Year: 2019

PLANTZ takes Pride of Place at Atlanta Showhouse Tour

by Barry Powers
Janet Craig Carmen
ZZ Plant

What better way to show off a home than adding a little green?

Veteran interior designer Katja Lauterbach certainly thought so when she took on the job of decorating a home for Atlanta Magazine’s Home Modern Style Showhome tour. Needing a few quality plants for the prestigious tour, Katja turned to PLANTZ.

Katja’s design featured two Janet Craig Carmens, two ZZ plants and a Giganta Palm, all in 10-inch grow pots. The home tour was part of the Modern Atlanta Design Festival in June which showcases the latest in modern design in Atlanta.

The designer had no qualms about picking PLANTZ for the Showhome tour, which drew thousands of visitors. She’s had a Monstera from PLANTZ in her home for almost a year. “It came in perfect condition. I then ordered a Fiddle Leaf Fig for a client for a project and had the same (great) experience.”

Katja favors greenery in her projects “so that’s why I went to PLANTZ for help with Modern Style Showhome.”

Her design drew an overwhelmingly positive response from the more than 1,200 people who toured the home she was chosen to design, one of several on the tour. “(The public) loved it. They loved that we had plants in our design with some people even asking if the plants were real.”

Plants will continue to play a role in her future designs says the European native. Not only do they add life “but they go with every design,” Katja says.

You can catch Katja’s design in the fall issue of Atlanta Magazine which is available online here.

You can also visit Katja’s website here.

Fancy dabbling in a “green” interior design? Check out our catalog here.

Fiddle Leaf Fig, Monstera, Janet Craig go to Work

by Barry Powers
Meredith has been moving her Fiddle Leaf Fig to the window when the room is empty, a wise move since this beauty does not do well in moderate light.
Janet Craig Bush

Arriving in “perfect condition” these two plants were welcome additions to Meredith’s office in Texas.

“We have been so pleased with our plants. They are so full and healthy, and I really appreciate the advice and instructions for their care. They are all happy and look as good now as they did when they arrived – which is to say, they look like they belong on a movie set,” says Meredith of her Ficus lyrata, aka Fiddle Leaf Fig, Monstera and Janet Craig Palm. “They make for a really fantastic conference room and shared workspace environment. Everyone is happier, and the office air is fresher.”

Meredith also has a word of advice to anyone who might be concerned about carrying for one of these tropical beauties.

“Listen to the Plantz experts. We watched the available videos to learn how to stage and care for our new plants. The Plantz team has also been very helpful with follow-up advice for placement and ideal light conditions.” That would be our “plant whisperer” Sue who is always ready to answer your questions online at Plantz.com.

Monstera

“We also paid for the fastest shipping to avoid heat stress, and we’re glad we did that too. We really appreciate the care you guys took in packaging. I have never seen such beautiful plants. People think I’m some kind of plant expert now!”

Thank you for your kind words Meredith and we are glad you are happy with your order.

A Fiddle Leaf Fig or Monstera can be on their way to your door with just a few clicks. Check out the Fiddle Leaf Fig here or the Monstera here. Check out the Janet Craig here.

You can also see our wide variety of plants here.

 

Bamboo Palm Finds a Home in Midwest

by Barry Powers

This beautiful Bamboo Palm and its 10-inch grow pot recently arrived in the Midwest and our customer could not be happier.

“I absolutely adore it. It came in excellent condition. Thank you,” he says. “I would definitely recommend PLANTZ to friends.”

Thank you for your order!

One of the few palms that will tolerate some lower light levels, it still needs moderate to high light to thrive. If you’re looking for a versatile palm that has a great reputation for filtering out indoor air pollutants, this is a great choice.

Fancy a Bamboo Palm in your home? Just click here and we can have one on its way!

Kentia Palm, Bird of Paradise, Ficus Lyrata all at Home With Shannel

by Barry Powers

With three plants in her home, Shannel is becoming a pro at caring for her green friends!

“I have three plants from Plantz.com, the Ficus Lyrata, Kentia Palm and White Bird of Paradise, and I love them,” says Shannel who lives in the Northeast. “They complete my apartment and I check on them first thing in the morning and last thing at night!”

The Ficus Lyrata sits in Shannel’s bedroom where it gets the most sunlight.

PLANTZ has sold and shipped nearly 1,000 big and bold Fiddle Leaf Figs to customers nationwide, more than 200 of those to New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.

Ready to welcome a plant into your home? We have all types for all manner of climates. Our online experts will not only help you pick the best plant for you, but also help with advice on caring for the plant once it arrives.

