ROO
The Houseplant Magazine
WN 2020 IS 001
TA B L E O F C O N TENT ISSUE 01 WINTER 2020
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Feature Article
Photo Credits
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Page 45
Variegated Houseplants You Can Actually Afford
Check out all of our amazing photographers!
Check out our social media! @RootedMag
08 12 13 Plant As Decor
Plant As Decor
Plant As Decor
Ways of Decorating Your Interior With Green Plants
Ceiling Plants
Plant Baskets
Planty Tips
Planty Tips
Plants and Health
Variegated Houseplants You Can Actually Afford
How to Prevent Being a Plant Murderer
Why Plants Make You Happy
Plants and Health
Plants and Pets
Plants And Pets
Why Science Says You Need Plants
How to Prevent Spoilage
The Most Pet Friendly Plants
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36 38 44 Herbal Remedies
Herbal Remedies
Herbal Remedies
Plants to Heal Wounds
Adding Herbs to your Smoothies
Growing Your Spices 5
plants as decor
If a plant is sad, do other plants photosympethize with it?
SECTION ONE PLANTS AS DECOR
Ways of Decorating Your Interior with Green Plants If you are hesitant to bring plants inside the house, these tips will help you get it right! Christie Joy
Who says plants are not a good piece for decor? I do understand that plants are somewhat hard to manage or grow. We may freak out especially when you do all the caring but then after it will just die. This feels terrible but looking into the bright side of this, plants are very attractive and pleasing to the eyes. Moreover, plants are not that too expensive just like other decors that would cost you twice or thrice the price of a single plant. So if you want the idea of being close to the nature then stay with me and together will turn your interior into a green revitalized home! How to care and grow indoor plants? This may be a critical responsibility especially for those people – that includes me – who were not luckily born with green thumb. But I guess it would
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not be necessary as long as we understand the fact that plants do have life just like us. They can be very easy to care for. First, of course you must place them in a nice pot that can hold the right soil for them. Second, make sure that they can get enough light. Third, water them appropriately (amount of water varies on type of plant). And lastly, watch out for pests that can destroy the leaves. That’s how simple it goes! How to decorate your home with plants? Decorating our home with plants can be very easy and does not need for second thoughts. Plants are very versatile that they can be placed at any corner and area or space of your home. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate plants to your interior decor:
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Fill out empty corners There are certain corners in our homes that don’t just fit with a piece of furniture. In this case, you can just place a plant behind chairs. But remember to choose a larger size to fully occupy the whole space/corner. This is most useful when you have limited space thus making the room look closer and larger without being crammed full.
Hang it If you have limited space in your home that you do not want to sacrifice that left space for a pot of plant, then I think hanging it would be an alternative idea. Through this way you can utilize all the remaining spaces and at the same time it can brighten up the area. And with the right choice of plant it can even add color to complicated dappled areas. But be sure to secure it well to get rid of accidents.
Use it on walls If you wanted your design to be more grandiose and more composed why not try having a plantwall. This can be perfect for the any bare walls in your space or walls of your pathway. You can decide on your own about the size and shape. Choose appropriate indoor plants that would suite the condition of the environment.
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SECTION ONE PLANTS AND HEALTH
Display as centerpiece A centerpiece is an important decor that would complete the look of all your tables inside your homes. What more if plants are used as one. For the living room, it would be ideal if you will choose blooming leafy plants that would make the room appear larger. While some blossoming flowers for the rest of the rooms that would propose a relaxing ambiance.
Use it as dividers It cannot be avoided that there are specific areas in our homes that are left unused or vacant which may make us feel that something’s missing or the design is incomplete. Make use of these spaces by setting up dividers that will isolate specific space for a more intimate style. But this time it would be much better if you will be using plants. In this manner, natural privacy would be acquired.
Create focal point Nowadays, modern designing would include trees to the interior as a focal piece. There are a lot of available indoor trees that can sustain the atmosphere inside your home. Also, choose plants that are not that sensitive and difficult to grow just like fern tree and bamboo tree. As I have said use those available vacant spaces to create a unique design. Don’t be afraid to apply any idea you have in mind.
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Include Zen garden If you really have that natural skill in gardening and you just can’t get enough with an outdoor garden, then it’s not a problem to have it for your indoor. Plan on the available space you have considering that it will not jeopardize the availability of your floor scheme and as well as the beauty of the plants. No matter where you place your Zen garden always consider the needs of the plants.
