Bring prosperity and peace to your homes with these lucky bamboo plants. They not only bring positive energy and luck to the house but also enhance the look of the living space it is placed in. They are considered a good option for gifting purposes as a token of love and respect. Also, these plants are important in <keyword id="51979" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="feng-shui">Feng Shui</keyword> culture. They are mostly kept indoors and do not require much maintenance. To bring luck and prosperity to your home, we have created a list of the <keyword id="11684051" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="best-lucky-plants">best lucky plants</keyword>.<br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B08VCZD8T9" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B08VCZD8T9_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Glass Pot" msid="84593852" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B08VCZD8T9</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B08VCZD8T9_body"><bulletContentRow name="B08VCZD8T9_6074962537439078"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Phore 2 Layer Lucky Bamboo Plant</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This 2-layer lucky bamboo plant from Phore should add beauty to your decor. This lucky plant is said to come in a beautiful glass pot with coloured jelly balls. It is said to be an indoor plant. Keeping roots in water is the only care to be done.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B08VCZD8T9_7135581003809605"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This beautiful plant should add grace to your home setting.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B081X7GJ52" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B081X7GJ52_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Durable Build" msid="84593914" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B081X7GJ52</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B081X7GJ52_body"><bulletContentRow name="B081X7GJ52_3008140212744347"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Ugaoo Air Purifying Bamboo Palm Plant</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This bamboo palm plant from Ugaoo is said to be suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It should help you purify the air and is easy to maintain. This plant is considered a durable, attractive and tolerant houseplant. The plant's height is said to be 6-12 inches. It comes with a self-watering plant which should make it convenient to maintain.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B081X7GJ52_6671930204738098"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This plant should be easy to maintain.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07YL8JWSL" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07YL8JWSL_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Good Fortune" msid="84593981" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07YL8JWSL</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07YL8JWSL_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07YL8JWSL_7179100524842661"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Lucky Leafy 3 Layer Lucky Bamboo in Orchid Metal Pot</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This 3-layer lucky bamboo plant from Lucky Leaf should bring good fortune to your home. It claims to come in an orchid metal pot which adds grace to your home decor or workplace, wherever kept. It is said to be suitable indoors or in dry places and does not require much attention to grow. Changing of water twice a week should make it stay fresh.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07YL8JWSL_5312047037047861"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">It should bring good fortune and luck to your home.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07Q1N7LJ1" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07Q1N7LJ1_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="2-layered" msid="84594017" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07Q1N7LJ1</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07Q1N7LJ1_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07Q1N7LJ1_4909730731764476"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Ferns 'N' Petals 2 Layer Lucky Bamboo Plant</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This 2-layer lucky bamboo plant from Ferns 'N' Petals comes with a high-quality glass pot with jelly balls. It should help you bring peace and prosperity to your home as it helps generate energy flow from outside work to inside. It can be considered a good gifting option for home or office decor.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07Q1N7LJ1_7188547302264784"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">It can be considered a good gifting option as an expression of love and respect.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07T6YKW3W" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07T6YKW3W_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Indoor Plant" msid="84594077" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07T6YKW3W</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07T6YKW3W_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07T6YKW3W_9062582637211152"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Real Nature 2 Layer lucky Bamboo Plant</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This lucky bamboo plant from Real Nature has two layers which signify double luck. It should bring positive energy and peace to your home. This plant is said to come in a beautiful glass pot which should add grace to your home or office decor. It is easy to maintain and should be kept indoors. It can be considered a great gift option to show love or respect.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07T6YKW3W_5402095652350238"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">It is said to be suitable for keeping indoors.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B08HM5GSXL" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B08HM5GSXL_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Air-purifier" msid="84594109" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B08HM5GSXL</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B08HM5GSXL_body"><bulletContentRow name="B08HM5GSXL_6328458432149487"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Vibrant Green Air Purifying 2 Layer Bamboo Plant</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Bring peace and prosperity with this lucky bamboo plant from Vibrant Green. Its two layers signify double luck and prosperity to your home. It claims to come with a simple-looking plastic white pot of 3X3 inches. It is said to be used as an indoor plant that helps to purify the air. It can be considered as a gifting option as an expression of respect.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B08HM5GSXL_7647533609252339"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">It should help you purify the air.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br />

