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Fall Season 2023 at Painters and what you will find. WELCOME TO OUR FALL SEASON Fall Season 2023 September 14th - October 14th FALL HOURS: Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 9am - 4pm Friday: 9am - 4pm Saturday: 9am - 4pm Sunday: Closed GET DIRECTIONS WHAT YOU'LL FIND Trees & Shrubs Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs, and we will have a wider selection than ever before this season. We are especially excited about our extensive native shrub and tree options. The majority of our shrubs and trees are grown by our terrific local partners, with some natives coming to us from American Native Plants, a Maryland grower dedicated to sustainability and environmental restoration. Click here for our Tree & Shrub Planting Guide & Guarantee. AVAILABILITY

Since 1973 Painters Greenhouse has supplied Western North Carolina with high-quality, locally grown plants. Located just off the beaten path our seasonal family-owned greenhouse is known for its focus on native and pollinator plants, mature houseplants, and wide selection. Grown Locally to Thrive Locally Home: Welcome and Newsletter Signup Now Open For Spring! Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday & Sunday: 9am-4pm Monday & Tuesday: CLOSED SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER SUBMIT Thanks! NEW THIS WEEK Making Scents in your Garden: Literal Scent-Makers View More Our favorite fragrant plants are here! Shrub of the Week: Desert Orchid 'El Nino' View More A perfect blend of beauty and resilience! And a rare find! Japanese Black Pine View More Plant Feature and Sale through March 8th SEE MORE GROWN LOCALLY TO THRIVE LOCALLY For 49 years our family business has supplied WNC with high quality plants. We grow more than 90% of our plants on site. Our goal is to provide plants grown with intention and sustainability for our community. LEARN MORE GROWN LOCALLY TO THRIVE LOCALLY For more than 50 years, our family business has supplied WNC with high-quality plants. We grow more than 90% of our plants on site. Our goal is to provide plants grown with intention and sustainability for our community. LEARN MORE A FOCUS ON NATIVES Planting native is a wonderful way to support a biodiverse ecosystem in your back yard from the bottom to the top of the food chain. We are proud to offer one of the largest selections of homegrown native plants in WNC! LEARN MORE EXPLORE OUR PLANTS Described as a paradise for plant lovers, we have over 100,000 sq. ft. of growing and retail space and cultivate over 1,000 species on site. We grow our plants with care and intention and sell direct to our faithful retail customers. Our plants are inspected and watered by hand and don't suffer shipping damage or transport from another climate. We are widely known for our focus on natives and pollinator plants, our vast selection of perennials (over 900 varieties), our giant Boston Ferns, and our lush houseplant offerings. PLANT AVAILABILITY LIST FROM OUR BLOG Scented Geraniums: the Aromatic All-Stars The North-Facing Survival Guide: Our Favorite Houseplants for Low-Light Spaces Edgeworthia: A Fragrant Winter Treasure SEE MORE Follow Us on Social Media @PaintersGreenhouse FOLLOW US PLANTS PROVIDE JOY AND WELLNESS, SUPPORT WILDLIFE, AND MAKE US FEEL MORE CONNECTED - THAT'S WHY WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO ADD A LITTLE GREEN TO THEIR LIFE!