Shop our online catalog here.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Warms Up New Home

by Barry Powers
Fiddle Leaf Fig aka Ficus Lyrata
Ashley, pictured here with Cora, her adorable King Charles Spaniel at their home in the Southeastern U.S with their new Fiddle Leaf Fig aka Ficus Lyrata.

“I’ve wanted one for such a long time,” says Ashley, the proud owner of a new Ficus lyrata from PLANTZ.  “We just moved in to a new place with a family room and window that looks out to the east so it’s a great spot for a plant. I looked around for the perfect Fiddle Leaf Fig and couldn’t find a good one in any of the stores and I was just thrilled to find one online of all places.”

PLANTZ has sold and shipped nearly 1,000 big and bold Fiddle Leaf Figs to customers nationwide. The plants are sourced from a grower that specializes in the trendy plant with oversized leaves. They are started in the Florida sun which promotes strong roots and a tall, tight canopy and then “finished off” in shade so that they become acclimated to less-than-full-sun lighting.

“The plant is just right and the PLANTZ team is helping me keep it in top shape,” Ashley says.

Like to add a plant to your home but nervous about how to care for it? We offer everything from the planter and moss to the proper sub-irrigation watering system as well as live online advice to make sure your plant thrives. Something to which Ashley can attest.

“The process of purchasing the plant and accessories through PLANTZ was easy and perhaps more importantly personalized to ensure success … they asked about our lifestyle, decorating style, amount of light in the room, and familiarity with caring for plants … then identified a plant they thought would be perfect for us.”

Putting a little green in your scene is not only aesthetically pleasing, it adds something more, Ashley says.

“Plants add an unexpected, unique, organic element to what can be an otherwise very predictable, sterile environment.  Plants are (also) great circulators of fresh air.”

FUN FACT: PLANTZ has shipped over 200 Fiddle Leaf Figs to the states of New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.

If you’d like to get your hands on a Fiddle Leaf Fig of your own, you can click through to our store here!

Quality is Key When you Buy an Indoor Plant

by Barry Powers

You get what you pay for is only a cliché because, more often than not, it’s true. And it’s certainly true when it comes to plants. Ask anyone who buys plants regularly and you will hear a familiar refrain: it costs a little green to get the right green. For plants destined for indoor spaces, keeping them green can be a challenge; but starting with the right plant makes it a lot easier.

We know that indoor plants are not only aesthetically pleasing, they can reduce stress and anxiety and improve air quality.  So, how do you spot quality and avoid coming home to a shriveled zombie husk, alive but just barely? There are several simple tips you can follow to make sure you are buying a quality indoor plant:

  1. Overall Impression: Take a walk around the nursery. Do the plants appear well cared for? Are there brown or wilted plants? If they owners are not taking care of some plants it’s likely they are not taking care of others.
  2. Leaves & Shape: Are the leaves of the plant lush and green? Steer clear of plants with brown or yellowing leaves or if the edge of the leaves are brown and dry. Is the plant full and healthy? A tall plant may not mean a healthy plant; it may have grown taller because it was straining for light.
  3. Disease & Insects: Check the plant – both sides of the leaves – for disease. Holes, spots and black areas on the leaves may mean an unhealthy plant. Examine the potting soil for insects, these little buggers can quickly spread to other plants.

Picking a quality Ficus Lyrata aka Fiddle Leaf Fig

This magnificent plant can fill a room with its majestic leaves and commanding height.

Make sure to check for discoloration or dots on leaves and buy from a quality vendor with a reputation for quality.

A plant with insects can also quickly spread like wildfire if you have other plants in the home, felling not only your Ficus Lyrata but any leafy friends in the vicinity.

After shipping hundreds of these beauties, we suggest you have a bright, sunny spot for this plant, preferably a covered or shaded patio or window facing east, west or, for the best results, south. Learn more about this popular plant here.

Check the roots on your Bird of Paradise

This is good advice for any indoor plant, but the root system should look strong and healthy with white tips. Lifting the plant and separating it from the grow pot should reveal a dense mix of soil and root. The soil should be held together by the roots but shouldn’t overwhelm the soil.

You need never worry about this with our plants. They are carefully examined before they ship, many with a sub-irrigation system that means you never need to remove the plant from its pot. Want to learn more about this majestic plant? Click here.

Check your Kentia Palm for weeds before buying

This is another tip that could apply to any purchase and it’s really a no-brainer.

Weeds are draining valuable nutrients form the soil, stealing those from your plant. A competent nursery staff would never allow this to happen. Run, don’t walk from this nursery. They are either smoking something funny or don’t care; maybe both. Learn more about this stately plant here.