Best indoor plants to buy for luck and prosperity

<ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>The ZZ plant is low-maintenance — it can tolerate infrequent watering and indirect sunlight.</strong></li><li><strong>Avoid watering ZZ plants until the soil is bone dry, as overwatering can cause root rot.</strong></li><li><strong>Use well-draining soil, only fertilize in the spring, and repot the ZZ plant every year or two.</strong></li></ul><p>With its spotless shiny leaves that have an unusual waxy finish, the ZZ plant — also known as the Zanzibar gem or its scientific name, the Zamioculcas zamiifolia — is so striking that it's often mistaken for artificial. It's also known as the "plant of steel" as it can tolerate low light and infrequent watering without making a fuss. </p><p>According to Erin Marino, houseplant expert and director of marketing at <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesill.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow nofollow noopener sponsored sponsored">The Sill</a>, this is because it's native to arid regions like Zanzibar, Kenya, and Eastern Africa, which often experience ​​long periods of dry conditions with occasional bursts of rain.</p><p>As such, Marino says the ZZ plant has evolved to adopt characteristics that help it withstand drought. You might notice large potato-like bulbs under the surface of the ZZ plant's potting mix. These are known as rhizomes, and are actually underground stems, according to Marino.</p><p>"The rhizomes store water to help the ZZ plant survive when rainy days are few and far between," says Marino.</p><p>All that said, there are a few things you should know about caring for this <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-indoor-plants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">indoor houseplant</a>. Follow the expert-approved guidance below to ensure your ZZ plant thrives.</p><h2><strong>Common ZZ plant cultivars</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="A raven zz plant's nearly black leaves up close with new growth peaking through" height="667" width="889" msid="88214386" hostid="261"></div><p>There are at least a dozen different cultivars — or cultivated varieties — of the ZZ plant, with new ones emerging all the time. Unlike standard plant varieties, which occur as a natural phenomenon, new cultivars are purposefully created when growers crossbreed two parent plants that have desirable characteristics.  </p><p>Here are some of the most popular cultivars, according to Marino. Whichever variety you choose, proper care will remain the same.</p><ul><li><strong>Raven</strong>: Commonly referred to as "Raven," this ZZ plant variety's new leaves first grow in a light green hue and gradually darken to bold, nearly black foliage.</li><li><strong>Lucky classic: </strong>This variety has rounded leaves rather than pointy ones.</li><li><strong>Super nova:</strong> Similar to the raven ZZ plant variety, the super nova has very dark green, pointed leaves.</li><li><strong>Zenzi or dwarf ZZ: </strong>This variety is smaller and more compact with leaves that are grouped closer together.</li></ul><p><strong>Quick tip: </strong>The ZZ plant is considered mildly toxic to both humans and animals if ingested. This is due to the <a href="https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/poison-control-center/plants-irritate">calcium oxalate</a>, tiny crystals in the stems and leaves that can cause pain and swelling when eaten. Keep this plant on a higher shelf or stand, out of reach from small children and curious pets.</p><h2><strong>At a glance</strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Botanical name: </strong>Zamioculcas zamiifolia</li><li><strong>Commonly known as: </strong>ZZ plant</li><li><strong>Hardiness zone: </strong>9 and 10</li><li><strong>Toxicity: </strong>Yes (humans and pets)</li><li><strong>Watering frequency: </strong>Once every 2-4 weeks</li><li><strong>Soil type: </strong>Well-draining indoor potting mix</li><li><strong>Light exposure: </strong>Medium to bright indirect sunlight</li></ul><h2><strong>Water</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="A man using a metal watering can to water a zz plant" height="1414" width="1885" msid="88214388" hostid="261"></div><p>Overwatering is the easiest way to kill the ZZ plant, according to Marino. Only water it when the top inch or two of the soil is bone dry. This could be every few weeks, or even less frequent when it's getting lower light, such as during the winter season. When watering, Marino recommends adding tepid water directly to the potting soil. </p><p>"Do not water the plant's foliage, or directly on top of the plant," says Marino. "It's the roots, below the potting soil's surface, that you are aiming for."</p><p>Since the ZZ plant can handle dry air, Marino adds that there's no need to mist it or place it by a humidifier.</p><h2><strong>Potting and fertilizer</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="A man examining the roots of a zz plant he has removed from its pot" height="1414" width="1885" msid="88214390" hostid="261"></div><p>Marino states that any well-draining, indoor potting mix will do for the ZZ plant. You can also mix in ingredients such as perlite or lava rocks to help aerate the soil. Aeration refers to creating small holes in the soil that increases the circulation of air, water, and nutrients to the roots.</p><p>While it's not required, Marino says you can fertilize the ZZ plant about once a month during the spring-summer growing season to replenish lost nutrients from the soil. Do not fertilize during the fall and winter months, as this is when most tropical plants are semi-dormant.</p><p>Marino recommends diluting your <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-fertilizers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fertilizer</a> with water to avoid over-fertilizing, which can not only cause damage to the root system but also lead to unsightly brown or yellow spots on the leaves.</p><p>ZZ plants don't grow very quickly but can benefit from the fresh nutrients new potting soil provides. Depending on the amount of recent growth, Marino says you'll want to <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-repot-a-plant">repot your plant</a> about every one to two years. Ideally, you should do this in early spring, right before the growing season kicks into full gear.</p><p>If you prefer not to repot your ZZ plant, but it isn't growing in its current planter, Marino advises fertilizing it in the springtime to replenish the nutrients removed from its potting mix. </p><h2><strong>Temperature</strong></h2><p>Like most <keyword id="12021028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="houseplants" source="Orion">houseplants</keyword>, the ZZ plant prefers a temperature range of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold temperatures can stunt the plant's growth, so it's best not to let the thermostat drop below 60 degrees.</p><p>To keep the ZZ plant in its ideal temperature range, make sure to keep it away from air conditioners in the summer and heating systems during the winter, says Marino. </p><h2><strong>Light</strong></h2><p>The ZZ plant will flourish in medium to bright indirect light, but Marino adds that it's known for tolerating even extremely low levels of indirect light.</p><p>Consider placing the ZZ plant somewhere it will get 8 to 10 hours of indirect sunlight — like a bright room with south-facing windows.</p><h2><strong>Common problems</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="A small ZZ plant in a bowl" height="1462" width="1950" msid="88214392" hostid="261"></div><p>The ZZ plant is a relatively easy-going plant and generally pest-free. If you do notice pests, Marino says it's important to treat them as soon as they appear with a natural pesticide like neem oil. Spray the plant with the pesticide weekly, and regularly wipe it down with a wet cloth.</p><p>If the ZZ plant is wilting or shows wrinkled or shriveled leaves, Marino says that usually just indicates that it's thirsty and you may need to increase how frequently you're watering it.</p><p>Alternatively, if the leaves are yellowing and the soil appears wet and mushy, that may be a sign of root rot from overwatering. As long as you catch this early, you may be able to salvage the plant from root rot by pruning damaged roots and rhizomes and repotting it in fresh, dry soil. However, if all the roots look brown or black and have a slimy or mushy texture, that may indicate that they've all already rotted and cannot be revived.</p><h2><strong>Propagation</strong></h2><p>According to Marino, the easiest way to propagate a ZZ plant is by dividing up sections of the mother plant.</p><p>Once you remove the ZZ plant from its current planter, gently shake off some of the potting soil and loosen up the roots. Look for different sections of the plant that can be easily separated from one another, and then gently split them up with your hands, a sharp and clean knife, or pruners. </p><p>Make sure each sectioned-off baby plant has a healthy root system and foliage, says Marino. If the roots look white and crisp, that's a sign that they're healthy. Then, individually plant them with fresh potting mix and lightly water them.</p><h2><strong>Pruning</strong></h2><p>The ZZ plant grows relatively slowly so it doesn't need frequent pruning. However, you should trim off any lackluster yellowish or wrinkled leaves.</p><p>"Unhealthy foliage does not easily bounce back, so it's best to trim this off to help the plant conserve energy for new, healthy growth," says Marino.</p><h2><strong>Insider's takeaway</strong></h2><p>Not only is the ZZ plant an eye-catching addition to any <keyword id="11898442" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="home" source="Orion">home</keyword>, it's also remarkably low-maintenance, making it perfect for forgetful owners. Since it's toxic, though, you'll want to make sure it's out of reach from children or pets.</p><p>As long as you use a quick-draining potting soil mix, water it about once a month, and make sure it gets at least low to moderate indirect sunlight, this plant should do just fine. Remember: when in doubt, underwatering is always better than overwatering, which can lead to root rot. When it's time to repot the ZZ plant, do so in the early spring and only fertilize it during the spring-summer growing season.</p>

