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If you’re a tenant looking to add a spark to your home, consider buying an indoor plant. Yes, decorating a rental can be a hassle especially when a landlord has strict policies. Still, houseplants are an excellent non-permanent addition that can make your home more vibrant without risking your security deposit. The best part is that if you don’t experience caring for a vegetable garden, we’ve got some low-maintenance options for you below:
Evaluate the home’s lighting conditions when choosing an indoor plant. Nearly all plants need sunlight for photosynthesis, but they also do so to varying degrees. In other words, while some house plants require direct and frequent sunshine, others thrive in low-light areas. As a result, understanding light availability can help you choose the best plants for the room you want to decorate. For instance, baby rubber plants are likely to wilt under too much sunlight, but flourish in dark conditions, making it the perfect companion for tenants that like the dark rooms or to decorate dull corners of your house.
Consider how much time and effort you will put into plant care before deciding on one for your rental space. Some tenants tend to make the mistake of choosing a plant that looks pretty, but this action can quickly backfire when you don’t have enough extra time to maintain and now have the additional burden of pruning and watering your plant. Low-maintenance houseplants are an excellent choice for those with busy lifestyles without allotting too much time to keep them alive. Perennials like hydrangea, begonia, and peace lily are popular options for tenants who prefer indoor plants that require minimal care, it would be best to choose something from your local flora.
Choose plants that are pet-friendly to avoid accidents that harm your furry friends. While pets are a delight, keeping them in check can be challenging and they might understand that your latest home addition should be off bounds. Unfortunately, some plants are toxic and have a high risk of poisoning your curious pets. So if you want to skip that heart-wrenching trip to the vet, do your research and ensure the house plant you’re eyeing doesn’t contain toxins that could harm your pets. Most succulents like Aloe Vera and jade plants meet this specification, but if you like leafy plants opt for Hoyas.
Pay attention to your plants’ watering needs to keep them looking their best. While a Boston Fern needs water once a week to stay lush, some snake plants can go an entire month without a drop. It’s essential to understand how frequently your houseplants need water so you don’t dehydrate them or overdo it. Ask the florist for their care recommendations for different seasons, especially on how to assess the plant’s soil before topping up on water. If the soil is dry then your plants are thirsty, but if it’s still damp or water is pooling above the soil’s surface, you’ve probably gone overboard. Some experts recommend making holes in your pots to allow excess water to flow out and avoid choking your plants.
Ensure plants are placed in a location that matches their light requirements. Like water, plants also need sunlight to survive but the intensity often differs. Unsurprisingly, sunflowers require several hours of direct sunlight to grow and thrive, which is why they’re most commonly found in the summer, and next to big windows when tenants use them as indoor plants. However, more people prefer to use them as outdoor decorations as improving the curb appeal can instantly lift the outside view of your rental home. Unless you prefer keeping plants on your window seal, it’s better to go with options that prefer low-light or indirect lighting conditions.
Match your pot covers to the room’s color palette to further increase your home’s aesthetic. Besides adding more greenery to your house, tastefully selecting a pot cover that goes in your home’s décor can enhance the overall appeal, making your houseplant feel like a missing piece of a set rather than an out-of-tune addition. Pot covers also serve as a functional cover as they protect plant roots from harsh weather, and prevent water leakage. Thus, these decorative features can increase your plant’s lifespan, giving more value for your money.
Minimize deductions to your security deposit by following your lease agreements. Property owners have the right to take money from their renters’ security deposit to cover tenant damage, including those from unauthorized modifications. For instance, if your landlord has to hire a cleaning service to wipe down water stains and pick up leaves from plants you placed in common areas like your staircase, they can remove that extra cost from your security deposit. Additionally, if you don’t prune or clean up after your plants regularly, they could cause damage to the property by staining the tiles or causing cracks in the walls.
Respect your rental agreement to foster a positive relationship with your landlord. Beyond getting into legal trouble and being fined for damages, violating your lease can cause a strain between you and the property owner. On the other hand, tenants who stick to their agreement are more likely to get faster repairs or flexibility in certain situations.
Indoor plants are an excellent way to add a pop of greenery to your rental home without breaking the bank or giving your landlord a migraine. Find an easy-to-care-for houseplant by considering how much maintenance it needs that matches your lifestyle.
Additionally, if you want your plants to thrive, you need to water them properly as too much will cause the leaves and roots to dry out and wilt, but too much will oversaturate the plant. It would be best to opt for a decorative pot cover that enhances your home’s décor but is also functional enough to prevent leakage. Consult your landlord or property manager before getting a new houseplant to comply with your lease agreement and stay out of trouble.
