Often celebrated for its lush green landscapes, Seattle is a haven for outdoor gardening and a paradise for indoor plants. However, maintaining indoor plants requires knowledge and care. With Seattle’s mild climate, you can transform any room into a vibrant living space. If you’re considering a green touch to sell your Seattle home or want to enhance its ambiance, here are the best tips to cultivate indoor plants successfully.
Selecting the Right Plants for Seattle’s Climate
Drawing insights from Lively Root, Seattle is blessed with warm, sunny summers, making it a forgiving city for gardening. Various plants, from fruit trees to aromatic blooms, thrive indoors. The Split Leaf Philodendron is famous for those seeking an easy-care, jungle vibe. Similarly, the Common Camas offers tall flowers, adding color. The native Maidenhair Fern stands out as a durable indoor plant, and the pollinator-friendly Red Flowering Currant is equally captivating.
Understanding the Basics of Indoor Plant Care
To ensure your indoor plants thrive in a Seattle home, it’s essential to understand their primary care needs. Swansons Nursery provides some advice for every indoor gardener:
Light Levels: It’s imperative to understand the light requirements of each plant. High-light plants love direct sun and are best placed near south, west, or east windows. Medium-light plants prefer the brightness of east windows or a spot 4-6 ft from south/west windows. Low-light plants are content with north-facing windows or corner placements.
Watering: Overwatering is a common mistake. Always water when the soil surface feels dry, focusing near the soil and avoiding leaves. The frequency varies by the type of plant, pot size, and location.
Temperature & Humidity: Most plants thrive in a temperature range of 55-75°F. With Seattle’s fluctuating humidity, consider ways to increase it, such as misting or using a humidifier. Recognize the importance of microclimates within your home.
Soil, Food, and Repotting: Choose quality potting soil and use liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Winter is a time to abstain from fertilizing, except for winter-flowering plants. If plants show signs like protruding roots or slowed growth, spring is the best time to repot.
Seattle’s Housing Market and the Indoor Plant Trend
While indoor plants offer aesthetic and health benefits, they also subtly influence the Seattle housing market. According to Norada Real Estate’s 2023-2024 forecast, Seattle’s average home value is $701,530, witnessing a 4.9% decrease in the past year. However, the market has a positive sentiment with a projected 5.0% increase over the next year. Among the factors driving this optimism are Seattle’s strong job market and quality of life. Integrating indoor plants into home decor is part of a lifestyle trend that appeals to many potential buyers, enhancing the desirability of properties. As 51.7% of sales in Seattle are above the list price, presenting a well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing home can make all the difference.
Growing indoor plants in your Seattle home not only invigorates your living space but can also positively influence the value and appeal of your property. By choosing the right plants and providing them with proper care, you can enjoy the benefits of a green indoor environment year-round. Whether you’re looking to enjoy your urban oasis or to sell your Seattle home at a competitive price, cultivating indoor plants is a step in the right direction.