NEWS & EVENTS Making Scents in your Garden: Literal Scent-Makers Our favorite fragrant plants are here! Shrub of the Week: Desert Orchid 'El Nino' A perfect blend of beauty and resilience! And a rare find! Japanese Black Pine Plant Feature and Sale through March 8th 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 ... 29 No events at the moment

In our ‘Plant Features’ we highlight a plant or species that we are particularly excited about. This week we want to introduce an old-fashioned favorite that may be unfamiliar to many yet is cherished by plant collectors for its incredible variety: the Scented Geranium. Evocative of flowers, spices, and fruits, these aromatic plants enhance your garden with color, scent, and gorgeous foliage. First things first though. The name geranium. Scented geraniums, or pelargoniums, are not actually geraniums at all. True geraniums (according to their genus), are comprised of assorted beautiful, hardy perennials-- many of which make lovely part-shade groundcovers . While pelargoniums are native to temperate and tropical regions where they are green year-round, and include the annual "geraniums" we hang in baskets to brighten our porches as well as the scented geraniums in this feature. The delicate clusters of pale pink blooms and intricate foliage of scented geraniums can be very reminiscent of the foliage and blooms of the hardy perennials, but they are completely unrelated. In North Carolina, the scented geranium is typically grown as an annual herb, with some varieties able to be classified as tender perennials under the right conditions.  Fragrant and easy to grow, these herbs are not typically grown for their flowers but rather prized for their aromatic leaves. Fragrances such as fruits, flowers, and spices are released by brushing their textured foliage, so they are perfect for growing anywhere you can enjoy their scents. In the Victorian Era when pelargoniums were highly popular, scented geraniums were strategically placed so that their scents would be released when brushed by the skirts of passing ladies.  And they are not just great to smell!  There is a long history of using this herb in cooking and baking. In early America, without easy access to spices, pelargoniums were a useful substitution for flavor profiles. Scroll down to the bottom for a Scented Geranium Syrup recipe, and find more fun recipes at Pelargoniums: An Herb Society of America Guide . Additionally, the essential oils can provide therapeutic benefits including reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. And the same strong essential oils can also be an effective way to deter pests. Their aroma masks other plant smells in the garden and thus can make it harder for pests to find their preferred hosts. Some varieties like citronella scented geranium are said to even repel mosquitoes. Scented geraniums are well-suited to container growing. Terra cotta pots are often recommended because they promote water evaporation and prevent excess moisture. Their delicate blooms, mostly in pale pink or white, have a long flowering period and their attractive, textured leaves will add gorgeous artful foliage to your garden space. Note that you should prevent pets from munching on them, as the same essential oils that we may enjoy smelling or ingesting are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (most pets do not find them appealing, so this is typically not an issue). Read about the cultivars available at Painters: Note: that while our early spring plants are not yet in bloom and just beginning to bud, the photos below show the gorgeous intricate and tactile foliage - just asking to be touched! Attar of Roses Scented Geranium Pelargonium capitatum ' Attar of Roses'  Annual, full sun, 12-18'' tall and wide Foliage emits a rose scent when brushed or crushed; best situated where its fragrance can be regularly enjoyed Soft, velvety leaves; early and abundant pale pink blooms Appreciates a bit of afternoon shade in hot summers Variegated Citronella Scented Geranium Pelargonium citrosum ' Variegated' Annual, full-part sun, 2-3' tall and wide Beautiful variegated leaves have a sharp citronella scent Invigorating and highly ornamental; excellent for summer porch pots Pink Champagne Scented Geranium Pelargonium ' Pink Champagne'  Annual (tender perennial z10-11) full sun, 1-3' tall and wide Crinkly, deep green