Decorate your hallways Since the hallways are passages that leads to the entrance or exit then it should also be decorated. Containing this area with fresh plants and blooming flowers would look very inviting for your guests. It would sound good that at the time your guest opens the main door a fresh and invigorating impression would welcome them.
Bring tropical sense indoor Indoor swimming pools are incredibly becoming an option these days. The only way that you can still experience a tropical sense in this area is by adding up green plants. They are not just accents but also can boost the humidity of the area. Just remember that it is imperative that you will select the right plants for your decor. Go ahead! Start placing your plants as you like and later on you will know how it goes.
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SECTION ONE PLANTS AND HEALTH
CEILING PLANTS Whether you live in a small apartment, have short ceilings, or just want to get creative with our plants decor, hanging plants from your ceiling is a great solution. Visually, hanging plants from the ceiling makes the eye go up, which can appear taller celings. When in any room, the design should cause your eye to flow from one object to the next. The use of hanging plants can strengthen the design of your interior! Grab some hooks an ropes from you local home and garden store to get started! Madeline Tschirki
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plant baskets I have received beautiful plants with absolutely horrendous vases! They do not fit the design of my room, they are bulky and heavy, and frankly often imptractical. Instead of buying expensive vases, repurposing used ones, or just dealing with the original vase, I recommend using a basket! Madeline Tschirki
Purchase At: Restoration Hardware Crate And Barrel Pottery Barn
Budget Friendly: Urban Outfitters Amazon Target Walmart Ikea
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SECTION ONE PLANTS AND HEALTH
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planty tips Sorry, I’m busy. I’m hanging with my plants.
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SECTION TWO PLANTY TIPS
Variegated Houseplants You Can Actually Afford -That Plant LifeHave you seen countless pictures flooding your Pinterest and Instagram feeds of the jaw-dropping Variegated Monstera Houseplant? Wondering how to acquire this beauty leads you to a quick google search. Your jaw drops again when you see the price tag, $250 plus! Well sorry Karen, it turns out you only have $20 in your bank account and you’re definitely not going to be able to afford your dream plant. You’ve had your heart set on a variegated beauty for the last ten minutes and the news is devastating.
In the house plant world, variegated plants have been on the rise to fame for the last couple of years. The most popular usually being plants with white variegation. These beauties will have a little different care than their pure green counterparts. Since part of the leaf is white it can’t absorb sunlight and photosynthesis like the rest of the green leaf. This means that most variegated plants will have higher light requirements than other plants. Don’t worry if you don’t have enough light, just invest in a grow light and you’ll be all set.
Well, don’t start crying quite yet! Here at ThatPlantyLife we don’t think you have to skip out on eating or paying rent to adopt a plant you love! That’s why today we’re going to show you 6 absolutely gorgeous variegated houseplants that won’t break the bank! Variegated houseplants include any houseplant that displays multiple colors on the leaves.
Let’s find your new dream plant!
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We took extra care to find you the most gorgeous and easily accessible plants that any plant parent can afford. And although affordable, trust me these six houseplants don’t compromise when it comes to variegation gorgeousness. Once you buy one you’ll find yourself staring at those luscious leaves all day.
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Ficus Elastica ‘Tineke’
Peace Lily ‘Domino’
LIGHT
LIGHT
The Tienke version of the rubber tree has gorgeous variegated foliage. In order to not lose this variegation make sure to give it bright, indirect light.
WATER Water this plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Use your moisture meter since watering needs can vary between summer and winter months.
PLANTY TIP This plant grows well in normal household humidity but would love a boost in humidity every once in a while. Use a mister to mist your rubber tree occasionally.
This plant requires bright, indirect light. If you need to supplement your light source grab a grow light. It will be worth it when you see it flower for the first time.
WATER This plant loves to have consistently moist but never soggy soil. Water every other day.
PLANTY TIP This plant will definitely let you know if it’s thirsty. Don’t be alarmed if you look over one day and it looks half dead. It’s a bit dramatic, but just give it a good drink and within a matter of hours you should see it spring back to life, don’t lose hope!
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Calathea ‘White Fusion’
‘N Joy’ Pothos
LIGHT
LIGHT
Calatheas need bright, indirect light to thrive. Direct sun will burn the leaves and cause them to fade.
