Add These to Your Wish List!

Over the last few weeks, I have received numerous plant shipments. Because of this, I have been consumed with my plants and decided that for this post, I couldn't just write about one. I had to write about all of them. Or at least my favorites.

For those of you who are new to plants, you may discover some plants that you aren't familiar with. Warning: Your plant wish list may grow after reading this blog!

5.) While it comes in at number five right now, it was at the top of my list just a few weeks ago.

This Variegated String of Hearts may be one of my "simpler" plants, but it's eye catching leaves are just stunning. I could swear she grows an inch in length every day. She is constantly putting out new leaves and amazing me. She's also very easy to care for. She enjoys the light to maintain her bright colors, but watering days are few and far between for this girl! Since "String Ofs" are technically succulents, I don't have to worry about watering more than once every three to four weeks.

4.) Speaking of striking leaves and shocking new growth, my Monstera Standleya Albo Variegata brings up the rear at number four. As soon as a new leaf unfurls, it seems like she's putting out another one. As far as her care goes, she's a little more needy, but NEVER dramatic. She likes her bright indirect light and craves humidity. She does need more frequent watering than my VSOH however, she has no problem letting me know when its time. When her leaves start to curl around the edges, I know she's thirsty. Within an hour of receiving her water, she perks right back up to her beautiful self.

3.) When it comes to color and striking patterns, our Jose Buono knows what he's doing. With large leaves putting out variegations of white, cream and different shades of green, you can't miss this handsome guy. Being part of the Philodendron family, we never have any trouble with this guy. He's very easy to care for and is never fussy. It's variegated patterns will thrive in bright indirect light but it can tolerate lower light levels. Just keep in mind, lower light levels could result in less variegation. They typically thrive in higher humidity but can tolerate your household humidity in most cases. As far as watering goes, you'll want to keep the soil moist but never wet in the warmer months, and dial it back just a bit in the colder season.

2.) Though I've always said the Philodendron Melanochrysum will always be my number one, I had to push it back to number two this time. Though I'm sure he'll be back in his number one spot in no time. Being part of the Philodendron family, you'd expect this little guy to be easy to care for. However, it is a velvet leaf Philo and in my experience, they seem to be a bit more difficult. I killed my fair share of Melanos in the beginning but I seem to have finally figured this guy out. I keep him in a glass case that maintains approximately 65% humidity. He receives medium indirect light and I keep him potted in sphagnum moss instead of my usual soil mixture. I tend to keep the moss moist and typically use rain water or water from my fish tank to water this guy. Though he may be fussy, he will always have a special place in my heart. Who could resist those dark velvety leaves?!

1.) Taking the Melanochrysum's spot this time around is a new addition to our collection. My current favorite plant is our Mint Variegated Monstera Adansonii. Because of it's variegated leaves, this beauty needs bright indirect light. Remember, variegated leaves have less chlorophyll and need more sun to go through the photosynthesis process. Keep an eye on your lighting and make sure it isn't too bright or you may burn the leaves. This Monstera, like most, will thank you to keep the potting media moist but never wet. You'll need a well draining soil or moss to ensure you don't overwater. Moderate to high humidity is typically suggested for these to really thrive, though they mostly do okay with your average household humidity as well.

I hope you've enjoyed taking a deeper look into some of my favorite plants. Let us know which ones are your favorite or if you've added any of these beauties to your plant wish list! Remember, Spring is practically here so look for more plants coming available in the shop. We can't wait to share our new additions with you guys! Have a great week everybody!