How to grow and care for a ZZ plant

Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky<ul class="summary-list"><li>Jade plants are the preferred beginner plant for bonsai enthusiasts and are considered lucky in feng shui.</li><li>Jade plants are <keyword id="12412337" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="succulents" source="Orion">succulents</keyword>, which makes them hardy and quite easy to care for.</li><li>LIke their natural habitat, jade plants prefer bright direct light and warm temperatures.</li></ul><p>The trusty, hardy jade plant is one of the <a href="https://www.insider.com/types-of-succulents" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most popular succulent houseplants</a>. Native to South Africa and Mozambique, this enduring plant requires an infrequent watering schedule and, though they prefer direct light, they can tolerate low light conditions. Also known as the lucky plant, jade plants represent friendship and prosperity in countries throughout Asia. </p><p>Erin Marino, editorial lead and plant expert at <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesill.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">The Sill</a>, shares her best care tips on the beloved jade plant so you can maintain it as a good luck charm. </p><h2><strong>Identifying a jade plant</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="A closeup of a jade plant against a black background" height="1841" width="2454" msid="87345928" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>With thick stems and plump, shiny, and oval-shaped leaves, the charming jade plant has a mini tree-like appearance. There are dozens of jade plant varieties, but most are easily identified by their dark green leaves that can sometimes have a reddish hue. </p><p>"The word crassus in Latin means 'thick.' The name Crassula was given to this group of succulent plants because they have thick leaves and stems that store water," says Marino.</p><p>Jade plants also have bonsai capabilities, meaning they can take on a mini tree-like appearance and are the preferred beginner plant for bonsai tree enthusiasts. "Many bonsai beginners start with a jade plant since they are so hardy and can easily take on the shape of a bonsai tree when pruned correctly," says Marino.</p><h2>At a glance</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Botanical name:</strong> Crassula ovata</p></li><li><p><strong>Commonly known as:</strong> Jade plant, Lucky plant</p></li><li><p><strong>Hardiness zone:</strong> 10-11</p></li><li><p><strong>Toxic to pets:</strong> Yes</p></li><li><p><strong>Watering frequency:</strong> Once every two to three weeks</p></li><li><p><strong>Soil type:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Succulent-Professional-Draining-Pre-Mixed/dp/B08NF2N3HJ/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Succulent mix</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Light exposure:</strong> Bright direct light</p></li></ul><h2><strong>Water</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="A hand using a yellow watering can to water a small jade plant" height="1410" width="1880" msid="87345933" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>As with all succulents, overwatering can be fatal and the jade plant is no exception. Marino recommends watering your jade plant only when the potting mix is completely dry. To check this, stick your finger in the soil - if soil sticks to your finger, do not water; if there is no soil, it's time for a drink. </p><p>"If you're nervous about overwatering, wait for your jade plant's leaves to wrinkle before watering again," says Marino. "This is a sign of thirst in fleshy, succulent plants."</p><h2><strong>Soil</strong></h2><p>Traditional potting soil mix will not work with jade plants or other succulents. These plants need a rocky soil or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Succulent-Professional-Draining-Pre-Mixed/dp/B08NF2N3HJ/?th=1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">grainy soil</a> that will allow for proper drainage and avoid root rot. Choosing a terra cotta pot for your jade plant will also retain some moisture so you can maintain the infrequent watering schedule that it prefers.</p><p>"Opt for a well-draining, sandy soil to pot your plant in, like a succulent mix," says Marino.</p><h2><strong>Light and temperature</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="A jade plant with bright red leaf-tips growing outside in a terra cotta pot" height="1411" width="1882" msid="87345935" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Because jade plants originate from a warm, dry environment, it is best to replicate these conditions indoors as closely as possible for your jade plant to thrive. If your plant is getting enough sunlight, its leaves may reward you with beautiful red edges.</p><p>"Keep temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and place in a spot where it receives bright direct light," says Marino. "If your space doesn't receive great natural light, position your jade plant under a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/APLANT-Function-Spectrum-Seedlings-Succulents/dp/B08RRXX9MK/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">grow light</a> instead."</p><p>If you live in a colder area, Marino recommends bringing your jade plant indoors before temperatures dip below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.</p><h2><strong>Propagation</strong></h2><p>There are two ways to propagate a jade plant: leaf cutting and stem cutting. To propagate by leaf cutting, be sure to choose the healthiest leaf from a mature branch and gently remove it.</p><p><strong>"</strong>Make sure to remove the stem of the leaf with it, which is where new roots and baby leaves will grow," says Marino. "Leave the leaf out in a dry spot until the bottom has scabbed over, then place on top of new potting soil and lightly mist it weekly." </p><p>A new baby jade will eventually grow from where the leaf was removed from the mother plant. Marino also suggests speeding up the propagation process by dipping that end in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AA8WPGY" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">rooting hormone powder</a> once scabbed over and before placing it on top of the soil. </p><p>To propagate by stem cutting, Marino says to use pruning shears to take a healthy stem cutting - a piece of the stem or branch of the plant - that is a few inches long and let it sit in a dry place until the bottom scabs over, then repeat the same steps as the leaf-cutting process.</p><h2><strong>Common problems</strong></h2><p>Like most <keyword id="12021028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="houseplants" source="Orion">houseplants</keyword>, the jade plant can suffer from being overwatered and is also susceptible to common pests such as mealybugs and spider mites. To overcome this, Marino recommends a simple solution using household items.</p><p>"Spot-treat visible bugs with a cotton swab or cotton pad dipped in alcohol," says Marino. "Make sure to get all the nooks and crannies where these pests like to hide, and examine your plant weekly for signs of reinfestation."</p><h2><strong>Insider's takeaway</strong></h2><p>With enough bright direct light, warmth, the right potting soil, and an infrequent watering schedule, your jade plant can grow and thrive with the same strength and beauty as the trees it resembles.</p><a data-type="60fefb0dbd6912489c66a23f">10 popular types of succulents and how to care for them</a><a data-type="5e45be454b661b0bb3069709">We compared 3 of the most popular online plant shops - here's how their shipping and return policies and plant care advice stack up</a><a data-type="617871b1b19e807c9d54568a">8 low-light houseplants that can tolerate even the darkest corners of your home</a><a data-type="60ca71f8bee01c3f4c0324f9">How to grow and care for orchids</a>