leaves have a zesty citrus scent, can be used for flavoring or garnish Showy bright pink flowers in spring, larger than those of most scented geraniums Thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil with protection from afternoon sun in hot summers Suitable for container growing; can be overwintered indoors Scented Geranium 'Fruit Angel' Pelargonium 'Fruit Angel'  Annual (tender perennial z10-11) full sun, 1-3' tall and wide Luscious foliage has a heavenly lemony scent Gorgeous two-toned pink flowers bloom in summer Thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil with protection from afternoon sun in hot summers Suitable for container growing; can be overwintered indoors Nutmeg Scented Geranium Pelargonium fragrans  Annual, full sun, 1-2' tall and wide A long-time favorite hybrid, dating back to the late 1700s Particularly intense, nutmeg-scented foliage; dainty white blooms Thrives in evenly moist, well-drained soil Best situated where its fragrance can be enjoyed regularly Peppermint Scented Geranium Pelargonium tomentosum  Annual (tender perennial z9-11) full sun, 2-3' tall and wide Large, soft leaves have a pure mint fragrance and can be used for flavoring sweets and jellies; sprays of dainty white flowers make for a beautiful aromatic garnish Thrives in rich, well-drained soil with protection from afternoon sun in hot summers Suitable for container growing; can be overwintered indoors Mosquito Plant (Citronella) Pelargonium 'Citrosum' Annual (tender perennial z9-11) full-part sun, 1-2' tall and wide Developed and hyped in the 1980s as an alleged mosquito repellant; while the leaves don't actively repel pests, the oil released by crushing them reportedly does (somewhat) With lovely pink summer blooms and an invigorating fragrance, it's a fantastic porch plant, regardless! Aka citronella geranium For current sizes, prices, and availability check out our Growing List: SCENTED GERANIUM SYRUP  Herb syrups are wonderful flavor essences that are good on all kinds of fruits and used in beverages. They can be added in place of the liquid in cakes, pie filling, and sorbet. Brush the syrups on over baked fruit, in pound cakes, cupcakes, muffins, or breads just out of the oven. Some of the scented geraniums best suited for making flavored syrups are rose, lemon, nutmeg, and spice—but try any of your favorites! When in bloom, I use the flowers too.  Makes about 2 cups  1½ cups water  1½ cups sugar  About 12 to 15 scented geranium leaves and/or flowers To make an herb syrup, combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan; add the herbs, bruising the leaves against the side of the pan with a spoon. Place over moderate heat and bring to a boil. Cover, remove from heat and let stand for at least 30 minutes. Remove the leaves and squeeze them into the syrup to extract their flavor. Pour into a clean bottle or jar and label. This syrup can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator for about 4 weeks. If you want to keep the syrups for a long period of time, pour them into jars or bottles leaving at least an inch of headspace, place on the lid or cap, and label. Freeze them for up to 1 year. Remove from freezer the night before using and allow to thaw, or place the bottle in a bowl of warm (not hot) water to thaw more quickly. Use as needed and re-freeze immediately.  This recipe is excerpted from Not Just Desserts--Sweet Herbal Recipes by Susan Belsinger, © 2005.

Did you know there's a disease caused by a fungus that has been spreading among our native dogwoods since its discovery in 1978? Dogwood anthracnose has caused serious losses to flowering dogwoods found in the forest and as ornamental plantings in the Eastern and Southern United States. The fungus is more prevalent during wet springs/falls, at higher elevations (3,000+ ft)), in shaded areas (especially north-facing slopes), and in cool moist planting sites. Signs and symptoms of Dogwood anthracnose include: Small tan leaf spots, often with a ring of purple, often resulting in leaf mortality Leaves are aborted prematurely and might cling to the stems through winter Evidence of fungus fruiting bodies on dead stems Dieback from the lower branches and progressing to the top of the tree Cankers and bark shedding Epicormic shoots - young new stems that sprout from the main stem and along main branches Click here for additional information