Pick the perfect Areca Palm

Highly rated as a natural air purifier, the Areca Palm is growing more popular. Check for discoloration on leaves, dry or brown leaf edges and, of course, weeds, before opening your wallet.

Click here to learn more about this beautiful and versatile plant.

 

We pride ourselves on quality rather than quantity at Plantz.com. But don’t take our word for it, see what our customers have to say.

Areca Palm Finds a New Home

by Barry Powers
Areca Palm
Highly prized for its ability to clean indoor air, the Areca Palm can thrive indoors with lots of light.

Nestled behind a sofa, between two windows, there isn’t a much better spot for the Areca Palm in this Midwest home

“My palm is beautiful and looks great behind my sofa,” says Judy who welcomed the plant into her home last month. “It is sitting between two windows. One faces south, the other west. I can’t imagine a better home for it.”

Highly prized for its ability to clean indoor air, the Areca Palm can thrive indoors with lots of light, which Judy appears to have covered!

“Thanks for such a lovely plant for my needs. After looking at poor quality house plants for a month, I’m very glad I decided to order from you.”

Thank you Judy for shopping with Plantz.

Do you have a spot for an Areca Palm in your home? A few clicks here and it can be on the way.

Aurelia Christens her Lisa Cane After Plant’s Hawaiian home

by Barry Powers
Lisa Cane
The Lisa Cane is from our Hawaiian Collection so Aurelia decided to name her “Caldera” in honor of the plant’s volcanic homeland.

Aurelia had no trouble deciding on a name when her mom brought home this elegant Lisa Cane.

The Lisa Cane is from our Hawaiian Collection so Aurelia decided to name her “Caldera” in honor of the plant’s volcanic homeland. A caldera is a volcanic feature that forms after a volcano erupts and then collapses into itself, leaving a large crater.

After a few teething issues with the plant – sorted out after an email with our very own Plant Whisperer, Sue – Aurelia’s mom couldn’t be happier with her Lisa Cane.

“Many, many thanks for your amazing customer support,” said Aurelia’s mom. “If I can find another great spot for one of your plants, I will order another one in the fall, before winter and poor shipping weather set in.”

If you would like to order your very own Lisa Cane, visit our online store today.

Monstera at Home with Art

by Barry Powers

Sophia could not be happier with her Monstera. Commonly known as the Split-Leaf Philodendron and Swiss cheese plant, it grows naturally in tropical forests from southern Mexico to Panama.

“I couldn’t be happier with this vibrant Monstera,” said Sophia who lives in the Northeast. “It’s the perfect plant for our living room.”

The Monstera is known for its ability to grow very large and will grow “up” virtually anything it is attached to so let your imagination run wild with this plant. Place it near a window with some filtered sunlight for best results.

Interested in a Monstera in your home? A few clicks here and it will be on its way.

 

Bird of Paradise lands in Brooklyn

by Barry Powers
White Bird of Paradise
White Bird of Paradise in the window

Blayze welcomed this Bird of Paradise to his Brooklyn, N.Y. home two months ago.

“It is a lovely Bird of Paradise, which is a very easy-to-care for plant and has added some vibrancy to my

home,” says Blayze. “I would recommend PLANTZ to friends and family for their ease of shipping and affordable, large plants.”

Thank you for your kind remarks Blayze and we are happy you are enjoying that beautiful plant. What could a Bird of Paradise do for you? Click here to find out how you can welcome this majestic plant into your home.

Decorating With Plants: How to Incorporate
Plants Into Your Home Decor

by Barry Powers
indoor plants improve decor
Indoor plants add color, personality and improve air quality

 

 

 

 

Why not consider decorating with plants?

As modern farmhouse style continues to dominate design trends and minimalist interiors reign supreme, there’s no easier way to enhance your home’s aesthetic than with a classic touch of greenery.

Designate a Plant Cart

You’ve heard of bar carts, but plant carts are all the rage now, and for good reason. Some varieties of plants need a ton of sun, while others prefer shade. Then there are some that need a 50/50 mix.

You’d drive yourself crazy and spin your wheels carrying individual planters around your home trying to catch those elusive golden hour rays or the early morning light. With a plant cart, you can wheel your plants around to catch the sunlight.

A tweak on this trend is to use a plant shelf or table. The idea is to group like-minded plants together to make a statement piece. Position tall varieties on top with shorter plants, such as succulents, on middle and bottom rows for a multi-dimensional look.

Focus on the Planters

In your quest to find the ideal plants for your space, don’t forget to pay special attention to the planters you use. Go bold with patterns or bright colors to liven up an otherwise bland space that could use a punch of pizazz.