How to grow and care for a jade plant

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Popular <keyword id="1305352" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Houseplants">houseplants</keyword> that are also pet-safe include spider plants, money plants, and Boston ferns.</li><li>Even if a plant is pet-friendly, insecticides used to keep it pest-free may still be toxic.</li><li>Popular indoor plants that are toxic for <keyword id="6358374" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pets">pets</keyword> include devil's ivy, snake plants, and fiddle-leaf figs. </li></ul><p>The love for our fur babies and plant babies knows no bounds, but when it comes to their health and safety, it's important to know the perimeters of plant toxicity to protect both our pets and our plants.</p><p>"Do your research. Before bringing any new plants into your <keyword id="6363870" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="home">home</keyword>, understand potential risks to your pets and prevent toxic exposures," says Scott Allshouse, CEO and President of gardening products company, <a href="https://earthsally.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Earth's Ally</a>.</p><p>Keep in mind that just because a plant itself is non-toxic to pets doesn't mean it's a go. There are still other factors to consider with plant care. "Houseplants almost inevitably face common pests like scale, aphids, and spider mites. Some pesticides and insecticides are poisonous to pets as well," says Allshouse.</p><p>We spoke to experts to find out which indoor plants are safe for cats and dogs - and which ones aren't -  so you can safely and responsibly bring home your next green addition.</p><p><strong>Quick tip:</strong> If you're looking to get pet-friendly plants delivered to your door, Insider Reviews tested three popular plant retailers - <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/where-to-buy-plants-online" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sill, Leon &amp; George, and Bloomscape</a> - to find out if they're worth it. </p><h2>1. True palms </h2><div type="image" title="parlor palm houseplant in white pot" height="3248" width="4331" msid="80772954" hostid="261"></div><p>The palm family (<em>arecaceae</em>) offers a few varieties that can be safely kept with pets, including the parlor palm (<em>Chamaedorea elegans)</em> and ponytail palm (<em>Beaucarnea recurvata</em>). But the sago palm (<em>Cycas revoluta</em>) is not a true palm and is quite toxic, says Ben Team, an environmental educator at <a href="https://www.k9ofmine.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">K9 of Mine</a>.</p><h2>2. Bamboo </h2><div type="image" title="bamboo houseplant" height="3024" width="4032" msid="80772958" hostid="261"></div><p>Commonly referred to as golden or fishpole bamboo, this plant (<em>Phyllostachys aurea</em>) makes for great patio foliage that's safe for both cats and dogs. Other types, however, like heavenly or sacred bamboo and lucky bamboo can be toxic to cats.</p><h2>3. African violets</h2><div type="image" title="african violet houseplant in pot" height="2726" width="3634" msid="80772962" hostid="261"></div><p>African violets (<em>Streptocarpus ionanthus</em>) are the ideal marriage of a green houseplant and a bouquet of flowers. Their pinkish-purple blooms bring color to any home and are safe to have around pets.</p><h2>4. Spider plants</h2><div type="image" title="spider plant houseplant in green pot" height="2209" width="2946" msid="80772965" hostid="261"></div><p>The spider plant (<em>Chlorophytum comosum)</em>, also known as the airplane plant, spider ivy, and ribbon plant, is a popular houseplant that's both pet-safe and great for hanging up high so animals aren't as tempted by it. "Spider plants are great for new plant parents because they are low maintenance, propagate easily, and are non-toxic to both cats and dogs," says Allshouse.</p><h2>5. Cast iron plants</h2><div type="image" title="cast iron plant" height="2574" width="3432" msid="80772968" hostid="261"></div><p>This glossy plant (<em>Aspidistra elatior</em>) with a deep emerald shade is native to Japan and has a reputation for being nearly indestructible. This is the perfect option for those who spend more time with their furry pals than their green thumb.</p><h2>6. Prayer plants</h2><div type="image" title="prayer plant in pot" height="2014" width="2680" msid="80772971" hostid="261"></div><p>Prayer plants (<em>Calathea insignis</em>) are ideal for the plant parent who likes a little color and unique patterns in their greenery. These popular houseplants are safe for both cats and dogs and fun to watch at night when their leaves move upward.</p><h2>7. Boston ferns </h2><div type="image" title="boston fern in pot" height="1902" width="2537" msid="80772973" hostid="261"></div><p>Like spider plants, Boston ferns (<em>Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis</em>) make great hanging plants and thus perfect for keeping out of a pet's reach, although many cats may still get within reach - luckily, the two can safely co-exist.</p><h2>8. Haworthia succulents </h2><div type="image" title="haworthia succulent in pot" height="1635" width="2180" msid="80772976" hostid="261"></div><p>Plant and pet parents beware: Aloe vera plants may resemble the haworthia succulents (<em>Asphodeloideae</em>), but only the latter are non-toxic to pets. Haworthia succulents are easy to care for and require watering less frequently than other houseplants, says Team.</p><h2>9. Chinese money plants</h2><div type="image" title="money plant in white pot" height="2566" width="3421" msid="80772984" hostid="261"></div><p>With its unique appearance, this houseplant (<em>Pilea peperomioides</em>) - also known as the UFO plant or pancake plant - is a great addition to any home with pets. The self-propagator is easy to care for and adorable to look at (just like your fur babies).</p><h2>10. Select herbs</h2><div type="image" title="person taking care of thyme plant" height="2847" width="3797" msid="80772990" hostid="261"></div><p>Indoor herb gardens can provide beauty and fragrance to your home and have gained popularity. According to the American Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals (<a href="https://www.aspca.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ASPCA</a>), basil, thyme, rosemary, and sage are safe to both cats and dogs. Parsley, however, is a toxic herb.</p><h2>11. Rubber Plant</h2><div type="image" title="american rubber plant by window" height="2665" width="3554" msid="80772996" hostid="261"></div><p>The rubber plant (<em>Peperomia obtusifolia</em>) - not to be confused with the rubber tree, which is toxic to pets - has glossy oversized leaves that look almost succulent-like. They're easy to grow indoors, especially in spots with bright natural light.</p><h2>Popular indoor plants pet owners should avoid</h2><p>There are a handful of beloved houseplants that are known to be toxic to pets, including devil's ivy (<em>Pothos</em>), snake plants (<em>Sansevieria trifasciata</em>), Swiss cheese plants (<em>Monstera deliciosa</em>), and fiddle leaf figs (<em>Ficus lyrata</em>). While pothos are vining plants and can be placed high up or in a hanging planter to keep out of a pet's reach, it's always safer for your pet's health not to have these around.</p><p><strong>Quick tip:</strong> If you'd like to confirm the toxicity of any plants you already own, the <a href="https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ASPCA's non-toxic houseplant database</a> is a useful resource.</p><h2>What to do if your pet eats a toxic plant</h2><p>If your pet does happen to nibble on or consume a toxic plant, the best thing to do is immediately call your vet or the <a href="https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pet Poison Helpline</a>, says Allshouse Team. Be prepared to provide as much detail as possible about your pet and the plant they consumed.</p><p>"Note that it is important to consider the scientific or botanical name of any plant you intend to use, as many plants have a number of colloquial names, which can lead to confusion," says Team.</p>

