For those of you who are not professional horticulturalists and find it challenging to keep plants alive, here is a list of house plants that are easy to look after that will spruce up your living space.
1. Aloe
Depending on how dry the room where your aloe plant is, they only need watering every two to three weeks. They can be placed in small pots on your kitchen window sill and come in handy to rub on infections, scratches, or burns. It is a great source of vitamins and nutrients too and its antioxidants are known to protect cells against heart disease and cancer.
2. Pothos (or “Devil’s Ivy”)
Perfect for hanging, these plants add a lovely green to any room. They may need a lot of light, so you may need to hang it by a window. It can be fertilized every three months, and it is actually an air purifier that absorbs toxins.
Warning: if ingested in large doses, it can be toxic. Hanging these plants is more common because if ingested by dogs or cats, it can make them very ill and they will require veterinary care.
3. Succulents
Succulents are becoming very popular because they are small, easy to look after, and brighten up any room they are in. All they really need, besides a cute pot or hanging basket, is sunlight and water once a month. Succulents need to be able to drain well, so put rocks at the bottom before planting.
4. Peace Lily
Not only are they beautiful, but they require little care and putting them in direct sunlight can actually harm the leaves. The leaves will begin to drop, which is when you know to water it. Never let it sit in water though, it will need to drain properly. Seems silly, but even too much water can harm the plant too.
5. Snake Plant
Snake plants require little water and sunlight and are great for novice horticulturalists. Their leaves can be very vibrant and can grow anywhere from three to eight feet tall, depending on the variety.
Warning: cats and dogs can become very ill if too much is ingested and will require veterinary care.
6. Cacti
Other than keeping your cactus by a window, there is not much else to worry about. There is many different shapes and colours to choose from to bring your window sill, or side table, to life. Depending on the type of cactus, it only needs watering two to three weeks. They work a lot like succulents and they survive better with rocks placed around them.
7. Chinese Evergreen
No need to be an expert green thumb when it comes to this plant. They can be fertilized once or twice a year and can withstand most temperatures but should be kept away from any drafts. In the spring and summer, they can grow buds that resemble peace lilies. They are also known as air purifiers.
Warning: these types of plants are more known for spider mites and other pests or diseases. Check the leaves often and water the pests away if you notice anything. Ingesting can be poisonous to cats and dogs as well.
8. Ficus
Ficus tree plants can grow up to 12 feet high and are known for their beautiful braided trunks. It will need fertilized and watered regularly in the summer and kept by a window with lots of light. When the temperature changes, you will notice the leaves dropping more and changing colour, but once it adjusts it will change back.
9. Cat Palm
Cat palms can typically reach around four to six feet high. It can dry quickly, so adding moss to the pot is ideal. They need more water in the spring and summer and do not require direct sunlight, for the tips of the leaves can brown quickly. They are not poisonous and are great air purifiers.
10. Rubber Plant
No. It is not actually a rubber plant, although it does look like it. They are a great air purifier and need the most watering and fertilizing in the spring and summer, but they do not like to sit in water and need to be well drained. You will need to repot it to allow it to grow, but the overall care is very easy.
Warning: the sap can cause irritation and burn the skin and it is best to wear gloves when repotting. It can be toxic to cats and dogs and they will need veterinary care.
There are a lot of beginner plants to add to the list, but this should get you started into having the green thumb you have always desired. Or maybe you just want to add colour to your rooms. Either way, once you get the hang of looking after these plants, you can expand your horizons and start your own fruit and vegetable garden! Check out these other ideas to help you renovate on a budget!