and pictures of signs/symptoms. There's not much that can be done to treat existing Dogwoods in your landscape that are already infected with Dogwood anthracnose, but there are several measures that can be taken to prevent the disease before planting. Be sure to choose a planting site with: Good air flow Good water drainage At least part-sun if not full sun conditions An even better way to prevent Dogwood anthracnose from infecting your Dogwood tree is to purchase a hybrid or variety that is anthracnose resistant. There are several different Dogwood selections that have the typical white, spring blooms and beautiful purple fall foliage as found in our native flowering Dogwood ( Cornus florida ).  You can also opt for a Kousa/Japanese Dogwood ( Cornus kousa ) as this non-native species is not susceptible to the anthracnose.  Read more about some favorites we carry and visit our website for sizes, prices, and current stock: https://www.paintersgreenhouse.com/tree-shrub-availability Flowering Dogwood ‘Super Princess’ Zones 5-9 Full sun – part shade 15-20’ tall and wide Extra-large white blooms appear early to mid spring before the tree’s spring flush of leaves.  Foliage turns red-purple in fall.  Red berries persist well into winter, providing visual interest and food for birds.  While this variety is not completely resistant to anthracnose, it was bred for increased resistance in comparison to the straight species. Flowering Dogwood 'Spring Grove' Zones 4-9 Full sun to part shade 20' tall and 20-30' wide This selection was discovered growing in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, OH.  Known for an abundant display of large (5") white blooms in early spring.  It naturally has excellent resistance to dogwood anthracnose, which makes it a great choice for homeowners wanting a native flowering dogwood with improved disease resistance.   Flowering Dogwood ‘Cherokee Brave’ Zones 5-9 Full sun – part shade 15-30’ tall and 25-35’ wide Pink-red blooms in early to mid spring before the tree’s spring flush of leaves.  Foliage turns crimson in fall.  Red berries persist well into winter, providing visual interest and food for birds.  While this variety is not completely resistant to anthracnose, it was bred for increased resistance in comparison to the straight species.   Dogwood hybrid ‘Stellar Pink’ 'Stellar Pink' bracts Zones 5-9 Full sun – part shade 20-30’ tall and 15-25’ wide – mature form is vase-shaped Developed at Rutgers University and bred to be completely resistant to dogwood anthracnose and dogwood borers.  A hybrid between  C. florida  and  C. kousa.   Large pink blooms are similar in appearance to native dogwoods, but bloom in mid to late May (after the native dogwoods finish blooming). Flowers are sterile and this tree will not produce fruit. Fall foliage is red-purple. Deer resistant.   Kousa Dogwood ‘Scarlet Fire’ Zones 5-9 Full sun – part shade 20-25’ tall and 15-20’ wide Large, 5” dark pink-fuchsia blooms last for 6-8 weeks in late May/early June – blooms appear alongside the leaves (as opposed to blooms before foliage like the native dogwoods).  New leaf is tinged with purple.  Fall foliage turns red.  Produces round, warty, red fruits edible to humans in August/September, but fruit is ignored by birds.  Fruit tastes like a cross between pumpkin and mango with a custardy texture.  Resistant to anthracnose, deer resistant, drought tolerant once established.   Kousa Dogwood ‘Greensleeves’ Zones 4-8 Full sun – part shade 15-20’ tall and wide Large white star shaped blooms emerge green in early summer alongside foliage and fade to a creamy white.  Mature form is vase-shaped.  Produces red fruits edible to humans in August/September, but fruit is ignored by birds.  Fruits taste like a cross between pumpkin and mango with a custardy texture.  Resistant to anthracnose, deer resistant, drought tolerant once established. Dogwood hybrid 'Starlight' Zones 6-8 Full sun to part shade 25-30' tall and 15-20' wide A hybrid cross between Pacific and Kousa dogwoods, bred for impressive stature, improved vigor, and disease resistance.  Covered in white blooms in late spring.  This hybrid has the upright, oval growth habit and form of Pacific dogwood and the disease resistance of Kousa dogwood.  Resistant to dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew.  It sparsely produces red-orange fruit about 3/4" in size.