11 pet-friendly houseplants that can coexist safely with your cats and dogs

<ul class="summary-list"><li>My then husband and I had never talked about vasectomy as birth control. </li><li>We wanted a big family, but after two high-risk pregnancies, we decided it was time to stop. </li></ul><p>When we'd married in our early 20s, my now ex-husband and I imagined having a big family. He's one of nine siblings, and while we both agreed nine was far too many for us, we loved kids and couldn't wait to start having our own. </p><p>I got pregnant within a few months of getting married. We bought baby gear and announced my pregnancy to all of our friends and family. We didn't expect how <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/high-risk-pregnancy">hard pregnancy</a> were going to be for me, or that he'd end up with a <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/what-is-a-vasectomy">vasectomy</a>. </p><h2>Tough pregnancies</h2><p>One of my best friends got pregnant at around the same time, and we talked about the playdates we'd have and how great it would be raising our babies together. Her pregnancy progressed, and she gave birth to a beautiful little girl. I miscarried. </p><p>My second baby arrived prematurely at 32 weeks. She was relatively healthy for a premature baby, but still had complications from her early birth and several weeks in intensive care before we could bring her home. </p><p>When I got pregnant a third time, my doctor immediately enrolled me in a drug trial designed to prevent premature birth. The trial made me feel reassured. Then, at 10 weeks, I started to bleed. </p><p>I was miscarrying again. With my husband busy at work, I drove straight to my parents' house. I didn't want to be on my own if I miscarried, and the stomach cramps felt similar to what I'd experienced before. My dad brought me a hot chocolate as I lay on the couch waiting for something to change and trying hard to be OK with whatever happened. </p><p>Incredibly, I didn't miscarry that day. But over the next few months, I bled and had contractions on and off. Every time I thought, "This is it. Now it's over," it would settle down again. </p><h2>I had to go on bed rest</h2><p>At 24 weeks, when the baby was old enough to survive if she was born early, my care changed. I was placed on bed rest with strict instructions to go to the hospital if I had any bleeding at all. With every emergency rush to the hospital, my stress levels rose. My husband sat beside the hospital bed and gripped my hand as we waited for hours.</p><p>One day I arrived home from a week in hospital only to be rushed back in a few hours later. Friends and family bought gifts of tiny preemie outfits. My husband and I made plans for how we would juggle the weeks in NICU with a 4-year-old.   </p><p>When little Rosa was born at 38 weeks, completely healthy and basically full term, everyone was amazed. I was amazed too, but months of bed rest and worry had taken their toll physically and emotionally. I knew I couldn't do it again. </p><p>My husband agreed.   </p><p>In the vasectomy clinic, I sat next to him as he filled out the paperwork. We'd been referred to a private clinic, and it felt nothing like the sterile, sparsely decorated public hospital we'd gotten to know. The clinic's waiting room — with its soft, expensive-looking furniture, indoor plants, and calming classical music — made me feel like we were booked to see a psychologist, not a surgeon. </p><p>They called us both into the surgery, where I was allowed to watch the procedure. The surgeon joked and chatted while he performed the vasectomy, and within 15 to 20 minutes, it was all over. It hadn't been the plan, but we're lucky to have two healthy, beautiful girls. For us, a vasectomy was the easy and obvious choice.</p>

After several complicated pregnancies, we booked my husband's vasectomy. It was the obvious choice.

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="883113" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Chrissy-Teigen">Chrissy Teigen</keyword> said in a new interview that she "can't imagine" a life without more kids. </li><li>The model currently has two children with husband John Legend, but hinted that they might have more.</li><li>"We'll see," Teigen said to People during her interview for their Beautiful issue. </li></ul><p>Chrissy Teigen revealed in a new interview that she "can't imagine a life without more" children, and even hinted that she might have more with husband John Legend. </p><p>The model spoke about her kids Luna, 4, and Miles, 2, during an <a href="https://peopletv.com/video/the-beautiful-issue-2021-chrissy-teigen/">interview for People's Beautiful issue</a>. </p><p>"They bring so much light and joy to our house," Teigen said. "I can't imagine a life without [my children] - I just cannot."</p><p>"And I can't imagine a life without more, honestly - so we'll see," the "Cravings" author added. </p><p>Teigen also spoke about the special way she and Legend are honoring their late son Jack, who they lost in September after pregnancy complications. </p><p>"We have this new home that we're building and this tree being planted inside the home- which is very relatable, yes, everyone has an indoor tree," Teigen joked. </p><p>"The whole reason that I wanted it was so Jack's ashes could be in that soil and he could be with us all the time and grow through the beautiful leaves on this tree and always be a part of us," she continued. "He wasn't just a moment in time. He was real and he was real to us and we loved him." </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNF0BXnpOf6" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by People Magazine (@people)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><p>Teigen, who used in vitro fertilization for her two previous pregnancies, <a href="https://people.com/parents/chrissy-teigen-coming-to-terms-infertility-beautiful-issue-exclusive/">also told People</a> it was "difficult" to admit that she wouldn't ever be pregnant again, due to her uterus "not cooperating" with her.</p><p>But the model praised the process of <keyword id="97742" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="IVF">IVF</keyword>.</p><p>"I'm so lucky for that," Teigen said. "I just think of it in terms of how blessed I am already, and also there are so many ways to have a child nowadays... whether it's <keyword id="6375354" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="surrogacy">surrogacy</keyword> or <keyword id="6411790" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Adoption">adoption</keyword>."</p><h2>Teigen has previously spoken out about the <keyword id="1449453" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="pregnancy-loss">pregnancy loss</keyword> and its effect on her</h2><p>Earlier this year, Teigen called her pregnancy loss "transformative."</p><p>During an appearance on Ellen DeGeneres' show in February, the model <a href="https://www.insider.com/chrissy-teigen-says-pregnancy-loss-inspired-her-sobriety-2021-2">revealed that losing Jack helped her get sober</a>.</p><p>"In a way, he really saved me because I don't think I would have discovered therapy and <a href="https://www.insider.com/chrissy-teigen-told-a-fan-she-is-four-weeks-sober-2020-12">sobriety</a> and this path of really feeling good about myself," Teigen said. </p><p>She also credited her Thai background with helping her cope, telling DeGeneres, "Being Thai and being raised in a house that was very open about loss, I think it was very helpful."</p><p>"It can be a beautiful thing and it was a very transformative thing," she added. </p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VymwMN6vE40" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>After losing Jack last year, Teigen was <a href="https://www.insider.com/chrissy-teigen-marks-baby-jack-birth-week-miscarriage-endometriosis-tweet-2021-2">open about the grief she was experiencing</a>. </p><p>"We are shocked and in the kind of deep pain you only hear about, the kind of pain we've never felt before," the model <a href="https://www.insider.com/chrissy-teigen-had-a-miscarriage-after-experiencing-excessive-bleeding-2020-10">captioned an emotional Instagram post about the miscarriage</a>.</p><p>"We were never able to stop the bleeding and give our baby the fluids he needed, despite bags and bags of blood transfusions. It just wasn't enough," the post continued.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFyWQLWpJ3u" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen)<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime=""></time></p></div></blockquote><p>"To our Jack - I'm so sorry that the first few moments of your life were met with so many complications, that we couldn't give you the home you needed to survive. We will always love you," Teigen wrote.</p>

Chrissy Teigen 'can't imagine a life without more' kids and hints she's open to using surrogacy or adopting to expand her family

