseplant-loving friends! Let’s make it a houseplant party!
