The Power Of Plants

Don’t overlook the benefits of including plants when staging your house. Green plants are attractive finishing touches that convey positive subliminal messages, suggesting that the house is a pleasant, healthy environment in which to live. Plants fill empty spaces and soften the impression of hard surfaces, like counter tops and fixtures, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Incorporating plants also produces more attractive photographs, giving a big boost to your marketing efforts.

Strategies for Living Plants

Large plants can be bought inexpensively, often for far less than a comparable artificial one. Watch for sales. Some plants are easy to grow indoors, including:

        Cast Iron Plant - Prefers low light. Low moisture requirements.

        Pothos - Tolerates all lighting conditions. Allow to dry between waterings.

        Dracena - Grows best in bright light. Allow to dry between waterings.

Supplement live plants with artificial ones for an abundant, custom look.

Solid green foliage is preferable in most situations. For special occasions, like an open house, group cell packs of flowering plants in a container and plant outdoors afterward. Use a single color and coordinate with the décor.

When there is adequate light, consider using at least one living plant in a focal area. If the house is dark or vacant, artificial or everlasting plants are best. With a self-watering container or a drip water bottle, you can use living plants in a vacant house.

Strategies for Artificial Plants

 Artificial plants go on sale regularly. Look for ads and clip coupons. In addition,

• Choose a plant in proper scale with its surroundings.

• Avoid plants with dramatic leaf variegation.
•  Use plants with different growth habits (upright, full or trailing), leaf sizes, shapes and textures.

• Use branches from the garden and other dried materials like seed heads or pods to add interest.

• For special occasions, supplement artificial arrangements with live flower stems in small water cylinders, or add a few high quality silk flowers.

Containers

A well-chosen container improves the impact and perceived quality of a simple living plant or an inexpensive artificial plant. Evaluate the size, color, shape, material(s) and design. Choose one in scale with the plant and top with mulch or moss for a finished look.

Smart Selling Tip:

Include plants, real or not, when staging your house.  Plants create warmth and appeal and convey positive subliminal messages to buyers, while enhancing your marketing efforts with more attractive pictures.

© 2011 Sandy LeRoy and Mary Stephens