Houseplants and I have a dysfunctional relationship. I admire the beauty and style indoor plants bring to a home but I am also an expert at killing them. Over watering, under watering, too much light, not enough light; I have done it all. Houseplants are said to purify the air, increase productivity, boost moods, and lower stress so I was determined to find plants that were hardy enough to withstand my black thumb. After some research I found a number of gorgeous indoor plants that were also easy to take care of. Thus far, I have managed to keep two plants alive for over 6 months (that is the longest on record for me). Unfortunately,, I had to give them away when we moved. But earlier this week, I purchased my third hardy indoor victim (I mean houseplant) for our new home and I cannot wait to watch it grow and thrive. If you have a black thumb like me, here are 4 easy indoor houseplants to keep alive so that you too can enjoy all the benefits of having a plant in your home.
Snake Plant
The snake plant, also called mother-in-law’s tongue, is an extremely popular houseplant. The leaves grow upright which gives this plant a contemporary and modern look. It grows slowly, can survive in any type of light, and needs very little watering. The snake plant thrives on being ignored so don’t worry about its well being if you have to leave on a two week vacation.
Philodendrun
The philodendron comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. It can grow in all types of light and requires very little watering. Traditional philodendrons are viney so they look great in hanging baskets or growing up a trellis.
Rubber Plant
The rubber plant is cousin to the famous fiddle leaf fig. This plant needs more water than the others and prefers to dry out between waterings. The rubber plant can grow in all types of light. In fact, its leaves change color dependent on the amount of sun it gets. They will turn dark burgundy with lots of light or turn a greenish-yellow in low light.
Diffenbachia
Difficult to pronounce but easy to maintain, the diffenbachia, also known as “dumb cane”, is another hardy houseplant. It likes full to medium light and requires moderate watering. This plant can flower but its blooms are few and far between. ***WARNING: this plant can be poisonous if ingested so be careful to keep it away from small children and pets.***
More Houseplant Tips & Tricks
- Protect Your Surface– Be sure to have some type of barrier between your plant and your floor or furniture. Excess water, moisture, and condensation from the plant pot can easily damage floor and furniture surfaces permanently. There are a variety of options available; cork mats, plastic pot liners, stone coasters, and ceramic saucers (all for sale at your local garden store) will fit your plant and home decor needs.
- Buy A Pot With Drainage– Overwatering is the most common ,and efficient, way to kill a house plant. Excess water can pool at the bottom of the pot and make a perfect breeding ground for root rot, fungus and bacteria. Buy a pot that has pre-drilled drainage holes to help increase the life of the house plant.
- Clean The Leaves– Just like furniture, plants collect dust. Excess dust prevents proper plant photosynthesis and provides a safe haven for small mites and pests to make a home. To clean the leaves, gently wipe down the plant with a dish cloth and water. Some garden experts recommend using a clean paintbrush to remove dust from the leaves. Whatever technique you decide to use, just remember to be gentle when cleaning the fragile leaves and stems.
I hope you and your future house plant have a long, healthy and happy life together. Which easy indoor houseplant will you buy next?