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Nicolette Raney is a teacher at Dothan Brook <keyword id="6356508" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="school">School</keyword> in Hartford, <keyword id="85680" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Vermont">Vermont</keyword>.</li><li>She previously hosted class outside once a week, but this year, she's moving all five days outdoors.</li><li>Raney will teach her 15 third-graders in Vermont's wilderness, where each student will have his or her own hammock to read, write, and relax in. </li></ul><p>For the past three years, Nicolette Raney's third-grade classroom eagerly waited for Wednesday in the woods or Tuesday in the trees.</p><p>This year, her students won't have to wait. Raney plans to teach all five days of the academic week in the school's neighboring woods. </p><p>Raney, 34, is a teacher at <a href="https://www.dbsvt.com/">Dothan Brook School</a> in Hartford, Vermont. Her school administration decided to allow elementary students back into the classroom this year; however, a few grade levels are adding <keyword id="5605" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="outdoor">outdoor</keyword> components.</p><p>First and second-grade students will have an outside component, while the school's 29 in-person third-graders will spend their entire day in the forest. </p><p>"It's one of those things that, especially with <keyword id="202166" type="POSITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="elementary-school">elementary school</keyword>, we desperately want to work with our kids face-to-face, but we just want to make sure it's safe for ourselves and our own families," Raney, who is going into her 13th year of teaching, told Insider. "So it's finding that balance."</p><h2>Going outside initially started as a reward for students in her class</h2><div type="image" title="nicoletteraney_outdoorclassroom4" height="900" width="1200" msid="77793819" hostid="261"></div><p>More schools across the country are starting to consider moving outdoors to allow for social distancing and greater airflow, but Raney has been well aware of the benefits of learning outside for a while now. </p><p>This will be Raney's fourth year teaching outdoors, but her first year fully outside. Three years ago, Raney decided to incentivize her students with extra recess. One day, instead of heading to the playground for their reward, she took her students a little farther into the school's forest area. </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px); data.width~540;"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4537037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CEXGTxohWpt" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Third grade is getting closer to our reopening date and we couldn’t be more excited. This year each student’s sit spot will include a hammock! We hope the forest will provide a sense of calm and wonder for all of our students. #outdoorclassroom #placebasededucation #getoutside #covidstyleteaching</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by  DBS Third Graders (@thirdgradersatdbs) on Aug 26, 2020 at 10:28am PDT<time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2020-08-26T17:28:42+00:00">Aug 26, 2020 at 10:28am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p>"As soon as we were there, we were hooked," she said.</p><p>The forest organically became part of the classroom's routine. Tuesdays in the trees, Wednesdays in the woods, and forest Fridays quickly became the students' favorite days of the week. </p><h2>The students will learn outside in the rain, snow, and sunshine</h2><div type="image" title="nicolette raney outdoor classroom" height="900" width="1200" msid="77793823" hostid="261"></div><p>As students in <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/vermont">Vermont</a> head <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/reopening-schools">back to their classrooms</a> on September 8, the third-grade students can expect to spend the majority of the school day outdoors. </p><p>Raney said they'll spend some time indoors for technical training, which will prepare students if classes are moved online. Both third-grade teachers will also have indoor classrooms in case there's lightning or other dangerous weather, but Raney said she's hoping to use that space as little as possible.</p><p>In the winter, students will bundle up and stay warm by a fire. In the rain, kids will wear boots and rain jackets. In the sun, they'll lather up on sunscreen.</p><p>Raney pointed to valuable lessons that can be learned in the outdoors. Last year, students learned angles by throwing a snowball and watching the arc. They also worked with local scientists to identify plants, animals, and insects in the forest.</p><p>They'll even learn valuable life lessons, including that "it's OK to get dirty and muddy and be sweaty," Raney said. </p><h2>The teacher shared how the outdoors create a sense of peace</h2><div type="image" title="thirdgradersatdbs" height="900" width="1200" msid="77793825" hostid="261"></div><p>There's <a href="https://www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/leaf/school-grounds/documents/outdoor%20education%20research%20for%20school%20Grounds.pdf">an array of research</a> pointing to the benefits students receive when they learn and play outdoors, and Raney has seen many of those advantages firsthand. </p><p>"It has been phenomenal," Raney said, adding that the lack of restrictions outdoors has helped students who tend to have difficulties inside the classroom.</p><p>Whether it <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02253/full">fosters engagement</a> or <a href="https://naaee.org/eepro/research/library/outdoor-education-and-science-0">enhanced achievement</a>, it's clear that the natural world provides benefits to children.</p><p>Raney said that her students gain a sense of calmness and peace when they're outside — something even more important given today's circumstances. </p><p>"To give them this safe and comfortable space to learn and to feel a sense of calm and belonging in such an unpredictable time is really fortunate," she said. </p><p>Instead of school supplies, Raney and the other third-grade teacher asked family members to donate hammocks this year. </p><p>Within 48 hours, the teachers had all 40 hammocks they needed to enhance the outdoor space. </p><p>Students will be able to read, learn, and relax from their hammocks, which will be spaced out so that students will have the option to <a href="https://www.insider.com/face-masks-optional-inside-classrooms-at-some-schools-in-germany-2020-8">take off their masks</a>.</p><p>"If you can imagine, when we venture out and go to our space, every child in the third grade will have a safe space, not feeling confined, where they can take their mask off to do their journaling, to do their reading, and to just be a kid," Raney said. </p><h2>While creating the space isn't costly, finding the land can be the biggest challenge</h2><div type="image" title="nicoletteraney_outdoorclassroom5" height="900" width="1200" msid="77793827" hostid="261"></div><p>If Raney doesn't factor in the donated hammocks, her entire classroom took less than $50 to build. Her students will sit on tree stumps, which were free, and she's using an old whiteboard that was gifted by her mother-in-law. Her only cost was a tarp and some plywood.</p><p>For teachers considering an outdoor space, Raney's advice is simple: "Go for it."</p><p>She recommends starting small and expanding the students' outside area as they earn more privileges. She also added that there's plenty of existing research on how to create healthy outdoor classrooms. </p><p>"It's really as simple as it might seem sometimes," she said. "There's no hidden big plan or rule behind it. Nature truly can speak for itself and will provide such great opportunities for learning and growth." </p><p>However, Raney acknowledged how lucky her school is to have the space for outdoor classes, which has been one of the biggest challenges for schools located in <a href="https://www.insider.com/nyc-outdoor-learning-plan-announced-mayor-de-blasio-2020-8">urban areas</a>. Dothan Brook School sits on a small plot of land in central Vermont, but it backs up against forested property that the owner is willing to share.  </p><p>"I'm fortunate enough to teach them there," she said. "But that's definitely their space."</p><p><em>If you're a teacher, student, or parent who wants to share their story on what it's like to go back to school right now, get in touch at </em><em><a href="mailto:mhumphries@insider.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mhumphries@insider.com</a></em><em>.</em></p><ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/wisconsin-teacher-building-outdoor-classroom-2020-8">A teacher in Wisconsin is building a 12-sided outdoor classroom for her 4th-grade students</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/nyc-outdoor-learning-plan-announced-mayor-de-blasio-2020-8">Mayor Bill de Blasio says NYC schools can use empty streets and parks for classrooms as part of a new outdoor learning plan</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/italy-needs-new-school-desks-sicily-considers-sawing-existing-desks-2020-8">Schools in Sicily are considering sawing their desks in half if new single-seat tables don't arrive in time</a></li></ul>

A Vermont teacher's outdoor classroom features hammocks for reading and stools made out of tree stumps

