The House of Houseplants at the Louisiana Nursery Perkins Road location is filled with everything from itty-bitty starter plants that are perfect for a windowsill or small space to large philodendrons that can liven up an unused corner of a room.
“Our department has grown so much in the past couple of years,” said Jessica Froisy, who manages the House of Houseplants. “We’ve been getting a lot of new product as we get ready for the fall, but most of the plants that we have in here are stocked year-round.”
Houseplants have grown in popularity in recent years, particularly since more people took up gardening as a pandemic hobby and began spending more time at home. Studies show indoor plants can help reduce stress, boost productivity and improve air quality. Froisy said that in Louisiana’s relatively mild climate, most of the same plants can also be a great addition to a home’s outdoor living area.
“They can definitely go outside on patios. You would just want to make sure it is covered from the sun,” she said. “Depending on what kind of plant it is, it could probably take the morning sun. It’s the afternoon sun that is very harsh. Once we get into winter, that’s when you want to bring them in or cover them.”
As the seasons change, Froisy said some of the most popular fall houseplants are crotons. These tropical plants are known for their vibrant and colorful foliage. Common croton varieties include Petra, with multicolored leaves in shades of green, yellow, red and orange; Gold Dust, known for small green leaves speckled with yellow; Mammy, a more compact variety with curly leaves that show deep reds, oranges and greens; and Zanzibar, known for its long and narrow leaves in vibrant shades of green, red and purple.
Other popular fall plants are potted mums, known for dense clusters of flowers in colors such as yellow, red, orange, white, pink and purple. The leaves are usually dark green with slightly serrated edges, offering a great contrast to the bright flowers. Their appearances make potted mums great for seasonal décor, due to the rich colors that complement the fall.
“The potted mums can be grown indoors or outdoors. They definitely can go outside and take a bit more sun,” Froisy said. “The only difference between these and garden mums is that the potted mums need to stay in a pot. They will not do well if they are transferred to the ground.”
The expert team at Louisiana Nursery is ready to help you select the best house plant for your environment, from helping you know which plants are poisonous to your pets to which ones need daily attention. Visit a location today to meet with a staff member and choose the perfect plant for your home and lifestyle.
Louisiana Nursery has three locations: 13121 Coursey Boulevard in Baton Rouge, 8680 Perkins Road in Baton Rouge, and 39245 Hwy. 42 in Prairieville. Visit www.louisiananursery.com for more information.