As the dog days of summer arrive, the heat becomes unbearable, and people often find themselves staying indoors in air-conditioned rooms. Therefore, having some greenery on the balcony can not only beautify the environment but also help cool down and humidify the air to some extent. Here’s an introduction to a plant that can bring a refreshing touch to your summer.
Monstera
Monstera belongs to the Araceae family and is a popular ornamental foliage plant, especially favored by people who have just renovated their homes. Its leaves are known for their ability to absorb formaldehyde and carbon dioxide, with its absorption capacity being strongest during the night, making it a perfect "bedroom oxygen bar." Additionally, its large leaves enhance water condensation, thus helping to humidify the indoor air.
Care Tips: Monstera is shade-tolerant and prefers a well-ventilated environment. It is best placed on an east or north-facing windowsill in the living room, with an optimal growth temperature between 20-30°C. For soil, slightly acidic, sandy soil is recommended. During the growing season (spring to autumn), applying a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month will help the plant grow healthily.
Spring Fern
Spring Fern, like Monstera, belongs to the Araceae family, which is why people often confuse the two. The main difference is in the leaves—Spring Fern's leaves are feathery, with obvious folds, giving them an uneven but harmonious appearance. In the floral world, it is considered the "king" of humidifying the air because the pores on its leaves continuously transform air into water vapor, effectively increasing humidity.
Care Tips: Spring Fern thrives in warm, humid environments. Although it doesn’t require much sunlight, it can't tolerate complete shade and prefers scattered light. It is best planted in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. During summer, in addition to soil fertilization, applying a nitrogen-rich flower fertilizer 2-3 times a month will be beneficial for its growth.
Calathea
Calathea has become a popular plant in recent years. Its leaves resemble cat’s eyes, with some varieties having unique patterns across the entire leaf surface, giving it a deep, mysterious appearance. The leaf colors vary by variety, including red, pink, yellow, and green. As a tropical plant from the Americas, Calathea thrives in humid conditions and helps with both humidification and cooling the air.
Care Tips: Calathea prefers acidic or slightly acidic soil rich in humus. During spring and summer, it does not require much light, but in summer, you should increase the watering frequency to keep the plant healthy.
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