WATER Make sure to keep the soil moist but never soggy. This plant is also a little more particular about the water it likes to drink than other plants. Use distilled or rainwater to keep it thriving. You can also leave your tap water out overnight to help dissipate the chlorine.
PLANTY TIP This plant has a reputation for being difficult to keep happy. High humidity is a must, without it, the leaves will get brown and crispy. Make sure to add a humidifier to your space to avoid those crispy ends.
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Prefers bright, indirect light. Will tolerate lower light settings but will grow slower and can lose some of its variegation compared to medium light.
WATER Pothos prefer to dry out some between waterings. Make sure to get the moisture meter that I use so you never over or underwater your houseplants.
PLANTY TIP If you’re new to plant parenthood we recommend starting with this plant. Pothos are notorious for being some of the easiest plants to keep alive. Start here and gain your confidence with houseplants! Soon you’ll be hooked and your home/apartment will be stuffed with plants.
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Hoya ‘Krimson Queen’
Manjula Pothos
LIGHT
LIGHT
Hoya’s can survive in low, medium, to bright, indirect light. However, to get blooms and more variegation you’re going to want to increase the light. Avoid direct sunlight with this houseplant.
WATER This plant likes to get dry between waterings. It’s especially sensitive to overwatering so make sure to have well-draining soil and do not water until the soil is all the way dry, with no moisture.
PLANTY TIP See a long tendril growing from your Hoya plant? Never cut this off! This is where the leaves and famous Hoya blooms develop from. Don’t repot very often either, Hoya plants prefer to be more root-bound than other plants.
Thrives in medium to bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight which will scorch the leaves.
WATER Don’t allow the soil to become too soggy on the Manjula pothos but definitely keep it moister than your typical pothos. Allow the top to dry out just slightly before watering again.
PLANTY TIP Pothos plants love to trail! Check out some gorgeous hanging planters you can use to display your pothos for all to see! Also, you can even make your own.
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SECTIONONE 1 PLANTS PLANTY TIPS SECTION AND HEALTH
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Still not convinced that you can go on without a variegated monstera? Here are a couple of tips for getting your plant loving hands on one: Get active and involved in the plant community on Facebook and Instagram. You can find them in auctions, giveaways, or sometimes people will sell cuttings. Do NOT harass people that you do not know for cuttings of plants. Check your local houseplant nursery and Sometimes expensive on these sites but frequent checking could find you a deal. Lastly, be willing to pay. At least, for now, these plants are expensive and to get a quality plant/cutting you will need to pay. If you’re interested in a Thai Constellation we recommend waiting it out a little as we believe these will be more readily available and affordable in the ear future.
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SECTION TWO PLANTY TIPS
HOW TO PREVENT BEING A P L A N T MURDERER ALEXA PATTERSON
We've planted herbs, brought in house plants, and geared up for spring arrangements, which is all fine and lovely until something starts to wither. That's where expert advice comes in handy, so we enlisted Tara Heibel, author of Rooted in Design and owner of Sprout Home, to help us plan for the worst—and reverse it.
ISSUE: The leaves are dropping off like flies. Diagnosis: If your plant is dropping leaves from the center of the plant (versus dropping leaves on the perimeter), it might not be getting enough light. Treatment: If you're not giving the plant the light that it needs, move it closer to a sunny window or buy a plant light.
What to do if your plant is in crisis:
ISSUE: Your plant is paling from green to yellow. Diagnosis: If the leaves are turning yellow—almost jaundice-looking—and the center stalk is turning brown and getting a little soft, chances are you might be overwatering your plant. Treatment: Check to make sure that it's draining properly (by looking for water in the drain tray), and adjust your watering schedule as needed. If your container has no drainage hole, you can use gravel at the bottom under the soil but that's just a precaution and won't
ISSUE: You've instantly killed your plant. Diagnosis: If you've recently repotted a plant, it can experience shock, which should subside in 2 to 3 weeks. Treatment: Just wait it out. Don't try to add fertilizer to perk it up, as the potting mix you used for repotting most likely has food in it. A plant can only take in so much food!
