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(336)-983-4107 | 1088 W Dalton Rd, King, NC, 27021

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Howdy, folks! Mitchell’s Nursery here, comin’ to you live from the heart of North Carolina’s Zone 7b growing area, and I’ve got lush leaves and big bloom advice just for you.

Now, if you’re like me, you’ve got a soft spot for cozy spaces, and you’re always lookin’ for ways to bring a little more life into your home—especially on those crisp Carolina winter days! Well, I’ve got just the ticket: houseplants. They’re the perfect roommates—quiet, easy to please (with just a little TLC), and they’ll freshen up your space fast.

Here is how I fell in love with houseplants in good ol’ zone 7b. A few years back, we had one cold winter where the outside felt like Jack Frost was dancing on every front porch in King. I remember watchin’ my flowers and herbs in the garden struggle with frosty air, so I invited a few plants into the house for a bit of vacation from the cold. Well, wouldn’t you know it—they thrived! In our part of North Carolina, a window with a bit of bright, indirect light can do wonders even in the coldest months.

I accumulated four lime trees that lived indoors from October to April. It got me thinkin’: what if I turned my den into a bonafide winter greenhouse? I started gatherin’ everything from pothos and calatheas to monsteras and palms, and soon enough, I had a whole indoor jungle that not only survived the winter but downright flourished.

Here are some top tips for all you beginners wantin’ to dip your toes into houseplant care:

Light, Light, Light

In zone 7b, our days can be shorter come winter, but there’s plenty of Southern sunshine the rest of the year. Seek out windows that get a gentle touch of morning or late afternoon light. If you’ve got a spot that sizzles with direct noon sun, consider a sheer curtain to protect plants from scorching.

Water Wisely

Houseplants need a drink, but not a soak daily. Even less in the wintertime. Feel the top inch of soil; if it’s dry, it’s water time. But if it’s still damp, let your green buddy sit longer before the next watering. Overdoing it is like giving your plants a beverage they didn’t order!

Humidity & Temperature

Even though our summers can be mighty humid, once you crank up the heat indoors during winter, the air can get dry. Group your plants together to create a mini humidity pocket, or set them on trays filled with pebbles and water to keep the air around them nice and moist. A humidifier will also work. Make effort to keep the house in that sweet spot of 65-75°F, and they’ll be happy.

Proper Potting Mix

Go for a quality, well-draining soil blend. Plants like succulents or cacti like soil that drains faster, so pick a mix specially formulated for them. An all-purpose indoor potting mix does just fine for leafy fellas like philodendrons or peace lilies.

Feed ‘Em Right

Plants need good nutrition, but you don’t want to overdo it. In zone 7b, they’ll have natural cues from daylight to grow more in spring and summer—give a gentle fertilizer every month during their active growing seasons. In winter, lay off the feed—let them rest up.

Pest Patrol

Keep an eye out for tiny critters like spider mites or mealybugs. Wipe down the leaves regularly and use a gentle insecticidal soap if you spot any unwanted visitors. Winter usually wipes out the insect issues.

Best Beginner Plants

If you’re just startin’, look for tried-and-true champions:

  • Snake Plant: Low-light friendly and tough.
  • Pothos: Grows like a dream, even if you forget the occasional watering.
  • Peace Lily: This is great for folks who might be heavy-handed with the watering can—these beauties will tell you when they need a drink.
  • Succulents/Cacti: Forgives plenty of watering missteps.

Now, what’s truly special about North Carolina zone 7b is that you can get double-duty out of certain houseplants—sometimes they can summer outdoors in a shady spot, then come back in for the winter, adding a little something-something to your décor year-round. It’s like having a good neighbor who’s always lookin’ out for you: letting your plants soak up that great outdoors sunshine in the warm months, then givin’ them a cozy indoor retreat when the air starts turning crisp.

Remember, folks: tending houseplants is more than just horticulture—it’s a labor of love. Each leaf unfurling is a testament to your tender care, and every bloom is a proud moment worth celebrating. If you’re new to the houseplant game, don’t worry about a droopy leaf or two—think of it a friendly reminder that even plants need a little grace and patience.

Let us help you gather some greenery for your living room, kitchen windowsill, or bedroom nightstand. North Carolina Zone 7b may have its cold snaps and sweltering summers, but with a bit of knowledge and a lot of heart, you can keep your houseplants smiling all year. And who knows—you might just find that nurturing these leafy companions becomes one of the sweetest parts of your day.

Enjoy your indoor gardening! If you need a pep talk or a pat on the back, you know where to find us—cheering you on, one leaf at a time. Let’s get growing!