|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dear Readers,
Early this year, a press release landed in my inbox that made me laugh out loud. It read:
|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[DOWNERS GROVE, IL] — As plant enthusiasts prepare for National Houseplant Appreciation Day on January 10th, the National Garden Bureau is giving them another reason to celebrate: 2026 has officially been named the “Year of the Ficus.”
|
|
The urgency inherent in the press release’s format, combined with the idea of people getting ready for this made-up holiday, made me laugh out loud. I know plenty of houseplant enthusiasts, and wondered if any of them had heard of Houseplant Appreciation Day. Responses to my query ranged from “lolll” to “I do appreciate my houseplants though, especially in January!”
As it turns out, the celebration is too big to be contained in 24 hours: All of January is National Houseplant Appreciation Month, which means you’ve still got time to celebrate. And while I kid about the goofiness of faux holidays, I know that houseplants can be magical in their own way.
Studies link indoor plants to reduced stress, improved mood, and a greater sense of well-being. We feel pride when we watch new leaves unfurl, guide vines one step farther along a trellis, or see that a cutting has finally started to sprout. Houseplants give us purpose and pleasure when the days feel short, the air cold, and the light thin. Taking care of a plant is a tiny act of hope.
Happy planting,
– Elizabeth Weinstein, Marketplace Editor
P.S. We’ve got exciting news! Bluedot Living has launched a new podcast, Imagine If, that explores the meaningful progress that’s being made in the fight for climate solutions across multiple industries, from firefighting to filmmaking to farming. The first two episodes, featuring March of the Penguins producer Adam Leipzig and anthropologist, wildland firefighter, and author Jordan Thomas, are available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Perfect Shears and Pruners
|
|
Good tools can transform tasks, making them rituals rather than chores. Modern Sprout’s tools help facilitate that transformation. These shears and pruners are as functional as they are attractive — and that’s saying something, given the soft pastel finishes. The needle-nose shears are ideal for snipping herbs and flowers, while the pruners can trim stems up to a half-inch thick. ($19.99 each) |
| SHOP NOW |
|
|
|
An Elegant Copper Trellis
|
|
A good trellis keeps a plant upright and exposes more surface area to light, helping it grow more vigorously. We love these hand-hammered copper trellises from Bean & Bear, a woman-founded, solar-powered jewelry studio that donates a portion of all sales to environmental nonprofits. Choose from two designs: Leaves (shown) or Snake. ($22) |
| SHOP NOW |
|
|
|
Propagation Partners
|
|
Make propagation and floral arranging easier with Botanical Keepers. Each Keeper fits neatly on a mason jar or most glasses, turning everyday vessels into elegant, functional displays for cuttings and flowers. Designed to hold stems at just the right height, they keep leaves afloat and make it easy to watch roots form in real time. Made from FSC-certified bamboo, melamine, and corn starch. ($11.99 for two) |
| SHOP NOW |
|
|
|
A Windowsill-Worthy Mister
|
|
A mister is a satisfying upgrade for anyone who takes their houseplants seriously. The mister delivers a fine, even coating of water, mimicking the natural humidity that tropicals like ferns and air plants love. It has plenty of other uses, too. Misting helps clean leaves, discourage pests, and coax stubborn leaves and fronds to unfurl. ($34) |
| SHOP NOW |
|
|
|
Fresh Herbs All Winter Long
|
|
In winter, when cooking leans toward long-simmered stews and comforting casseroles, finishing a dish with fresh herbs really brightens things up. These Garden Jar Organic Herb Kits make it easy to grow your own herbs indoors, so you can snip what you need as you cook — no last-minute store runs, no wilted bunches forgotten in the fridge. ($20) |
| SHOP NOW |
|
|
|
A Memorable Gift
|
|
Grow forget-me-nots indoors with the help of Unique Gardener. This set comes with three kits that include everything you need. Easy to sprout and grow, forget-me-nots can flower for six to eight weeks, offering up little periwinkle blooms with sunny centers. These make a lovely, affordable gift that will outlast fresh flowers. ($29.99 for three kits) |
| SHOP NOW |
|
|
|
A Flowering Focal Point
|
|
Make a statement with this stunning Smart Growhouse. Inspired by Victorian terrariums, this integrated grow light does double duty as decor and a home for plants that need an extra boost or simply deserve to be admired. Powerful, adjustable LEDs emit natural, white light and support plants’ growth. We also love the brand’s wall-mounted Growframes, which offer the same thoughtful design in a different format. ($249–$299) |
| SHOP NOW |
|
|
|
|
|
Paid Advertisement with Coffee Co. |
Say Goodbye to Boring Coffee
|
 |
|
Like many, my mornings started with bland grocery store coffee. Then Trade changed everything by connecting me with a curated selection of roasts perfectly matched to my tastes, crafted by passionate small-batch roasters. I took a quick quiz, and now I enjoy unique, freshly roasted coffees delivered straight to my door. Not only do they taste better than what I was buying before, but supporting local artisans makes me feel great about the money I’m spending on coffee each week. Plus, Trade is offering Bluedot Living readers an exclusive 50% off your first month subscription when you sign up today. Trust us, you deserve the upgrade. Our only regret—not finding them sooner! |
| Take the quiz and find your perfect roast today. |
|
|
|
|
|
Handy, Free Ways to Grow Your Houseplant Family |
-
Learn to propagate plants.
-
Host a cutting and plant swap with friends.
-
Look for plants on Facebook Buy Nothing groups — mine always has loads. You might also luck into grow lights, pots, and more.
-
See if your local garden center has a “Take a pot, leave a pot” pile before you buy new pots.
-
If you plan to start seedlings inside, ask a local nursery if they’ll give you extra empty seedling packs, or use paper egg crates.
-
Upcycle unexpected containers into planters. A large Roma tomato can with holes drilled in the bottom could make a charming vessel for your kitchen basil plant.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Hunker down for the winter in this buttery soft waffle blanket made from regenerative organic bamboo. Available in three soothing colors, it offers a perfect blend of comfort and sustainability. Find this and more sustainable products to make it through winter in the Bluedot Living Collection.
|
| Shop Now |
|
|
|
|
|
Want to get in touch? I’d love to hear from you. Tell me about your favorite sustainable products and anything else that’s on your mind — email marketplace@bluedotliving.com. I’ll see you again Monday after next.
– Elizabeth Weinstein |
|
Elizabeth Weinstein, Bluedot’s Marketplace Editor, lives in Manhattan with her husband; papillon Finley; and cats SanDeE* and Modell. When she’s not asking the folks at Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom to try on their most sustainable sneakers in a size 9½, she can be found at the Union Square Greenmarket or gardening on her rooftop terrace. |
|
|
|
Our audience is informed, intentional, and tuned in to sustainable living. Reach our 300,000 readers by advertising here, or contact adsales@bluedotliving.com to reserve your space. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
