🪴Houseplant Guide

Looking to add a little life to your home? Plants do more than decorate — they help purify the air and lift your mood.

Worried you’ll kill them? I know, I know. Me too… I don’t have a green thumb, but I’ve managed to keep these plants alive since moving to San Diego four years ago — if I can do it, you can too! 

What I Keep Indoors (Indirect light) 

Chinese Banyan

My little “Mr. Miyagi” tree! I’ve love bonsai, but they’re tricky to keep alive. This resilient ficus gives me all the bonsai vibes without the stress.

Rubber Plant

Rubber Plant – A superstar air purifier that’s very low-maintenance. Just don’t snack on the leaves—they’re mildly toxic. 

What I Keep on the Patio (Sun to Partial Shade)

Geranium Aralia

A tropical beauty with feathery, delicate leaves. I picked this one up at Trader Joe’s, and it’s been thriving with minimal fuss.

Tricolor Stromanthe

I absolutely love the striking mix of purple-pink undersides and creamy green tops. It instantly elevates any space with its colorful leaves.

Soom Tip

If live plants truly aren’t your thing, try dried greenery — it brings texture without any upkeep. I grab the $9.99 green bouquets at Costco, which usually include eucalyptus, ferns, and grasses. I simply rinse, trim and place a fews stems in a vase without water, and they dry beautifully!


Jenn Cho

Jenn Cho


Jenn Cho is a San Diego REALTOR® and founder of Soom Living. Her goal is simple: to create thoughtful resources that help people make informed real estate decisions and feel more connected to San Diego


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