How to Save Money on House Plants

House plants don't just add color to your home, they can actually help you stay healthy. House plants absorb toxins in the air and filter dirt and dust. They lower noise levels, increase your home's humidity and may even reduce stress. If you have visited a nursery or big box store lately in search of new house plants, you might have been dismayed by the high prices. Fortunately, there are ways to furnish your home with lush, green plants and still stick to your budget.

Instructions

1. Save clippings from houseplants you already own and place them in a vase or glass with water. When they sprout roots, they can be planted in soil. Look for pots at thrift stores, dollar stores and yard sales for even more savings.

2. Trade your pothos for a wandering Jew. By swapping your clippings with friends, family members or neighbors, you can all gain a wider variety of plants without spending a dime.

3. Ask for plants. The next time your sister or best friend asks what you want for your birthday (or other gift-giving holiday), let her know you would love a new verdant plant.

4. Scope out yard sales and classifieds. People frequently grow houseplants and sell them (inexpensively) for easy pocket money, or need to get rid of them because they are moving out of state. Look at the Sunday paper or websites such as Craigslist.

5. Talk to the manager. If your grocery store or neighborhood home improvement store sells houseplants, ask what they do with the plants that need some TLC. You might be able to get your hands on some potentially pretty plants for next to nothing.

Tips & Warnings

• Grow houseplants from items in your kitchen. Avocados, sweet potatoes and even carrot tops can be grown as lovely houseplants.

Resources

• Grow a sweet potato vine