Houseplants That Earn Their Keep
by Pamela Kock

For most people, luxurious green foliage and the occasional flower are reason enough to add houseplants to their home décor. But if you’re looking for a plant that contributes extra value, there are several varieties of plants that will deliver.

Aloe Vera

You know that aloe vera is an important ingredient in skin care products. It promotes healing of dry and chapped skin, and soothes burns. Aloe also makes a terrific houseplant, and is very easy to care for. Aloe is a succulent, and seems to thrive on neglect. Keep it in a sunny location, water sparingly, and let it dry out between waterings. It’s also easy to propagate by division. Aloe grows in a rosette (leaves growing outward from a central point), and over time, will develop more than one rosette. Simply separate the smaller rosettes from the “mother” plant, including as much root material as possible, and re-pot. Don’t put it into too large of a pot, or the plant will get floppy. To treat a burn or skin irritation, break off one of the leaves and spread the gel on your skin.

Herbs

Many herbs can be easily grown on a sunny windowsill. Chives, basil, mint, marjoram, sage, and thyme all do well indoors. It’s easier to buy the plants from a nursery, but most varieties are fairly easy to grow from seed. Some herbs, such as basil, can grow quite large. But if you use the herb in your cooking, it should be no problem to keep it pruned regularly.

Grasses

Why would you want to grow grass in your house? If you have pets, it can be a tasty treat for them. A tray of oat or wheat grass may be all that is needed to keep a cat with a taste for greens away from your other houseplants! It’s also quite trendy, so I hear, and some grass varieties are quite attractive. Most ground covers can be easily grown indoors, as long as the container has adequate drainage. And you’ll never have to mow it.

Fruits

Many fruiting plants can be grown indoors. Only a few, however, actually produce edible fruit in average home conditions. Alpine strawberries are one choice, and do well in a hanging basket by a sunny window. Miniature orange trees are another option, but choose carefully. Some produce bitter fruit that can be used in cooking, and others produce sweet fruit but have sharp spikes on the branches. Choose a variety that is specifically bred for growing indoors, and provide lots of sunlight or artificial light.

Most houseplants just sit there and look pretty. But there are some that provide a bonus for the care and attention your provide them. Why not add these varieties to your collection?