Creating Your Perfect Indoor Garden with Houseplants
As your trusted Seattle gift shop with a passion for supporting artists and craftspeople from across the USA, we're excited to dive into one of our favorite topics: houseplants.
Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just beginning your journey into indoor gardening, this guide will help you create a thriving indoor oasis that complements your artistic home decor.
Are Houseplants Good for You?
The short answer is a resounding yes! When shopping at our Seattle store or browsing online, you've probably noticed the growing trend of incorporating greenery into home decor. This isn't just about aesthetics – science backs up the numerous benefits of sharing your space with houseplants.
Research shows that bringing nature indoors can significantly improve your mental and physical well-being. Studies have found that having plants in your home can:
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Reduce stress levels by up to 40%, making your space feel more peaceful and grounding.
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Boost productivity and creativity by up to 15%.
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Improve air quality by removing toxins and increasing humidity, making your home environment healthier and more comfortable.
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Enhance your mood and sense of well-being, creating a more positive atmosphere in your living space.
Which Houseplants Purify the Air?
When browsing our Seattle gift store, you'll find beautiful planters handmade by artists that perfectly complement these air-purifying powerhouses such as the Air Plant Holder by Kokoro Designs below.
Here are some of the most effective plants for improving your indoor air quality:
Snake Plant (Sansevieria): This striking plant is particularly effective at removing formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Its dramatic vertical leaves make it a stunning addition to any room, especially when paired with handmade ceramic planters from our artists.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): A classic choice for air purification, spider plants are excellent at removing carbon monoxide and xylene. Their cascading leaves look beautiful in hanging planters.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Known for removing common household toxins, peace lilies also add an elegant touch to any room.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): These lush plants are particularly good at removing formaldehyde while adding humidity to the air.
Which Houseplants Are Toxic to Dogs and Cats?
We know you want to create beautiful spaces that are safe for every family member – including pets. Here are some common houseplants to avoid if you have furry friends. Please note this is not an exhaustive list:
- Lilies (especially toxic to cats)
- Aloe
- Pothos
- Philodendron
- Monstera
- Snake Plant
- Sago Palm
Instead, consider these pet-friendly alternatives that look beautiful in artisan-crafted planters like the Friendly Planter from Kathy Manzella below (also not an exhaustive list of plants):
- Boston Fern
- Air plant
- Spider Plant
- Parlor Palm
- African Violet
- Calathea
- Christmas Cactus
Shown above:
Friendly Planter- M - Smiling with Hugs (Teal Interior) by Kathy Manzella Ceramics
Easy to Care for Houseplants
For busy plant parents who want to shop local artists and create a beautiful home environment, these low-maintenance plants are perfect choices:
ZZ Plant: This virtually indestructible plant tolerates low light and irregular watering. Its glossy leaves look stunning against handcrafted pottery from our artwork market.
Pothos: Available in various patterns and colors, pothos is incredibly forgiving and adaptable.
Chinese Evergreen: These beautiful plants thrive in various light conditions and don't need frequent watering.
Snake Plant: Despite being toxic to pets, this remains one of the easiest plants to care for. Its architectural form pairs beautifully with minimalist planters.
Pro Tip: When selecting planters, look for ones with drainage holes to help prevent overwatering – the most common cause of houseplant death.
You can also get some fun plant waterers like our rain cloud collection seen below.
Creating Your Own Indoor Garden
As you begin or continue your houseplant journey, remember that our Seattle gift shop is here to help you create a beautiful, nurturing space. By supporting local artists and choosing handmade pieces to complement your plants, you're not just decorating – you're creating an environment that promotes well-being while celebrating creativity and craftsmanship.
From Seattle Washington to across the USA, we're proud to offer pieces from talented artisans who understand the connection between art, nature, and home. Our carefully curated collection of plant-related items offers something special for every plant enthusiast.
Ready to start or expand your plant collection? Visit us to discover how supporting local artists can help you create the indoor garden of your dreams.