Are you looking for plant survivors for your sun-starved space? Let us help with some of our favorite easy-care houseplants for medium to low light. First, what exactly IS a low-light indoor environment? We consider medium and medium-low light to be within or near northern-facing windows or in areas with a good amount of indirect light. Truly low-light areas are located far from windows, in corners/shady nooks/hallways, and receive only moderate ambient light. An easy tip is that if you can't read a book by the natural light available, then it's likely not enough light to keep a plant happy. What about artificial lighting? While it is true that fluorescent lighting can supply the full spectrum of light needed for plants to grow (though maybe not flower or truly thrive), they really need to be within a foot of the plant to provide that. If you have a room with no windows and only artificial lights overhead, we recommend supplementing some of your usual bulbs with LED grow bulbs. If lighting is far from the plant and/or isn't on for 8-10 hours a day, then you'll do best adding a grow light within a foot or two of your plants ( there are so many fun options now !). Your green babies will tell you if they're not getting enough light — if you see thinning, stretching leaves and stems, or paler and smaller leaves, it's time to move them or add supplemental light! Read on for our favorite Low-Light Houseplants! Those that are nontoxic are marked with the paw icon — we recommend keeping the others out of reach or in areas where pets aren't allowed. Ferns Best Varieties: Crocodile, Blue Star & Lemon Button (Left to right: Crocodile, Blue Star, Lemon Button) These lush ferns vary greatly in appearance, but all are very easy care — water regularly to keep them lightly moist and they will be happy in anything from high to low light. (You will have slower growth, and fronds are likely to be smaller in lower light settings. The above examples have been grown in medium to medium-high light). We love all three for their texture and color as well as how easy they are to keep looking good! Mature size after many years is 2-5' for Crocodile Ferns, 1-3' for Blue Star Ferns, and 8-18" for Lemon Buttons, depending on cultivar and lighting. An added bonus is they're all pet-safe, so you don't have to get strategic with your locations. ZZ Plants - All (Left to right: Solid, Oscura) Unlike most tropical plants that prefer bright, indirect light, ZZ plants are quite forgiving and will push new growth even if only getting the light from your desk lamp! Their glossy leaves and upright form make them a great plant for an office or poorly-lit bedroom. Over time, they can grow to 3-4' tall and 2-3' wide depending on cultivar, but they are typically slow growers. They're very forgiving of forgetful waterers, so if you want a super easy care plant for your low light spot, this is it (just keep out of reach of pets)! Give them a deep watering once every 2-3 weeks (make sure their pot has good drainage), and you're set. Snake Plants - All (Left to right: Moonshine, Whitney, Laurentii/Wintergreen/Moonshine/Black Dragon assortment) Snake plants have a dramatic, upright architectural shape, and they'll survive in even the darkest of rooms. And with endless varieties now available, you can choose from a wide range of colors/shades, sizes and shapes. You don't have to settle for the basic snake plants of your childhood (though grandma's is probably still alive in the corner!). Water these easy-care plants sparingly—only when soil is completely dry (this is another highly forgiving option for those of you with low light and less-than-perfect plant parent records). There's a snakeplant for every space—choose a sweet little birdsnest variety for a bedside table, or a 5' tall Wintergreen for a stately corner accent! While most cultivars aren't appealing/easy to chew, smaller or more spikey varietals may interest pets, so be sure to keep out of reach. Pothos ( Epipremnum ) - All (Left to right: Jade, Cebu Blue, Marble Queen) Pothos are considered to be some of the easiest houseplants to grow, and conveniently are also very tolerant of low light. The one thing they don't like is staying wet, so wait to water when the top few inches of soil have dried (or when leaves start to wilt). Jade (above left) does best in low or artificial light, but all varieties are tolerant. A rule of thumb is that variegated cultivars (especially those with more white/cream) need more light to maintain variegation, so we recommend placing them in medium-low rather than low light. In darker areas, all varieties are likely to have smaller leaves, grow more sparsely, and may revert to solid green if they are variegated. They can reach over 6' in length with a relatively fast growth rate, making them fun options for training vines over doorways and windows! This also helps keep them out of reach of pets. Satin Pothos ( Scindapsus ) - All (Left to right: Jade Satin, Exotica, Argyraeus) Did you know that Satin Pothos is actually not a true pothos? (Yes, it