Easy House Plants
There are many easy-to-grow plants regardless of whether you've had houseplants for years or want to add some greenery to your home. These simple houseplants don't have to worry about their surroundings or how much water they get and can recover after a bit of neglect.
The spider plant, for instance, thrives in bright indirect light and only needs to be watered when the top few inches of soil are dry. Peace lilies are another alternative that is low-key and has a pretty pattern on their leaves.
Ponytail Palm
The tropical succulent known as the ponytail palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata), is easy to maintain. It doesn't require much water or attention, which makes it an ideal plant for those with a hectic lifestyle.
Place the plant near big windows that are not blocked or in a location with medium light. Avoid cold, drafty spaces and hot windows because these conditions could dry out the leaves.
During the growing period during the growing season, only water when the soil is dry to the surface. Avoid watering during winter months, as the ponytail palm is in the dormant phase. When watering, use a moisture gauge to keep the plant from being overwatered.
Ponytail palms are slow-growing plants that don't require pruning unless they are afflicted with disease. The plants are tolerant of drought and can withstand brief periods of cooler temperatures however, they should be moved to a warmer room in the winter. Fertilize your plants a few times per year, especially in spring and the summer. Use a general houseplant fertilizer and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
Schefflera
The schefflera is one of the most popular tropical house plants. Also known as the umbrella plant or philodendron, it is easy to take care of and will grow to about 4-6 feet tall indoors in bright indirect light.
The schrefflera is tolerant of moderate to warm room temperatures however it does not like cold drafts and may protest by dropping leaves. It requires a peat-moss based pot soil, and is best fed monthly with a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer.
If your schefflera is leggy, you may need to purchase a new container. low maintenance house plants will thrive in a pot that is one or two bigger than the container it is currently. This will encourage bushy growth. Press the growth tips with your fingers to encourage the branching.
The schefflera is susceptible to spider mites. Spraying the leaves with the oil of neem or insecticidal soap can eliminate the mites. It is also susceptible to thrips, however washing the insects with a damp cloth and spotting them will suffice.
Chinese Evergreen
The aglaonema or Chinese evergreen is among the most simple house plants to grow. It is tolerant of a wide range of indoor conditions ranging from low light to bright spots and fluorescent lighting. It is also intolerant of cold temperatures, but prefers warmer temperatures.
Humus-rich potting soil is perfect for these hardy, slow-growing plant. Include peat moss to improve drainage and to alkalize the soil. During the summer, keep your aglaonema hydrated but let the top inch or two of soil dry between waterings.
If your aglaonema becomes leggy or sparse, it's a sign that it needs more light or is pot-bound. Repot it into a pot one size larger, untangle roots that are tangled and add fresh pots and potting mix. If your plant is infested insects, spray it with soapy water. There are dozens of cultivars to choose from, including solid green varieties like Aglaonema 'Frasher' and Aglaonema 'Pseudobracteatum' and variegated varieties such as Aglaonema "Silver Bay and Aglaonema Stripes.
Calathea
This plant is a breeze to care for in comparison to the more fussy sisters like calathea whitestar, ornata and calathea. The stunning pin-striped leaves of calathea can grow to over a foot tall and are beautiful in bright indirect light.
Calatheas require moderately moist, but not sloppy or sloppy soil. Poke a finger into the soil and if it feels dry, make sure to water the plant thoroughly. The watering should be performed every two days, but you should check the soil daily to establish the habit of watering. If good house plants potting mix is not as good, replace it with a well-draining mix consisting of one part peat and one part perlite or coco coir. Feed the calatheas twice per month in the Spring and Summer with a fertilizer for houseplants that is diluted to half strength.
Leaves that curl or droop are signs of dehydration. can be remedied by a few days of water. Discoloration on the leaves is likely caused by pests and can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is an easy-to-care for plant that can bring some color to your home. The leaves of the oblong shape sport different patterns of yellow, white and different shades of green and can grow to 12 inches or more.
Dieffenbachias, like other plants, may be affected by certain conditions that could impact their appearance and health. The tips of brown leaves may indicate low levels of humidity, whereas yellow leaves may be the result of over- or underwatering. Inconsistent watering and hard tap water can cause problems.
If your Dieffenbachia begins to look droopy move it to a brighter spot. Drooping plants are usually a sign that they need more water, so check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into it up to the first knuckle. Water the soil thoroughly and not just a bit. Be tall house plants to soak the soil in water until excess water drains out of the drainage holes. Plastic nursery planters are the best container for your Dieffenbachia because they let water drain more efficiently than porous Terracotta.
Peperomia
Peperomia is a low-maintenance plant that can be placed in almost any room. Its dark green leaves are beautiful and help to purify the atmosphere.
Peperomias prefer moderately-light temperatures and warm temperatures but not direct sunlight. If the leaves are scorched or discolored it is an indication that they're getting too much sunlight and should be relocated into a shadier area.
Like their wild counterparts Peperomias are epiphytic plant that cling to branches of trees and other tall structures to get more indirect, bright sunlight. They prefer dry, well-drained soil that dries between waterings. Repot your peperomia if you notice that the roots are growing out of the pot. Make sure to use a mix of houseplants that is free of peat and put it in a larger container than the one you are using to prevent root rot. Feed your peperomia with a general houseplant fertiliser every month during the summer.
Arrowhead Vine
Arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum) is a tropical plant that grows into a sprawling, leafy climbing vine and can be used as a low-maintenance houseplant. It is a good houseplant for novices, since it is easy to propagate.
To cut a piece of an existing arrowhead, find a healthy stem and carefully cut it from the base of the petiole. This task is best performed with clean, sterile and sharp hand pruning shears.
Make sure to water your arrowheads regularly especially in the summer. Be sure to let the soil to dry out between waterings, since archerhead plants don't like constantly wet soil. The winter months are the only time they don't need fertilizer, as the plant is dormant. This plant has calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause a burning sensation when consumed, so it's vital to keep it out of the reach of children and pets. The Arrowhead vine, sometimes referred to as goosefoot or nephthytis, is a favorite among home gardeners due to its vibrant foliage and low-maintenance.
Snake Plant
Snake plants, referred to as Sansevieria, are one of the easiest to cultivate houseplants. They thrive in low lighting, dry conditions and have a few insect issues. This plant is also great for purifying the air inside your home, by converting CO2 into oxygen during the day, and removing formaldehyde and benzene at night.
Healthy snake plants have green leaves with yellow, cream, or white edges. Overwatering, lack light or thrips, or root rot may cause leaves to droop.
Repot your snake plant into a container two inches wider when the roots are too crowded or when it is outgrowing the pot it is in. Choose an area that drains quickly, preferring with one third sand or perlite and one third peat. Fertilize your plants monthly by using a liquid fertilizer at half strength throughout the growing season.
Money Plant
Money plants are easy to cultivate and are considered to be lucky plants that bring prosperity to those who take care of them. They also help in channelling the positive energy. They are great to give to friends to wish them success and prosperity. These plants are known to thrive in the southeast direction of your home according to Vastu and Feng Shui.
Money plants are not just an excellent air purifier, they also can withstand less than ideal indoor conditions. It is crucial to observe the plant's needs to water and fertilize regularly. If the leaves change color, it could be a sign of overwatering or the soil isn't draining well.
The most common indicators of a healthy Money Plant are green leaves and long stems with tips that are light brown. It's a low-maintenance plant for the home that doesn't need much sunlight or fertilizer.