<p><em>The </em><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks"><span><em>Insider Picks</em></span></a><em> team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.</em></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://www.pjtra.com/t/TUJGRUlLSkJGSEhLR01CRkhFRkpK?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbouqs.com%2Fflowers%2Fall" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c51d6a42bdd7f76e421347e-800/the bouqs valentines day.jpg" border="0" alt="the bouqs valentine's day" data-mce-source="The Bouqs Co./Instagram" /></a><p class="source"><span>The Bouqs Co./Instagram</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>You can trust online flower delivery company <span><a href="http://www.pjtra.com/t/TUJGRUlLSkJGSEhLR01CRkhFRkpK?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbouqs.com%2Fflowers%2Fall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Bouqs Co.</a></span> for beautiful, eco-friendly, well-priced, and fresh bouquets to send to your significant other, friends, or parents. </li><li>It delivered 2.7 million flowers on Valentine's Day last year, and in total has delivered 53 million flowers to date. </li><li>Its founder advises you to order sooner rather than later, and keep factors like <span>color, flower type, or overall style in mind when picking out a bouquet. </span></li><li><span>You can read tips from the founder and browse our favorite 15 bouquets and plants below, or <a href="http://www.pjtra.com/t/TUJGRUlLSkJGSEhLR01CRkhFRkpK?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbouqs.com%2Fflowers%2Fall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shop all options at The Bouqs Co. here</a>. </span></li></ul><p>Giving flowers as a gesture of love and appreciation is a timeless tradition. This year, millions of flowers will arrive on front steps and desks nationwide as loved ones celebrate Valentine's Day together.</p><p>If you're lucky, one of these bouquets will come from <a href="http://www.pjtra.com/t/TUJGRUlLSkJGSEhLR01CRkhFRkpK?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbouqs.com%2Fflowers%2Fall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Bouqs Co.</a>, the online flower delivery company that ships cut-to-order arrangements from eco-friendly farms around the world. </p><p>With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, we spoke to John Tabis, the CEO and founder of The Bouqs Co., to learn some flower-ordering tips, who you should order a bouquet for, and the company's expectations coming in to Valentine's Day 2019. </p><h3>The two biggest things to remember when ordering flowers might seem obvious, but they're worth repeating: order ahead of time and put thought into it. </h3><p>Tabis says, "<span>You should place your order early to lock in the best prices and to ensure you have the widest selection before they all sell out, ultimately saving you time and money. </span><span>It's also much easier on the farm or florist providing your Bouq.  </span></p><p><span>Second, think about your recipient's likes, loves and even dislikes - whether that be color, flower type, or overall style. You need not go super deep, but choosing something that reflects an important memory or event, or just shows that you put thought into your order makes a sweet gift even sweeter." </span><span></span></p><p><em><strong>Read more</strong>: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-flower-delivery-service" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best online flower delivery services to send freshly cut blooms and live plants</a></em></p><p><span>It's also worth reminding you that Valentine's Day isn't only for couples. </span></p><p><span>According to Tabis, "More and more we are seeing people buy Valentine's Day flowers for recipients other than romantic partners. Valentine's Day isn't just about romantic relationships in your life - it's really a day to celebrate all of your loved ones, whether that be friends, family or even your co-workers. In fact, 15% of our Valentine's Day orders in 2018 went to moms!"</span></p><p><a href="http://www.pjtra.com/t/TUJGRUlLSkJGSEhLR01CRkhFRkpK?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbouqs.com%2Fflowers%2Fall" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c51f0312bdd7f77181e34e6-800/bouqs valentines day 15.jpg" border="0" alt="bouqs valentines day 15" data-mce-source="The Bouqs Co./Instagram" /><p class="source"><span>The Bouqs Co./Instagram</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></span></a></p><h3><span>Last year, <a href="http://www.pjtra.com/t/TUJGRUlLSkJGSEhLR01CRkhFRkpK?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbouqs.com%2Fflowers%2Fall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Bouqs Co.</a> delivered more than 2.7 million stems, and has delivered 53 million stems to date. </span></h3><p><span>If you're interested in ordering flowers from the company, we've rounded up the best Valentine's Day bouquets below. </span></p><p><span>You have a large selection of beautiful arrangements to choose from, plus the process to make them is less wasteful. With its vertically integrated supply chain, The Bouqs Co. reduces waste by up to 90% in an industry where typically 45% of flowers grown for sale are discarded along the way and never make it to the customer.</span></p><p><span>If your recipient doesn't like flowers, <a href="http://www.pjtra.com/t/TUJGRUlLSkJGSEhLR01CRkhFRkpK?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbouqs.com%2Fflowers%2Fall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Bouqs Co.</a> still has you covered with <a href="http://www.pjtra.com/t/TUJGRUlLSkJGSEhLR01CRkhFRkpK?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbouqs.com%2Fplants%2Fall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">indoor house plants and succulents</a>, which Tabis acknowledges "are undoubtedly having a moment." A statement-making "staple of modern sophistication in the home," they offer health benefits (like air purification), aesthetic benefits, and an opportunity to create a long-term, nurturing relationship with nature. </span></p><h3><span>Check out the best 15 Valentine's Day bouquets and plants from The Bouqs Co. below. <a href="http://www.pjtra.com/t/TUJGRUlLSkJGSEhLR01CRkhFRkpK?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbouqs.com%2Fflowers%2Fall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can also shop all bouquets and plants directly here</a>.</span><span></span></h3><p class="tagline"><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p>

15 eco-friendly Valentine's Day flower bouquets we love - plus expert tips on what to keep in mind when ordering

<img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5e1f75cd62fa810f7a42fdc4-2400/shutterstock146160938.jpg" alt="couple at open house" /><p class="source"><span>Shutterstock</span></p><p class="caption">The author is not pictured.</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Last year, my husband and I decided to look into <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-buy-a-house-step-by-step-guide">buying a new house</a>. We loved our first home, but it was lacking some of the spaces we needed (like an office for me).</li><li>Instead of looking at listings, though, we started by splitting our expenses into two columns: expenses that would likely change if we bought a house, and expenses that would remain the same.</li><li>From there, we figured out how much wiggle room we had, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-budget-money">set a budget for a new home</a>, and started looking. Our two-part budget strategy would work for almost anyone shopping for a house.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/yourmoney?utm_source=bullet">Read more personal finance coverage</a>.</li></ul><p>In the spring of 2019, my husband and I began considering whether or not it would be a good idea to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-buy-a-house-step-by-step-guide">buy a new home</a>. We loved the house we were living in, but there were a few specific things on our bucket list that it could never provide (like an office for this work-from-home writer, for example). </p><p>Still, before jumping into the process of putting our beloved first-ever house on the market and searching for a new one, we decided to price out some renovations that might make staying in our current home doable for a while longer. </p><p>After meeting with a contractor to discuss some plans, though, it became pretty obvious that the answer to achieving most of our home "wants" would be to invest in a bigger place. So our next big question became: how much house can we really afford?</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/surprise-tax-bill-taught-me-money-lessons-i-live-by">I'm a numbers person at heart</a>, so creating a budget to determine what an <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-find-the-best-mortgage-rate">affordable mortgage</a> would look like for us was something I actually enjoyed doing. </p><p>If you're in the market for a new home - or even a first home - experts suggest starting with the numbers before even looking at houses in order to get a better idea of the price range you should be shooting for. </p><p>The following are the monthly budget factors we used to help us figure out how much home we could afford, broken up into two categories.</p><h2><strong>Expenses that would likely change with a new home</strong></h2><p><strong>Mortgage: </strong>Our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-get-a-lower-mortgage-interest-rate">mortgage payment</a> would be our biggest X factor, but we could at least start with what we were paying on our current home as a jumping-off point. </p><p><strong>Energy: </strong>Our energy bills vary with factors like the seasons and if we have guests that particular month, but we have a good general idea of what we spend, and understood as well that with a bigger home, this could go up.</p><p><strong>Water:</strong> Another moving target, we had a general idea of what we spend each month on water for our house, with the caveat that it could increase in a new house with a potentially larger yard to care for.</p><p><strong>"For home":</strong> We have a line item in our budget for catch-all home items we might buy each month - yard stuff in the warmer months, new bedding, etc. - which is flexible.</p><p><strong>Miscellaneous:</strong> Another moveable line item, the "miscellaneous" category within out budget covers random things that don't really fit anywhere else, like a trip to the aquarium, stamps, or airport parking (which occurs a lot).</p><p><strong>Savings:</strong> Although we knew we'd try our best not to change this line item too much, if it was necessary, we could deduct a small amount from how much we put into savings each month to cover the difference on a new mortgage.</p><p><strong>Individual spending:</strong> Chris and I keep a section of our budget to ourselves - we each have our own personal credit credits that we put a certain amount on each month for personal items that the other doesn't need to approve of (him: tons and tons of running shoes; me: books and 5,000 indoor plants). </p><p>If necessary, we could each deduct from our personal monthly spending to pad what might be needed for a new mortgage.</p><h2><strong>Expenses that would likely stay the same, even with a new home</strong></h2><p><strong>Groceries:</strong> We try to stick to the same projected grocery budget each month for our family of four (luckily, a 2 year old and 3 year old don't eat that much ... yet!). With a larger home, this number shouldn't change.</p><p><strong>Pet care: </strong>We spend an estimated $100/month on pet supplies, which wouldn't change with a new home.</p><p><strong>Cell phones: </strong>We spend $200/month on our joint cell phone bills, which shouldn't change.</p><p><strong>Car insurance: </strong>Luckily, this is a number that stays approximately the same each month.</p><p><strong>Internet/Spotify/Netflix/Dropbox/home security: </strong>All of these budget items stay roughly the same per month.</p><p><strong>Car payments: </strong>This wouldn't change with a new home.</p><p><strong>Car miscellaneous: </strong>The amount that we budget each month for gas and other car needs wouldn't change based on a new home.</p><p><strong>"The girls": </strong>Our catch-all budget line item for miscellaneous things we buy for our daughters each month - clothes, swim lessons, diapers, wipes, etc. - would need to stay approximately the same, no matter what our mortgage became.</p><p><strong>529s: </strong>The amount of money we put into 529s for our girls each month is a fixed amount for us - we wouldn't be pulling from this bucket to fund a new mortgage.</p><p><strong>Retirement:</strong> Same here - the amount of money I put into my retirement account and that Chris puts into his is a non-negotiable.</p><p><strong>Preschool:</strong> Monthly (astronomical) preschool payments for our daughter are a fixed, non-negotiable fee.</p><p>However long that list might seem, we both know we're extremely lucky there weren't any additional items on it for costs like student loans and other debts. </p><p>Having our fixed and non-fixed budgets in hand, we were able to guesstimate how much we'd be willing to pull from our non-fixed items for a new mortgage, and we could head into the house-search process with an actual monthly mortgage goal in mind. </p><p>Doing it this way allowed us to rule out even looking at (and potentially falling in love with) homes that were way beyond our means, and to really focus on the factors that were most important to us (a more private backyard, an office for me, a home on a dead-end street) and give up the less-necessary things (a brand new kitchen) in order to stick with our budget.</p><p>At the end of the day, it does take a little bit of time to figure out how much "new home" you can afford, but if you want to keep most of your lifestyle the same and not struggle each month to meet your goals, creating this kind of budget is a means to reaching those objectives. </p><p>Oh, and in case you're wondering: We <em>did</em> find a new home within our budget, and I started 2020 off working from my brand new - and first-ever - home office, while still keeping our additional monthly budget items in tact.</p><ul class="read-more-links"><li>More <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/yourmoney">personal finance</a> coverage</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-open-high-yield-savings-account-now-interest-rates-down">4 reasons to open a high-yield savings account while interest rates are down </a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-open-wealthfront-cash-account-savings">It took less than 10 minutes to open a high-yield cash account with Wealthfront and earn more on my savings</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-buy-a-house-with-no-money-down-home-loans">How to buy a house with no money down </a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/when-to-save-money-in-high-yield-savings">When to save money in high-yield savings</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-rewards-credit-cards">Best rewards credit cards</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reasons-to-get-life-insurance-you-havent-thought-of-yet">7 reasons you may need life insurance, even if you think you don't</a></li></ul><p style="font-size:14px;"><em>Personal Finance Insider offers tools and calculators to help you make smart decisions with your money. We do not give investment advice or encourage you to buy or sell stocks or other financial products. What you decide to do with your money is up to you. If you take action based on one of the recommendations listed in the calculator, we get a small share of the revenue from our commerce partners.</em></p><iframe src="https://smartasset.com/captivate/frame/bqjrvkt5" width="100%" height="900px" scrolling="auto" style="border: none;"></iframe>            <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ten-companies-that-fell-in-the-last-decade-2019-12">10 companies that fell in the last decade</a></h3>                    <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/VpigC60N-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;"></iframe>            

