The Best House Plant. Period.
Let’s face it. Rooms with plants in them just look and feel better. There’s no way around it, and If you are anything like me - you are always on the hunt for plants + accessories that can add life and charm to your home.
But, let’s also face it. Having beautiful healthy plants takes time and commitment. We have all had that fiddle leaf that just wilted over time from the panacea of ailments plants can get from either; over watering, under watering too much light, etc. They can be divas can’t they?
So, today I wanted to share my opinion on what I think the perfect house plant. When I say plant, I actually mean tree. I am also going to throw in a few tips on how to take care of her. In the end, I have tried em all, and I think we have found the perfect one. It’s that perfect balance of easy to take care of and striking beauty.
One more thing.
It’s worth noting that I am super picky, I insist that a statement tree have leaves that look lush and shiny. I love a bark that’s silver and bold. Also, I need our house plants to be comfortable in moderate light. It’s foggy here in SF. In addition, plants @136home need to be strong enough to withstand heatwaves. We get those too. Finally, it can’t be so delicate that it needs to be watered daily, or worse insist on a daily mist. Once a week is just right for me.
Taking all that into account I think the home tree is the Ficus Audrey. I get so many compliments on mine. She is absolutely stunning.
Move over fiddle fig, we have a new belle of the ball. I have had mine for over a year, and she has been incredible. Not only has she grown a ton, she only requires just a weekly watering - and has held even up when I missed a week here and there. I do mist her about once a month. She is seriously gorgeous and easy to take care of I will NEVER buy another fiddle again. This is the only tree for me.
Here’s a bit more about how to take care of the Ficus Audrey:
Don’t overwater, this is the #1 cause of plant decay.
Check the top 2” of the soil before watering. If wet then she is fine. The Audrey does like to be consistently damp but with small periods of dryness from time to time
Place your Audrey in a bright corner with lots of indirect sunlight
Avoid placement where a really cold draft can happen.
Ideally, this location is around 70°
Place rocks in the bottom of the pot to allow drainage and avoid root rot
Mist the Audrey once a week or so to promote growth, and prevent leaf damage.
I give my leaves a wipe once a month or so. Just avoid dust collection that can suffocate the leaves
These trees grow fast, one of the many reasons I love them you can fertilize them during summer and spring to promote faster growth! This is a great idea if you start with a clipping instead of a fully grown tree.
Okay, now that we have the essentials down, let’s dress her up with a few of my must-have items when incorporating a tree into a room. While trees always look good, they look Good-er when you place them in a basket or stone planter with a plant stand. If you can invest in these two items your tree will look like it’s fresh off of the pages of @elledecor.
Remember, plants are living creatures. Do your best to treat them as such and they will pay you back tenfold with beautiful greenery and positive vibes. I just have a calendar reminder on my phone for watering and misting. It helps! Also, If you are looking for a 6’ tree or taller call your local nursery and check. Many will even ship if you ask them. This is especially nice if your hardiness zone is not the ideal weather for them, but inside your home, you are able to accommodate the temperature and light needs.
Have fun guys. I love my Ficus Audrey. I hope you will give it a shot. Mark my words, this is THE tree.