Joe’s Market Basket encourages use of indoor plants to liven spaces during colder months

Taking care of houseplants can be an extremely rewarding task. Many people look to indoor greenery to liven up their spaces, pump health benefits into the air, make up for a lack of outdoor space or to carry their outside hobby indoors during the colder months. However, taking care of those plants also comes with its own set of challenges, and Joe’s Market Basket has the keys to keep them healthy.

The first step in your indoor plant adventure is selecting the right ones for your living arrangement. Joe’s Market Basket General Manager Andy Klos said factors to consider include lighting needs, watering schedules and the size of the plant. Klos said snake plants, pothos, rubber plants and aloe vera are all popular options for those looking to add some color to their homes.

“When I talk to customers, a lot of them are concerned about watering schedules and forgetting to water their plant,” Klos said. “While the idea of forgetting to water can be scary, I know many people who have attempted to keep their first houseplant alive and been very successful. In general, it’s better to under-water than to give it too much water. A good rule to follow is if you stick your finger a couple of inches into the soil and it’s dry, it needs to be watered. If it’s still moist, you can hold off on watering. Also, make sure to check the plant’s tag for how much light it needs. While most houseplants can survive with a small amount of light, it’s still important for them to get some throughout the day.”

The little things can go a long way when it comes to improving the health of indoor plants. Making use of household items, like discarded eggshells, can be that extra step that takes your plant care above and beyond. Adding crushed eggshells to the soil of houseplants helps give them much-needed calcium, and Klos said other organic items, like banana peels, can be used effectively as a boost for fertilizer.

“It’s also a good idea to clean dust off your plants indoors,” Klos said. “The dust blocks sunlight from hitting your plant, keeping it from getting the light it needs to thrive. A dusting every couple of days can go a long way in keeping your indoor greenery healthy. Don’t forget to trim and prune throughout the year to encourage new growth, and it’ll keep your plants looking fresh in all corners of your home.”

Photo courtesy Joe’s Market Basket.

Joe’s Market Basket is a family-owned business with four Illinois locations in Edwardsville, O’Fallon, Godfrey, Troy and one location in St. Peters, Mo. Market Basket’s mission is to provide customers with an outstanding service experience and top-of-the-line products. For more information about Joe’s Market Basket, visit http://www.joesmarketbasket.com/.