It is finally starting to feel like fall in Chicago. The weather has been unseasonably warm until now, so even though the leaves are changing colors and starting to pile up, it hasn’t really felt like fall yet. Last week, there were a couple of days that did not top 70 degrees and I finally started to think about the winter that lay ahead of us.
Chicagoans have all sorts of advice about enduring the winter. While everyone recommends embracing the season, most people have a few tricks up their sleeve. For example, some are proponents of vitamin D supplements, while others recommend strategically-timed vacations. One trick that I have started thinking about is bringing the outdoors – and more specifically green plants – inside. I have never been much of a houseplant person. Rationally, I know they are a great decorating tool. They fill an empty space, add a bit of color, and improve the mood (and oxygen) of a room. But, given that I was a San Francisco resident until a few months ago, I never felt the need to add plants to my own indoor space; the plants right outside my windows stayed green and bloomed all year. This year-round greenery combined with my brown thumb, made houseplants feel like an unnecessary expense. As I watch the Chicago landscape begin to turn brown around me, however, I think this may be the year I give it a shot.
Image courtesy of Laurenconrad.com
After a little searching I found what appears to be the perfect resource, a guide to the “Easiest Indoor Plants to Keep Alive.” Here are a few of my favorites from the list.
Image courtesy of ChrisLovesJulia.com
The fiddle leaf fig tree has been having a moment for the past several years. From a decor perspective, the tree checks all the boxes. Great green leaves, volume at the top and height. They also seem to thrive indoors. Check, check and check. They are definitely a bit of an investment so I would be worried about keeping the tree alive. Thankfully, someone created a handy guide to the best faux fiddle leaf fig trees. This might be the perfect solution to my brown thumb issues.
Image courtesy of GardeningKnowHow.com
The rubber tree plant offers the same high impact look of the fiddle leaf, but takes up a bit less real estate. I think these are a great option in a room where you are looking for a bit less drama.
Image courtesy of suburbanbitches.com
The snake plant is a great choice for high impact in areas with low light. I love the contemporary fee of the leaves; the plant does a great job of adding color and texture while maintaining the clean lines of a minimalist space.
Image courtesy of Lily.com
In a smaller space a jade plant can be a nice addition. I think they work really well in a bathroom or in a small nook where you need a pop of color. The shape of the leaves is a good combination of contemporary and classic and it could work well with almost any decor.
Image courtesy of GoodHousekeeping.com.
I am not sure the english ivy look (above) is totally me. But, it is apparently very difficult to kill. So, if all else fails, it may be worth a go.
Bottom line? There are many good choices for hearty houseplants that will allow me to bring the outdoors inside this winter. Now, it is just a matter of choosing.