would have been helpful to just give it a different common name). On top of that, Jade Satin Pothos is not the same plant as Jade Pothos! Luckily, they can all tolerate lower light. In general, Satin Pothos has very similar preferences to 'true pothos'—they do not want to be overwatered. If they are too dry, the leaves start to curl, so if you're an anxious plant parent, you can wait for them to tell you they want a drink. While they can handle low light spots, you will definitely see bigger leaves in medium light or when supplemented by grow lights. Satin pothos is much slower growing than true pothos, with more compact growth and thicker leaves. Make sure to tuck or hang out of pet reach. Cast Iron Plant (Left to right: Solid, Milky Way) Cast Iron Plant has earned its name because it stands up to a lot of abuse! (You may have your great-great-grandmother's Cast Iron in a dark corner!). The long, dark green leaves complement any space and can pretty much live in any space as well. Another great option (perhaps the best) for absent-minded plant parents, Cast Iron Plants tolerate both very low light and very little water. Ideally, you give them a drink when the top couple inches of soil feel dry. Over time (often MANY years), they can grow up to 3' tall and wide. While they are pet-safe, they are also apparently appealing (at least to certain cats who will not be named)... so you may still want to tuck out of reach! Heartleaf Philodendron ( P. hederaceum ) - All (Left to right: Solid, Micans, Rio) This handsome trailing plant comes in many varieties, and all are easy care and truly lovely. They're beautiful draping over the edges of a bookshelf or climbing up a trellis. Another tough plant, it's an excellent option for new plant parents due to easy of care and faster growth rate. Heartleaf can tolerate anything from bright indirect light to low light, with variegated and colorful cultivars being less richly hued or patterned in low light. In general, heartleaf cultivars do best in medium-low light; if deciding between a heartleaf and a pothos for your darker spaces, we'd recommend the pothos. That said, we've found that Micans is surprisingly tolerant of low light (in addition to thriving in bright light as seen above). Water heartleaf philodendrons when the top couple inches of soil are dry. Most cultivars grow pretty quickly, and reach 2-3' tall and wide. We like them in hanging baskets or on high shelves to keep away from pets. Silver Sword Philodendron (P. hastatum) This lovely philodendron surprised us with its tolerance of lower light. It does best in medium light, but can tolerate medium-low. If it starts looking leggy or the leaves seem less vibrant (the beauty, after all, is in the rich silvery blue-green foliage), then move it to a brighter spot. As a natural climber, Silver Sword does best when given a pole or trellis, and can grow over 10' tall over time. As it matures, the leaves get very long and divide into lobes. Silver Sword likes to stay lightly moist — if unsure, make sure its pot has good drainage and water when the top inch of soil is dry. We love that this gorgeous variety is one of the easiest large-leaf philos to grow! Remember to place away from inquisitive mouths. Monstera deliciosa Several different species go by the name Monstera, but Monstera deliciosa is the most adaptable to lower light. It's not going to grow fast, but generally it will do just fine in low to moderate light levels. Definitely one of the best options for a large/more stately plant in your lower light spaces (just buy it big so you don't have to wait forever!). Water Monstera when the top two inches of soil are dry. This is another very easy-care houseplant, but keep in mind that it is toxic to pets, and it can be harder to find a space for a large specimen that isn't within munching range. Baby Rubber Plant, Peperomia obtusifolia 'Red Edge' Red Edge Peperomia is another winner for new plant parents or those of us just trying to survive! Tolerant of everything from high to low light, the only thing these beauties ask for is occasional water (let fully dry between waterings). If you want a more compact/tight growth habit, place in medium rather than low light — either way, they typically stay under 1' tall & wide. The O.G. Baby Rubber Plant (solid green) is equally tolerant of lower light — we just prefer Red Edge as the red stems and leaf edges give a pop of color. Diving Deeper: While we love many other peperomia for easy care such as Raindrop, Watermelon, and Felted, these varieties prefer bright indirect light. There are some trailing varieties such as Parallel ( P. tetragona ), Hope ( P. deppeana x quadrifolia), and String of Turtles ( P. prostrata ) that can handle medium-low light. If they start getting stringy/less compact or have less variegation, then move to a spot with a bit more light. Peperomia bonus —they're all pet-safe! Hoya H. publicalyx , H. carnosa & H. australis are best (Left to right: H. pubicalyx 'Pink Speckled', H. carnosa 'Pink Princess', H. australis solid' & 