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guarantee good drainage. Using a good potting soil instead of topsoil for planting also encourages proper grainage. Lastly, remove yellow leaves, as they will not turn vibrant green again—and don't worry, it's all for the best. ISSUE: Your plant is turning brown. Diagnosis: If the leaves are turning crispy brown from the tips, chances are your plant is drying out. Treatment: Determine if your plant needs more water by checking the soil, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. If you have forced air blowing on your plant, or it is getting too much sun, move it into a more habitable environment. ISSUE: Your plant has been invaded. Diagnosis: If the leaves are turning colors and you see webbing or new bumps protruding from your plant, check
for bugs. There are a multitude of bugs that could be munching on your plant such as mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and aphids. Treatment: Determine if there are bugs and which kind they are by comparing with pictures online, then treat your plant with sn appropriate organic insecticide. ISSUE: Your plant just won't grow. Diagnosis: If your plant looks lackluster in general and isn't growing very readily, figure out when you last fertilized it. We're now getting into the warmer growing season when plants need some food; yours might be hungry! Treatment: If you haven't fed the plant in a while, you might want to start doing so. I like using a water-soluble fertilizer such as Fox Farm Grow Big or Big Bloom. Instructions come with each concentrated bottle.
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SECTION ONE PLANTS AND HEALTH
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plants and health What did one hungry plant say to the other plant? “I could use a light snack.”
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SECTION ONE PLANTS AND HEALTH
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WHY PLANTS MAKE YOU HAPPY
Plants are more than just decoration. They make our lives brighter simply by being in a room with us, whether clustered on window sills, congregated in corners or suspended from ceilings in hanging baskets. Their presence is therapeutic and adds color and texture to otherwise lifeless indoor spaces; research shows this helps us to refocus our energy and better manage stress. The practice of collecting and caring for indoor plants is increasingly popular, but there’s nothing new about the human impulse to keep houseplants. What is new is the science that finally confirms what we already knew: plants make our lives happier and our minds healthier. Check out how they do here!
PUNEET SABHARWAL
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SECTION THREE PLANTS AND HEALTH
PLANT THERAPY IS A REAL THING Our predisposition to love plants has a name: Biophilia. It’s defined as our tendency to prefer natural environments as a result of evolution. Research shows that because we have such a strong positive association with plants, their absence in our lives can actually cause physical and mental stress.¹ Today, people spend more time inside of buildings than ever before, especially in urban areas, which drastically reduces our interactions with nature, including open skies, fresh air, and lush greenery. With limited access
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to forests, gardens and even backyards, our only means of spending quality time in nature requires special visits to parks and beaches or day trips outside of the city. Recreating nature indoors is an alternative that humans have turned to for thousands of years. Ancient cultures were abundant with indoor greenery — from Chinese ornamental plants cultivated as early as 1,000 BCE to the famed (possibly fictional) Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders
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of the Ancient World engineered around 610 BCE. King Nebuchadnezzar II is said to have ordered the construction of the impressively tiered gardens— complete with a complex irrigation system—to soothe the homesickness of Queen Amytis, his wife, who missed the countryside of her homeland. If you have endured a winter in New York City with its 12 inch slush puddles and miles of concrete buried beneath mountains of dirty snow, you understand the queen's pain. It wasn't until one chilly afternoon in
March, when I took myself to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for the first time.
I felt instant euphoria being surrounded by plants. As I entered a toasty conservatory filled to the vaulted glass ceiling with tropical plants radiating warmth and life, it felt as if the entire plant kingdom was giving me a steamy embrace, and I had to resist the urge to nuzzle my face into the nearest fern.
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SECTION THREE PLANTS AND HEALTH
WHY INDOOR PLANTS FACINATE
Keeping lush houseplants, erecting moss-covered ‘living walls’ and framing-in glass panoramic views of the world outside makes an important difference to our mental, emotional and physical well-being. A 2016 study revealed that the presence of more than three indoor plants in homes and businesses enhanced the mood and sharpened the focus of subjects.² And with plants, bigger is better. “The larger the plants, the
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better the mood of the subjects,” researchers noted. “Also, an increase in the number of plants reduced the feeling of boredom in participants. These facts suggest that plants can be a source of fascination… providing an opportunity for reflection and recovery from direct attention fatigue.” When placed in hospitals and recovery rooms, plants have the ability to capture and hold the attention of
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accelerating healing time. According to research, rooms with plants are “perceived as more cheerful, pleasant, and inviting” than those without.
having a clear view through the window of vegetation outside has proven to boost mood, combat depression and increase overall feelings of wellness.⁴
Plants should be considered not simply as decoration but as therapeutic tools.