You can also keep the approach simple and stick with white planters. Look for planters in various shapes and sizes, with interesting textures or intricate details. Place them together on top of your bookshelves or at the end of a long table to amplify the effect.

Hang Plants in Small Spaces

Living in a studio apartment? Perhaps you’re in an older model home with many small, segmented rooms rather than an open floor plan? Either way, you may not have the square footage to dedicate to a mass array of indoor plants.

The solution to these tricky interior design challenges? Think vertical!

Use a macramé plant hanger to display your green beauties in a unique and unexpected way. Hang it on the wall, from the ceiling or above your kitchen sink for a new look. For the most eye-catching results, look for hangers that feature a splash of color.

Think Outside the Bloom

Yes, perennials or annuals that bloom with fragrant flowers are a gorgeous addition to any space but they aren’t your only option.

Expand your selection when decorating with plants. Also consider designing with branches, stems, sticks, and fronds.

All of these add rustic simplicity to your home with minimal effort. The best part? Most will outlast their floral counterparts, as pretty as they are.

Embrace Long Vines

Think you need to trim your plants or give them a haircut every time their vines start to crawl? Why not learn to embrace the look?

Certain varieties, including Philodendron, Ivy, Pothos, and Creeping Fig, have long and winding climber stems that can span the entire length of television consoles, coffee tables, armoires and more.

Make this look a part of your decor. Wind the vines around table legs and shelving units to add a quick pop of color to any space, from your living room to your bedroom.

Go Big and Bold in One Spot

You don’t necessarily need to have a Ficus tree in every corner. However, it pays to go big in one spot, such as beside your couch, near a favorite armchair, or in front of a picture window. This helps anchor a large room and gives your space a focal point.

While Fiddle Leaf Figs are a major trend in the design today, you have plenty of other choices. Consider installing a planted Arcea Palm, Dracaena, Monstera or White Bird of Paradise for a statement piece that’s also stunning. If you do place one in front of a window, make sure it’s suited to take as much sun as it will receive.

Keep It Easy with Succulents 

Not all of us are born with a green thumb, and that’s OK.

Before you invest in indoor plants, make sure you can dedicate the time and attention to their care.

If your lifestyle is fast-paced or you aren’t home too often, a succulent is often your best bet. Requiring little water, sunlight, and maintenance, most are hearty and strong, featuring linear shapes that work particularly well in modern homes.

Decorate tiny planters with paint and patterns, and then add as many succulents as you like. To add a Southwestern flair, try grouping a few cacti together.

Decorating with Plants, Made Simple

There’s no exact science to decorating with plants. As you develop your setup, think about your personal preferences, as well as the specific upkeep that each new plant will require.

At the end of the day, you want your home to be a haven and an extension of your personality. So seek varieties that work with your aesthetic and make sense in your space, no matter how tiny or spacious it might be.

When you’re ready to fill your rooms with eye-catching greenery, we’d love to help. Our online shop is full of plants, planters and other supplies, with searchable categories that help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

We are also available online to answer any questions you might have about caring for your new plant.

Contact us to ask questions or learn more about our ordering process. Plants are our passion and we’d love to make them yours, too.

 

Frogee and Sunny find a home in their Fiddle Leaf Fig

by Barry Powers

These two little guys, Frogee and Sunny, took to their new friend – a Fiddle Leaf Fig, aka Ficus lyrata – right away, according to their owner.

“(The Fiddle Leaf) is so tall, full, lush and healthy. I am very happy and extremely happy with your company.  I’ll never order a plant from anywhere else,” says Erin, a resident of the Midwest who signed her note “A very happy customer.”

Thanks to our online plant expert, Sue, any “concerns I had were addressed immediately, above and beyond what I expected. Sue is great and helpful with great tips on taking care of my new plant. I especially love the videos explaining everything from unpacking my plant to watering, trimming and warning signs as to what conditions may cause what. I loved the personal touch I received and feel like I’m part of a new family,” Erin says.

She chose the Fiddle Leaf Fig for “its ample big strong leaves for my grey tree frogs, Frogee and Sonny. I hate keeping them in a tank all day and it is too risky to let them play outside, so I brought nature to them.

“They absolutely love the tree and spend hours playing and resting on it. Every tree frog should have a tree and this is the best one I have ever had. I’ll never buy another plant anywhere else and I’m sure the frogs and I will enjoy the Fiddle Leaf Fig for years to come. Thanks Plantz for a wonderful experience!”

Thank you for the kind remarks Erin and we are glad Frogee and Sunny are enjoying their new home.

Fancy a Fiddle Leaf in your home?  A few clicks here and it will be on its way.