'Lisa') These three hoya species are pretty much tied for their adaptability to light — others may do well in medium or medium-low lighting, but these three are considered best for lower light situations. There are MANY varieties and variations of Hoya pubicalyx and carnosa, and if you want to waste a good 10 hours, we encourage you to deep dive on Reddit to get even more confused about the differences (not that Dana did...). As with other plants on this list, cultivars with more patterning will be at risk of losing some of that coloration or reverting to their simpler plant parentage in lower light. Hoya australis ss. will likely do better than Lisa, and cultivars such as Pink Princess with more white in their leaves need more light. All hoya are pet safe, so this is a great option for lower spots with lower light! Diving Deeper: While the above hoya species can maintain healthy growth in lower light, they may not bloom. If you see new tendrils reaching with no leaf development, that may not mean they need more light, but rather a trellis to grow onto. As natural climbers, they sometimes send bare shoots out to search for something to grab onto. Hoops are best so that they can wrap around them without lattice in the way. Calathea (aka Goeppertia ) G. insignis Rattlesnake Plant, G. makoyana Peacock Plant, & G. kegeljanii Network Plant are best (Left to right: Rattlesnake, Peacock, Network) Thriving in low to medium light, these tropical gems like regular watering (keep soil lightly moist, not wet). Humidity is a plus! Their bold, attention-grabbing leaves actually move in response to light cycles, making them dynamic additions to your low-light spaces. All three of these grow slowly, but can reach up to 2' tall and wide over time, creating a lush and unique statement piece for your low-light area. Calathea can get a bad rap for being finicky, but these three varieties are some of the easiest care. When someone's Network Calathea (aka Mosaic Plant) has browning leaves, it's most often due to sun scorch—these cultivars truly do prefer lower light areas! Pets can safely munch, though you may not want to lose any of these gorgeous leaves! Neanthe Bella Palm (a.k.a. Parlor Palm) Certain palms can be great options for the shadier spots in your space, with Parlor Palms being a favorite. Known for their bright, feathery fronds, these low-maintenance palms do well even with very little light. Give them a pot with good drainage and water when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Avoid placing near cold drafts or next to an air vent (a good rule of thumb for any plant, but these guys like to stay warm and humid when possible.). Parlor Palms are great pet-safe options for floor pots — if a few of those fronds get munched, your only concern is that it might not look great. At maturity, they can reach up to 6' tall and 3' wide, but if you'd like a smaller one, they do grow slowly. Safe for pet mouths, and also quite appealing due to their texture! Key Tips: For all plants placed in lower light areas, there are a few things to be extra conscientious of: Keep an eye out for signs of disease or pests — when they're not getting their ideal light, plants can be more stressed and therefore more prone to disease or pest activity. Dust those leaves! Yes, it can be tedious, but it's extra important for plants in low light. Even a fine layer of dust can inhibit their light uptake and ability to photosynthesize. We like using microfiber gloves — for an added bonus, spritz your gloves with an organic pest treatment. (To be extra safe, do a thorough pest check before using gloves on multiple plants. You don't want to inadvertently spread teensy spider mites!) Pay attention to your watering. While some of the above plants may like watering every few days when in a brighter spot, they likely won't need it as often in a darker area. That said, don't assume that they need less — it all depends on the type of pot, soil, how rootbound they are, if they're near an air vent, etc... don't stress about it, but take a second to do the finger test rather than assuming you know if they need watering. If you overwater in lower light areas, they may take longer to dry out and therefore be more susceptible to root rot or fungus gnats. For houseplants that like humidity (which is most of them, especially in winter/dryer months), consider adding a humidifier to your space (or placing them in a bathroom). Again, one less stress to the plant and another way to ensure its long-term success in a lower light environment! As a general rule of thumb, when we breed for special characteristics like a dark edge or pink variegation, we often sacrifice some of the original vigor that the plant evolved in nature. If you would prefer more robust plants that are less prone to disease or pests, we recommend choosing the 'O.G.s' of the above recommendations. If you are less worried about perfection and open to some trial and error, then give that Manjula a try! After all, much of the joy of growing plants is experimentation and learning!