Outside the trees are bare. A cold wind blows relentlessly from grey skies. Right about now something green and alive sounds awfully appealing. An indoor plant might be just what you need. But wait. Are you lacking that proverbial green thumb? Fear not. There are numerous plants that can survive the most extreme lack of attention. You just need to find the right plant. The following ranks the top performers from low-maintenance to moderate care.
Cactus
Cacti are extremely hardy and actually prefer to be watered infrequently. You can water them once every five weeks in winter when growth is minimal and once every two weeks in the summer. The only requirement of these prickly desert plants is strong, direct sunlight. A south-facing window is fine. Choose a light soil with good drainage so that the roots do not become waterlogged. Now just sit back and watch your cactus grow…very slowly.
Spider Plant
Don't let the name scare you away. This houseplant got its name from the shape of trailing shoots that hang down from the main part of the plant. These shoots can be placed in shallow water and within a week you will see roots forming. (It's a good idea to change the water every other day.) Within another week, the root system should be large enough for the shoot to be planted in soil. Although this plant requires moderate sunlight and regular watering at least you can grow new plants in case one dies!
Aspidistra
Not even the gloomy window ledges of George Orwell's novel Keep the Aspidistra Flying were enough to kill this plant. Aspidistra refers to any of several Asiatic plants of the lily family. The dark green leaves are broad and taper to a point. The dull purple flowers have been graciously described as 'inconspicuous'. Despite the lacklustre reputation, this plant is quite striking and is certainly very hardy. It can thrive in dark nooks or direct sunlight as well as a wide range of temperatures-from 10 to 30 degrees Celsius.
African Violets
This is the perennial favourite of indoor plants. Basic watering and moderate light will result in a steady production of blooms. Even fertilising this plant has been made simple-just push a fertiliser spike, formulated especially for African Violets, into the soil. The spikes slowly release fertiliser over a period of one to two months. The blooms are usually intense pink, purple or yellow. Check out your local garden store to find the perfect colour of flower to complement your décor.
Weeping Fig
This plant bears little resemblance to the fruit-producing varieties found in orchards and back yards. The weeping fig has small, shiny leaves that droop down like water droplets hanging off the branches. The trunk is complex and attractive. Moderate light and moisture are all that's required to keep this plant healthy. Position it beside any window except one with a northern exposure. Typically, this plant reaches a maximum height of two metres, which makes it ideal for creating a dramatic impact in the limited space of most apartments. One warning however: pets seem to like chewing on the leaves of this plant so you may want to place it on a platform until the tree is tall enough that leaves are out of reach.
Palm
If you really want winter to seem more tropical, consider adding a palm to your home. You may be most familiar with the spindly-stemmed variety with the large spiky crown that was popular in the 1980s! Fortunately, florists have begun importing a selection with a wider range of heights and shapes. Generally, palms need natural filtered light and water every five to seven days. You can put your palm on a balcony or patio in the summer as long as it does not receive direct, hot sunlight. Fertiliser is beneficial but not essential. Growth is slow in this plant which may or may not be a desired quality.
Purple Passion Plant
This plant is named for the tiny purplish hairs that cover abundant small, pointed, green leaves. Hanging pots are a great way to showcase the downward leaf growth as well as reducing the likelihood of mealy bug infestation, which is common in this species. This plant requires direct sunlight from a south-facing window. Passion plants should not be over-watered. Either use a moisture metre available from garden stores or dig down about an inch into the soil using your fingertip to assess moisture levels before watering.
Whichever plant you decide to feel "passionate" about is sure to add a touch of summer's vitality to your home!
The real estate market and I have buyers still looking for the folllowing
3/4 bedroom in Old Meadowvale Village or Levi Creek and are willing to take a fixer upper
4 bedroom in Woodbridge with finished basements
Contact me today at marianog@sutton.com or 416-256-7000 and stay tuned as I have some hot listings coming soon in Old Meadowvale Village.
Play Safe Out There,
Mariano
Belleville Santa Claus Parade Are you wondering what you can do to sell your home quickly without spending a lot of money in home renovations? All you may need is some practical advice on how to showcase your home to attract potential buyers. A buyer makes a decision whether or not they want to buy your home within 5 seconds of walking in the front door. The idea behind home staging is to prepare your home to appeal to the widest audience of viewers. Like a display suite, your house should encourage buyers to visualize living there. If your home is cluttered, out-dated, or is not selling, you may want to hire a professional home stager who can make your home more attractive to buyers. If you want to know the basics of home staging so you can make changes yourself, here are some useful tips.
- Think of your home as a commodity. Remember, it is not going to be your home anymore and should be marketed as a product. When looking at your home, you should decide on a general theme that emphasis the best features of your home and portrays an overall mood.
- You don't get a second chance to make a first impression. Clean up and revamp your front entrance way. It is the first place a buyer will see. Polish doorknobs, replace burnt out bulbs, and repaint the door if it is stained or scratched.
- Do a thorough cleaning before putting your house on the market. Spotless walls, windows, carpets, flooring, and appliances make a lasting first impression. Key areas are the kitchen, bathroom and front entry. If your carpets or vinyl floors are stained, especially in high traffic areas, you should consider replacing them.
- Consider the outside of your house. Does your siding need washing, your gutters cleaning out, or your hedge need trimming? A tidy outside raises less concern about maintenance issues.
- Remove any clutter. Small appliances on countertops, knick-knacks, jam-packed bookshelves can be packed away in preparation of moving. Family photos should also be packed away so that the potential buyer can more easily visualize their own possessions in your home. This also includes removing any excess furniture so your home has a spacious airy feeling. You may want to rent a temporary storage unit for furniture and other boxes that take up room in your closets or storage spaces.
- Arrange the furniture in your home to showcase its best features. Put a few pieces on angles to create cozy corners, and a less boxy look.
- Remove any area rugs that are covering attractive flooring and a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a dingy room. Try using currently fashionable colors to update your home's décor. Cream or neutral colors warm up a room making it feel giving a homey impression.
- Vacant homes should have the heat or air conditioning on for showing purposes. It reduces the stale odors that accumulate inside of a vacant house and gives a more inviting impression to potential homebuyers.
- The mood you create in your home is also dependent on odors. If you home has an unpleasant or mildew smell you will want to remove the source of the odor. Open up the windows to let fresh air inside your home before you show it. If you are going to use a scented candle or incense, try and use mild varieties as strong smells can irritate sensitive noses.
- Baking bread, playing soft music, and adding additional plants to your home, are all psychological cues that make a potential home buyer feel like your home is a nice place to live in and they will spend more time previewing your house. Outdoor planters and indoor floral arrangements are visually pleasing.
- Consider your lighting. Natural light makes a home feel more welcoming, open and appealing. Drapes and blinds should be opened and mood lighting left on in darker rooms.
- Take a look at your possessions. Stained or tattered items should be removed from view. Fresh towels, made beds, and clean throw rugs are a must.
- Fix any small repairs, including leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and loose door handles. They may seem insignificant but minor repairs add up in the mind of a potential buyer.
- If you have pets, ensure that their dishes, sleeping areas, and litter boxes are clean. Any noticeable pet hair should be vacuumed, and dog droppings removed from the yard.
- If you know the mood you want to create but do not have the furnishings, consider renting them. Large pictures, designer coffee tables, and accessories that enhance your homes overall look may increase the appeal of your home without seriously denting your pocket book.