Though unmoving to the naked eye, a plant's slow and steady growth narrates its life each time its stems perk up with the intake of water and its leaves unfurl toward the sunlight. Plants are like interactive pieces of art, the perfect embodiment of beauty and life.
They are “noninvasive, inexpensive, and effective complementary medicine for surgical patients.”³ Just
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WHY SCIENCE SAYS YOU NEED PLANTS Whether it’s a bland living room or boring workspace, potted plants are a safe bet if you want to jazz up interiors on a budget. Interestingly, spending a little green on greens can do wonders for your well being as well. A significant amount of scientific evidence suggests that being around greenery can stave off stress, elevate mood and improve cognitive function, among other things. ‘Nuff said. Here are five of the reasons that you need houseplants in your home right now.
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Illustrated by Madeline Tschirki
NOMA NAZISH
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01
THEY REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY
According to a study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, active interaction with indoor plants (like touching and smelling) can reduce physiological and psychological stress. What's more, even the potting soil can help you keep a handle on daily stress and anxiety. This is because soil contains microbes dubbed "outdoorphins" (M. vaccae) which work as natural antidepressants. "It boosts your mood by releasing cytokines, which then leads your brain to produce more serotonin. So, just by being around soil, these outdoorphins flood your body and boost your mood," writes Joey Doherty, a Certified Wellness Counselor. Although a walk in the park would be more effective (due to increased exposure to those microbes), being around houseplants can be beneficial too. "It has also been established that plants confer positive changes in the brain's electrical activity, muscle tension and heart activity," notes environmental health expert Danica-Lea Larcombe, in an article published in The Conversation. Place potted lavender or snake plant in your bedroom to de-stress and sleep better.
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THEY SPRUCE UP THE AIR QUALITY
According to the American Lung Association, indoor air can be even more polluted than the air outdoors. Some of the most common air pollutants include asbestos, mold, radon, formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide. Exposure to these fine particles can cause dry eyes, headaches or even serious ailments like asthma. According to NASA, plants like Peace Lily and English Ivy can filter out most of these toxic fumes. They absorb these pollutants through their roots and leaves. Research also highlights that rooms with houseplants contain up to 60% less airborne molds and bacteria than rooms without any greenery.
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THEY ACT AS NATURAL HUMIDIFIER
Plants release moisture from their leaves through a process called transpiration. Just place some Boston Ferns around your apartment to regulate dry indoor air during winter. However, if you have kids or pets at home, do your research before bringing any plants into your home. Avoid keeping houseplants that are unsafe for them.
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THEY ENHANCE COGNITIVE SKILLS
According to a study conducted by the Texas A&M University, keeping potted plants and flowers around your workspace can substantially improve your creative performance and problem-solving skills. Similarly, researchers at Exeter University, UK found that indoor plants improve concentration, productivity and boost staff well-being by 47% at work. Being around plants can also increase memory retention by up to 20%. So basically, keeping lush green houseplants in your office can help you kill it at work. What better reason to get some Lucky Bamboo or Gerbera daisies for your work desk!
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THEY FACILITATE HEALING
Being in close proximity to plants can help you feel calm and heal faster from injuries. In fact, a Kansas State University research recommends potted plants and flowers as a “noninvasive, inexpensive, and effective complementary medicine for surgical patients.” Meanwhile, studies led by Texas A&M University suggest that horticulture therapy can help patients in health facilities.
So hit up your local nursery, it’s time to get your green on!
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PHOTO CREDIT & ISSUE SNEAK PEAK
photo credit
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Front Cover Sam Erickson
Page 17a Karly Seamon
Page 23a Valeria Ushakova
Back Cover Daria Shevtsova
Page 17b Takumi Cho
Page 23b Valeria Ushakova
Page 9 Lauren Barry
Page 18a Joe Sholarson
Page 26 Anna Shvets
Page 10 Lisa Moyneur
Page 18b Matilda Landy
Page 28 Anna Shvets
Page 11 Alexandrra Balmure
Page 19a Patrick Johnson
Page 29 Anna Shvets
Page 12 Valeria Boltneva
Page 19b Paul Moore
Page 30 Anna Shvets
Page 13 Erik Lansom
Page 20 Erin Jackman
Page 31 Anna Shvets
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