It's easy being green with these top 10 houseplant picks
When you cannot travel to the tropics, you can still bring the tropics home.
Perhaps it’s the need for green, or the need to care for something and watch it grow when everything else feels uncertain, but those who sell houseplants have noticed tremendous ‘growth’ in demand.
Our homes are now our offices and classrooms and we are “greening” them up.
The family owned Les Serres Robert Plante Greenhouses in Navan has had a major growth spurt of its own.
The interest in all things that grow has led to a major expansion—30,000 feet of new year-round greenhouses.
“We have always sold houseplants,” explains Colin Matassa, the Manager of Houseplants for the company.
“But there has definitely been a big increase in demand for indoor plants over the past two years. Since the beginning of the pandemic, a lot of people have ended up spending a lot more time at home than they previously did, especially those working from home every day.”
Matassa says that many have started collecting houseplants.
“A lot of people spending time at home over the past couple years have gotten into houseplants as a hobby -- starting out with easy to care for plants, learning how to care for them, and slowly adding to their collection with new and harder to find plants,” says Matassa.
“Due to the increased demand, we have drastically increased production of all the succulents and houseplants we grow on site, as well as bring in new houseplants on a weekly basis from some of our other local growers to provide the residents of Ottawa with the absolute best selection of houseplants, succulents & cacti -- whether they are looking for an easy houseplant to keep alive, or a rare gem to add to their growing collection.”
The family business has been around since 1980 but during the pandemic, Robert Plante Greenhouses has added a state-of-the-art greenhouse.
In 2021, tens of thousands of additional greenhouse space was added to the sprawling property at 4228 Navan Road.
“This had been a long-time goal for the business. Prior to January 2020, the business was previously only seasonal, open from April to October each year,” says Matassa.
Now Robert Plante Greenhouses is nurturing those customers who wish to visit for more than their spring annuals and fall mums; those who are addicted to green throughout the year.
Colin Matassa shares his top ten houseplants:
Philodendron White Wizard: A trendy new philodendron that has beautiful white variegation on its leaves. Houseplant collectors will definitely have this on their wish-list for 2022 if they don't already own it.
Philodendron White Wizard
Pothos: An easy-going, low maintenance houseplant that is fantastic for any skill level! Pothos are vines that can either trail down in a hanging basket, off the side of a desk or shelf, or they can climb up if you give them a trellis or pole. They are one of our top houseplants for beginners due to how easy they are to care for. They can even go in lower light areas of your home.
Pothos
Monstera Deliciosa: This is a classic, very popular houseplant. No doubt you have heard of them or seen a photo of a nice Monstera, with its big fenestrated leaves. These are sure to give tropical vibes no matter where you place them! You can get a tiny one and watch it grow over time, or get a bigger one for instant gratification!
Monstera Deliciosa
Snake Plants: Another classic, low-maintenance houseplant that is still as popular as ever. These are known for being impossible to kill. If you tend to forget about your plants, this is for you. It can tolerate neglect and even survive if you forget to water them for a few weeks. They come in so many different styles too!
Snake Plants
ZZ Plants: Similar to snake plants in terms of care, except these have leafy green leaves! Everyone should have at least one in their home, no matter the skill level. Another great plant to start out with, you can set it and forget it. For the collectors, they even come in a black-leafed variety called the ZZ Raven with dark black leaves.
ZZ Plants
Calamondin: Calamondin are miniature orange plants that thrive all year! They constantly produce little fruits and flowers, and smell absolutely amazing inside the home. As a miniature orange, they are edible but much more sour then a regular orange. They are often used in drinks, recipes, and much more. They can be brought outside for the summertime if you wish.
Calamondin
Alocasia Black Velvet: These Alocasias have black, velvety leaves and are simply stunning to look at. These once "rare" houseplants are not much more readily available and cheaper than ever! It's a great time to add one to your collection.
Alocasia Black Velvet
Cacti: Cactuses (or cacti) are very popular in our greenhouses! We have the largest selection anywhere around Ottawa, from small ones in 2" pots all the way up to big 8 foot specimens. They are easy care, drought tolerant and come in so many different varieties.
Cacti
Donkey's Tail Succulents: The Donkey or Burro's Tail is a trailing succulent plant that is a staple in our greenhouse! We are known for growing the most lush and full baskets right here in our greenhouses. At any given time, we have thousands of baskets growing in our greenhouse. These truly have a unique look, with green plump leaves, and they are quite slow growing. Place them in a spot with bright light and allow their soil to dry in between each watering.
Donkey's tail or burro's tail
String of Pearls: Another staple houseplant! String of Pearls are a succulent that trails and has little round leaves that look like pearls. This continues to be a very popular houseplant.
String of Pearls
Les Serres Robert Plante Greenhouses can be found at 4228 Navan Rd. in Navan, Ont.
www.robertplantegreenhouses.com
(613) 835-9266
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE UPDATES Luigi Mangione arrested as 'strong person of interest' in killing of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson
New York authorities have identified Luigi Mangione as the 'strong person of interest' in connection with the killing of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson. Follow along for live updates from CTVNews.ca.
Liberals survive third Conservative non-confidence vote
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's latest attempt to topple the minority Liberal government in a non-confidence vote has failed, with the New Democrats and Liberals voting against the motion.
Wait times grow as backlogs and frustration build amid Canada Post strike
Wait times for deliveries continue to grow as shoppers and businesses deal with the fallout from the Canada Post strike.
Family spokesman says slain Edmonton security guard had only been working 3 days
A spokesman for the family of a security guard who police say was murdered while patrolling an Edmonton apartment building last week says the man had only been on the job for three days.
Sask. hockey player recovering after near fatal skate accident during game
The Sask East Hockey League (SEHL) has released details of a near fatal accident at one of its games over the weekend – which saw a Churchbridge Imperials player suffer serious injuries after being struck with a skate.
Gang leader in Haiti accused of massacring older people to avenge son's death
A gang leader who controls a key port in Haiti's capital is accused of massacring older people and Vodou religious leaders in his community to avenge his son's death, according to the government and human rights organizations that estimate more than 100 killed.
What the upcoming holiday GST relief will mean for consumers
The federal government's GST break will arrive this Saturday, just in time for the last stretch of holiday shopping.
Canadian government to table fall economic statement next Monday
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is set to table the federal government’s fall economic statement next Monday, the government announced today.
BREAKING Suspect in killing of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson in custody
The man suspected of killing UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson in a brazen shooting outside a midtown Manhattan hotel last week has been arrested, New York City officials said on Monday.