4.7.11

 

I have always loved houseplants.  When I moved into my first little apartment when I was 20 years old I had an old oak dining room table that was cut down to coffee table height in the corner.  I had that table loaded down with houseplants. 

Maybe they give off a 70's vibe but I still love how they add energy to whatever decorating style to you have. 

The look I am going for is more Victorian Conservatory than 70's macrame. 

I think I have had that Philodendron for almost 20 years.  I just give it a haircut every now and then so the vines don't trail on the floor.

 
 
I just realized that off all the pictures I took the ones that turned out marginally useful are of Philodendrons.  Here is another, smaller one on top of the bookcase.

Honestly I do have other plants.

<insert disclaimer about the crummy light and less than adequate photography skills>

I was actually standing on the couch trying to take the picture above so it is a wee bit blurry. 

My efforts to photograph them weren't so successful.  Okay – here is one of a split leaf Philodendron.  That is slightly different.  Still a Philodendron and all….

 

I just went through the house and counted – we have 13 potted plants.  None of them require that much attention.  Just a weekly watering and the occasional repotting.  

In the 80's I had the most finicky Ficus.  About once every 18 months or so it would completely drop all of its leaves.  Every last one.  I would think it was most surely dead but then it would perk up and grow leaves again.  I did find out that they don't like to be moved.  If you have a spot where your Ficus is happy then just leave it there.  I have one now and I just repotted it.  I have been holding my breath ever since but so far it seems to be holding on to all its leaves. 

Other than the Ficus and the million Philodendrons we also have a huge Peace Lily in the entry way.  If you are new to houseplants that is the one to start with.  It will let you know when it needs watering by drooping dramatically but as soon as you water it the leaves all perk right back up.

We also have a huge Dracaena Massangeana that is taking over the entry way.  It's like a scene from Jumanji when you first walk into the house.

 

You know me and my love for movie sets – one that stands out is Andie McDowel's apartment in Green Card.  Have you seen that movie?  She has a fabulous rooftop conservatory in New York.  I think that is the look I am going for.  I think I might need to watch that again.