Let’s face it, Washington State can be weird when it comes to seasons. It’s also one of the most beautiful states; rich in foliage and greenery. It’s no wonder, then, that we love to bring a little of the Pacific Northwest indoors! With our summers growing increasingly warm, nurturing houseplants in the summer heat can become challenging. If you’re looking to for houseplants that thrive in Pacific Northwest summers, here are a few to add to your indoor garden.
Snake Plants are a popular choice among many, and for good reason! They’re known to be tough, and thrive in a variety of conditions, save for freezing nights. They’re particularly happy in sunlight, which makes them a great choice for Washington summers. Snake plants can grow quite large–up to three feet in height–and make a nice statement decor for an indoor space.
The Philodendron is a PNW staple and provides a soft, light shade of greenery. While sunlight is important, philodendrons do best with limited, indirect sunlight. While growing these, watch for drooping leaves, as that can be a sign your philo is receiving too much or too little water. However, these are very beginner friendly plants and a good choice for bringing some of the outdoors in!
Feeling adventurous? Need a little tropical? Bird of Paradise–also known as Strelitzia–is a fun option for the eclectic spirit. These can grow up to 6 feet in height and take between three and five years to mature. While they do prefer a more humid environment, Washington provides a nice balance of warmth and sunlight that help keep them happy. Keep your Bird of Paradise in indirect sunlight throughout the year and watch it thrive!
A common sight around Pacific Northwest homes, prayer plants thrive in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees. These plants are happiest when regularly misted, and enjoy indirect sunlight. They thrive in a variety of different soils, and just ask for regular water. Their colorful leaves bring vibrancy to many indoor spaces!
While we’ve only touched on a few of the options available, our state is a great place to begin raising indoor plants. Summer is a good season to start raising your indoor plants as the long days and plentiful sunlight will help them grow into strong, healthy greenery. Then when those summer days are a little too warm for your taste, you can enjoy the outdoors inside your own home, too!