The most effective strategy to figure out how much home I could afford started by breaking my expenses into 2 parts

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Millennial New Yorkers are piling into luxury <keyword id="47359" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="apartments">apartments</keyword> amid plunging rents and concessions.</li><li>They're upgrading their living situation in pursuit of more amenities, space, and the solo life.</li><li>As of January, rents were down 15.5% in Manhattan and 8.6% in both Brooklyn and Queens, <a href="https://streeteasy.com/blog/nyc-real-estate-prices-continue-to-drop/">per StreetEasy</a>. </li></ul><p>$3,200. $3,000. $2,900.</p><p>Over the past several months, Brett Vergara had been watching rent fall like dominoes for apartments at The Brooklyner, a residential skyscraper that briefly had the title of <a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/sky-high-named-home-turf-brooklyner-tallest-building-borough-article-1.204528">Brooklyn's tallest building</a> around a decade ago.</p><p>Replete with a rooftop deck, floor-to-ceiling views of The Empire State Building, and an in-building fitness center, The Brooklyner was a far cry from the Park Slope basement he lived in when he first moved to New York, where bars blocked the view out of his lone window. </p><p>"I was playing chicken with the fallen rent prices," Vergara told Insider. </p><p>Vergara, a 28-year-old who works as a UX program manager, said he shared his last Brooklyn apartment with three roommates, with his share of rent coming to $825 a month. He had been flirting with the idea of solo living for the past two years. </p><p>"Part of me was torn between riding out really low rent for as long as I could and trying to figure out when was the right time to make the jump," Vergara said.</p><p>The pandemic just so happened to be that time.</p><p>When a corner one-bedroom, which he said was priced around $4,000 when last listed in October 2019, hit $2,650 in February, Vergara said he decided to "strike while the iron was hot" and signed a lease for 66% off its pre-pandemic price.</p><p>In a city notorious for its unaffordability, the pandemic era has sent once sky-high rents plummeting, making luxury living by <keyword id="72226" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="New-York-City">New York City</keyword> standards attainable for those once priced out of such a lifestyle. Millennial New Yorkers like Vergara are jumping on deals they know won't last indefinitely, upgrading to luxury apartments that suddenly fit with their budgets. </p><h2><div type="image" title="Breet Vergara.JPG" height="768" width="1025" msid="81378899" hostid="261"></div><strong>Rents have plunged amid a surplus of supply</strong></h2><p>When the city that never sleeps finally got some shut-eye, many wrote off the slumber as a city dying and traded in fast-racing taxis and towering apartments for sedans and picket fences. But for some of the young urban professionals who stayed, it was the beginning of a whole new life.</p><p>"The pressures COVID placed on the marketplace created a unique opportunity to secure leases in prime locations and great buildings for significant discounts," agent Ryan Kaplan, of Douglas Elliman, told Insider. New Yorkers fleeing for the suburbs sent rental vacancies climbing, prompting landlords to lower rents in an attempt to attract new residents and propel revenue.</p><p>Rents in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens all had the largest year-over-year declines on record, dropping a whopping 15.5% in Manhattan and 8.6% in both Brooklyn and Queens, per StreetEasy's <a href="https://streeteasy.com/blog/nyc-real-estate-prices-continue-to-drop/">January Rental Report</a>. The median asking rent in Manhattan was $2,750 - the lowest it's been since March 2010, when rents dropped during The Great Recession. Insider's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-york-cheap-rents-have-prices-hit-bottom-pandemic-2021-3">Libertina Brandt reported</a> that rents are likely to continue falling throughout 2021.</p><p>While "luxury" can mean many things to different people, StreetEasy defines it as the top 20% of the market. Luxury rental prices dropped the most in Manhattan, falling by 11.9% to $5,642 from the second quarter of 2019 to the fourth quarter of 2020, according to data StreetEasy provided Insider. Prices fell by 9.7% to $2,935 in Queens during the same period and 7.5% to $3,937 in Brooklyn.</p><div type="image" title="brooklyn waterfront" height="1380" width="1842" msid="81378900" hostid="261"></div><p>In NYC, a golden standard of climbing up the apartment ladder is snagging an apartment in a doorman building. In January 2020, the average rent for Manhattan one-bedrooms in doorman buildings were $4,514, data from <a href="http://www.mns.com/manhattan_rental_market_report">real estate agency MNS</a> revealed. By January 2021, they had dropped to $3,718. </p><p>Iliana Acevedo, senior vice president of new development at MNS, told Insider that they've been seeing millennials "not only upgrading to more amenitized buildings but also upgrading in unit size and neighborhoods that they were priced out of pre-COVID."</p><p>Compass has done about 900 rental deals, the majority of which have been with millennials, since last March, Compass agent Ori Goldman told Insider. But he said he wouldn't classify it as "millennials going luxury for the first time as much as just an extreme market drop, which means anyone who used to afford Manhattan can now afford the luxury." </p><h2><strong>A building with amenities provides a much-needed community</strong></h2><p>On top, or sometimes instead of, lower rents, many luxury buildings are offering concessions of two or three months free. </p><p>Consider Vergara, who negotiated an 18-month lease with two-and-a-half months free, putting his net rent at $2,250 a month.</p><p>"Increased concessions and suppressed pricing allows somebody to rent out a nicer, more luxurious building, with more amenities and a better location," said Joshua Young, vice president of market-rate operations at the Douglaston Companies. His firm owns luxury buildings The Ohm In Chelsea as well as Level BK and 1N4th on the Williamsburg waterfront, where rents range from <a href="https://streeteasy.com/building/1n4th-1-north-4-place-brooklyn#tab_building_detail=3">$2,500 for a studio to $8,300 for a one-bedroom</a> and amenities include an outdoor pool with skyline views of Manhattan.</p><div type="image" title="Brett Vergara2.JPG" height="843" width="1125" msid="81378902" hostid="261"></div><p>Many of the experts Insider spoke with said the millennials who are upgrading covet amenities like an in-unit laundry, 24-hour doormen, pools, and gyms.  Air quality is also high on the list.</p><p>"The younger demographic is looking for service," Young told Insider. "It's really about the whole amenity package."</p><p>That's something millennials may have traded previously for location in a walk-up building, said Chris Schmidt, senior vice president of Related Companies, which owns luxurious rentals at buildings including The Strathmore on the Upper East Side, which has its own squash court, and One Hudson Yards, which features a penthouse longe and bowling alley. At the latter, one bedrooms can go for as much as <a href="https://www.relatedrentals.com/search?city=46&amp;property=46864686">$7,453 a month</a>. In February, he said, Related's rents were trending down about 15% to 25% depending on the unit type. </p><p>Now, he said, a building filled with amenities provides a sense of community millennials feel has been missing in New York's partially shut-down neighborhoods.</p><p>It's what lured Vergara to The Brooklyner, but he said he hasn't yet taken full advantage of the amenities because he's staying cautious indoors, even with masked strangers, until he's vaccinated. "It's funny because those things aren't even really revealing their hands yet," he said.</p><h2><strong>Space: the most important amenity in a WFH <keyword id="34412" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="economy">economy</keyword></strong></h2><p>Both Kaplan and Schmidt said the search for an upgrade has seduced some millennial Brooklynites back to Manhattan, where they're now finding the space and affordability they once left the island in pursuit of. Schmidt noted that Related's buildings in Chelsea and Hudson Yards have been the most popular.</p><p>But Brooklyn isn't losing its luster. Young said he's seeing the trend the most in Douglaston's two Williamsburg buildings, where there's a feeling of more space by the water and nearby parks.</p><div type="image" title="Juliana Goldman_Olivia Kenney" height="2010" width="2680" msid="81378904" hostid="261"></div><p>Last June, Juliana Goldman decided to prioritize her living space. She was living in a large railroad-style studio in lower Manhattan "with zero light and super thin walls," she told Insider. It was time to hightail it to Brooklyn, where she always envisioned herself for its community feel.</p><p>Her non-negotiables: an in-unit washer dryer and floor-to-ceiling windows with lots of natural light. "I'm a plant parent," the 34-year-old founder of lifestyle and beauty public relations agency <a href="http://www.thegoldmannetwork.com/">TGN</a> explained.</p><div type="image" title="Juliana Goldman.JPG" height="3992" width="2994" msid="81378906" hostid="261"></div><p>She found it all at Level BK, Douglaston's 41-story glass tower that shimmers over Williamsburg and the East River, complete with an outdoor space, steam room, and direct ferry service to Manhattan. At the time, apartment deals were just starting to come in, she said. While she declined to share monthly rent, she said she signed a two-year-lease with two months free. </p><p>Trading up to a larger one-bedroom and brighter space was a game-changer, Goldman said: "It's really helped having extra space and being able to create that <keyword id="889044" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="working-from-home">working from home</keyword> environment where it doesn't feel like I'm literally working out of my bedroom."</p><p>Space has always been a rare commodity in NYC, but the work-from-home economy has cast it in a whole new light. </p><p>Many millennials like Goldman have been seeking an office space or a large living room that can accommodate a work zone, broker Isaiah Dunn of Compass told Insider. Common outdoor space, like a sun deck, also tops the list.</p><p>"People want to be able to have friends over when they want and not feel confined when at home all hours of the day, compared to pre-COVID, when you could just meet friends at a local spot," he added.</p><p>Goldman said her space has become an oasis, as she spends her downtime vintage furniture shopping and decorating. "The energy here is better," she said. "I just wake up exponentially happier every day because of my living environment."</p><h2><strong>Entry into adulthood</strong></h2><p>Some millennials are opting for two-bedrooms with a roommate to further cut the cost of luxury, and some millennial couples are upgrading from a one-bedroom to a two-bedroom for an office space.</p><p>But three experts noted a big push toward entry-level studios and one-bedrooms. Schmidt of Related said most millennials upgrading, like Vergara, are doing so to have their own apartment for the first time.</p><p>Take Lauren Mennen, a 31-year-old news writer, who was living on the Upper West Side with three roommates before the pandemic. "I've never actually lived alone," she told Insider. "I took the dropping rent prices as an opportunity to start looking."</p><p>In October, she found the studio of her "dreams" in a luxury doorman building in the Financial District with an "amazing view" of 1 World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and the Hudson River. The building itself has a gym and a sun deck.</p><div type="image" title="Lauren Mennen roof deck" height="931" width="1241" msid="81378908" hostid="261"></div><p>She was previously paying $1,500 a month for a four-bedroom flex unit (meaning the unit was originally two bedrooms with walls added later on to create four). Now she's paying $1,700 - a big drop from the typical $2,800 monthly rent the place normally goes for. </p><p>Even millennials already living by themselves are getting upgrades. For some, it's the first time they've had a wall between their bed and their couch.</p><p>Both Goldman and Ai Nguyen, a 30-year-old behavioral specialist, fall into that category. In February, Nguyen moved from a 300-square-foot studio on the north side of the Upper West Side to a 500-square-foot one-bedroom farther south in the neighborhood in a newly renovated 14-story doorman building called the Parc Coliseum.</p><p>It was the new hardwood floors, in-unit laundry, and price that sealed the deal for her.</p><p>She told Insider her rent increased from $1,730 to $2,043 for the bigger place, but she scored a deal with two months free. That puts her net rent at $1,700 - less than her studio. <a href="https://streeteasy.com/building/parc-coliseum/12k">A StreetEasy listing</a> of a one-bedroom of similar size in the same building came to $3,704 in September 2019.</p><h2><strong>A rebounding market</strong></h2><p>Developers and <keyword id="6354553" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="real-estate">real estate</keyword> agents alike agreed that winter, typically slow in NYC real estate, has been millennial primetime.</p><p>"We've seen a particular spike in absorption since Thanksgiving, and millennials are a large percentage of renters rushing back to the city looking to snag a good deal before the spring rush," MNS' Acevedo said.</p><p>But just how long millennials will be able to cash in on an upgraded NYC lifestyle remains to be seen. </p><p>Schmidt said it'll be contingent upon when the city fully reopens, and he anticipates more real-estate momentum as vaccinations continue. "That's going to force a lot of people seeing these steeper discounts to make a quicker decision," he said, adding that as soon as there's a better indication of when the workforce will return to offices, rents will start to go back up to pre-pandemic levels.</p><div type="image" title="Ai Ngyuen" height="1512" width="2016" msid="81378910" hostid="261"></div><p>NYC is the only major US city that still saw price drops in the last month, <a href="https://www.apartmentlist.com/research/national-rent-data">according to Apartment List</a>. But it's slowing down - rent only declined 0.1% compared to the average 2.4% over the last nine months.</p><p>Young said he's already seeing strength in the market, and has begun pulling back on offering "month-free" discounts last week. There's also the cyclical nature of leases, he explained: Since many jumped on deals in the middle of winter, fewer people will be vacating at the end of March. Less supply gives buildings an opportunity to pull back on prices and incentives.</p><p>Some of those who nabbed a deal at what appears to be the bottom of the market said they're also concerned about what their rent will look like after their lease is up. Nguyen, the Upper West Sider, said she'd likely stay if it only goes up by $200 a month. Any more than that, she said, and she'd be okay with leaving the city. </p><p>Regardless, they all said they feel extremely lucky to have been able to move during the pandemic. "There's a sense of guilty gratitude," Vergara said. "I feel like I got away with something." </p>

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