As the festive season draws to a close and the Christmas tree comes down, homes often feel a little emptier and less vibrant. It’s a familiar feeling: the twinkling lights, sparkling baubles, and lush greenery that once brought warmth to your space are packed away, leaving empty spaces. But don’t despair! January is the perfect time to rejuvenate your home by embracing houseplants.
Not only do houseplants add beauty and life to your interiors, but they’re also known to boost mood, improve air quality, and help create a calming environment which is ideal for starting the new year on a fresh and positive note. Here’s how you can transform your space with houseplants after Christmas.
Why Houseplants Are Perfect Post-Christmas
The post-holiday season can often feel a little bleak, with darker days and colder temperatures keeping us indoors. Houseplants provide a wonderful way to:
- Fill Empty Spaces: Replace the void left by your Christmas tree with large, statement plants like a Monstera Deliciosa or a Fiddle Leaf Fig which will bring you joy for many years to come.
- Add Color and Texture: Brighten up your space with the lush greenery of ferns or the striking patterns of Calatheas to mimic the colours of Christmas past.
- Boost Your Mood: Studies show that tending to plants can reduce stress and anxiety, making them a great addition to your home at the start of the year.
- Improve Air Quality: Plants like Peace Lilies, Snake Plants, and Spider Plants are natural air purifiers, creating a healthier indoor environment.
Choosing the Right Houseplants for January
Not all houseplants are created equal, so it’s important to choose ones that suit your lifestyle and home environment. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Low-maintenance options
- Snake Plant: Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, this hardy plant thrives on neglect and requires minimal watering.
- Pothos: Perfect for beginners, its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves add charm to any room and make it a versatile piece to place.
2. Air-purifying plants
- Peace Lily: With elegant white blooms, this plant is both beautiful and functional, removing toxins from the air.
- Boston Fern: A lush option that thrives in humid environments like bathrooms or kitchens.
3. Statement makers
- Monstera Deliciosa: Known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, its large, fenestrated leaves make a bold statement and watching it grow over time is a truly magical experience as super shiny new leaves appear.
- Rubber Plant: Its glossy, deep green leaves add a touch of sophistication to any space, plus it adds height to a room.
Styling Your Space with Houseplants
Houseplants aren’t just functional — they’re an integral part of interior design. Here are some tips to make your plants look their best:
1. Choose the right spot
- Place tall plants like Monstera or Rubber Plants where your Christmas tree used to stand.
- Use smaller plants on shelves, mantels, or coffee tables to add layers of greenery.
2. Group plants together
- Create a “jungle” effect by clustering plants of different heights, textures, and shades of green. This also helps them to create a micro-climate for themselves for easier care.
- Use decorative pots to tie the look together and complement your home decor.
3. Hang them up
- Add interest by hanging trailing plants like Pothos or String of Pearls from ceilings, wall brackets or curtain poles for different heights.
Caring for your new houseplants
Bringing houseplants into your home is just the beginning. Here are some essential care tips to help them thrive:
- Light: Most houseplants prefer bright, indirect light. Place them near windows but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. Take a look at the label with the houseplant or do some research before placing them to ensure you get the right balance for each individual plant.
- Watering: Overwatering is a common mistake. Check the soil’s moisture level before watering, and ensure pots have good drainage. Root rot is one of the biggest killers of houseplants from roots being sat in water for weeks on end – ensure you check decorative pots aren’t harbouring water before you give them more.
- Humidity: Many houseplants love humidity, especially during the dry winter months. Mist them regularly, use a humidifier or put a small gravel tray near your plants filled with water.
- Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the peak growing months to keep your plants healthy and thriving. You should then stop feeding them from around November to March.
Houseplants as gifts
Houseplants also make wonderful gifts for friends and family, especially in January when many people are looking for ways to refresh their homes. Consider gifting:
- A vibrant Anthurium: With its heart-shaped flowers, it’s perfect for brightening up any space.
- A low-maintenance Succulent: Great for busy recipients or those new to plant care.
- A stylish Terrarium Kit: A fun, creative gift that’s easy to maintain.
At St. John’s Garden Centres in Barnstaple and Ashford, we’ve curated a stunning range of houseplants to help you refresh your home this January. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece, an easy-care option, or a unique gift, our team of plant experts is here to help you find the perfect match.
Stop by today to browse our collection and let us inspire your green thumb for the year ahead. Let’s fill that post-Christmas gap with lush, thriving greenery and start 2025 with a breath of fresh air!