Easy House Plants
There are a variety of easy-to-grow plants regardless of whether you've had houseplants for years or want to add some greenery your home. These simple houseplants don't have to worry about their environment or the amount of water they get and can bounce back after a little neglect.
The spider plant, as an example thrives in bright indirect light and only needs to be watered when the top couple of inches of soil are dry. The peace lily is another low-key option that has a beautiful leaf pattern.
Ponytail Palm
The tropical succulent known as the ponytail palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata) is easy to care for. It doesn't require a lot of water or attention and is therefore a great choice for busy people.
Plant the plant near large, unobstructed, windows or in a sunny area with medium light. Avoid cold, drafty places and hot windows, as these conditions can dry out the leaves.
During the growing period, water only when the soil is dry to the surface. It is recommended to water the ponytail palm in winter is not recommended. The plant will be in a dormant state. When watering, make use of a moisture gauge to keep the plant from being overwatered.
Ponytail palms grow slowly and don't require pruning unless they become sick. They can withstand short periods of cooler temperature and drought, but they should be moved to a brighter area in winter. Fertilize your plants a few times throughout the year, during the spring and summer. Follow the instructions on the label of the general-purpose houseplant fertilizer.
Schefflera
The schefflera is one of the most commonly used tropical house plants. It is also known as umbrella plant or philodendron. It grows 4-6 feet high indoors, and has bright indirect light.
The schrefflera tolerates temperatures ranging from moderate to warm but is not fond of drafts. It could protest by shedding its leaves. It needs a peat moss-based potter's soil, and is recommended to feed it monthly with water-soluble houseplant fertiliser.
If your schefflera is becoming leggy, you may need to purchase a new pot. It thrives in a container that is a size or two times larger than its current container. This will encourage growth that is bushy. Pin the tips of growth of the plants to encourage branching.
The schefflera is often infested with spider mites. Spraying the leaves of the plant with neem or insecticidal soap will eliminate the mites. It also is susceptible to thrip infestation, but spotting and washing the bugs off the plant using a damp sponge should be enough to get rid of them.
Chinese Evergreen
The aglaonema, also known as Chinese evergreen is one of the easiest home plants to grow. It can withstand a broad range indoor conditions from low light to bright spots, and fluorescent lighting. It also is capable of adjusting to cool temperatures, although it prefers warm ones.
These tough plants that grow slowly thrive in potting soil that is well-drained that is humus-rich. Add peat moss for better drainage and to acidify the soil. You should water your aglaonema often during the summer months, but allow the soil's top inch dry between waterings.
If your aglaonema is beginning to appear sluggish or drab, it could be a sign it needs more light, or it may have become pot-bound. Repot the plant in larger containers, remove any tangled root systems and then add a new potting mix. Consider spraying the plant with Neem oil or soapy water when it's suffering from insects. There are many varieties to pick from including solid green types such as Aglaonema ‘Frasher’ and Aglaonema ‘Pseudobracteatum’, as well as variegate varieties such as Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay' and Aglaonema Stripes.
Calathea
This plant is a breeze to maintain in comparison to the more fussy sisters, calathea whitestar and ornata. The pin-striped leaves of Calathea can grow to over a foot tall and look stunning when illuminated by indirect bright light.
Calatheas require slightly moist but not wet or soggy soil. Put a finger in the soil and when it feels dry give your plant a thorough watering. A typical schedule for watering is to do it every two days, but be sure to make sure to check the soil daily to establish the routine. If the potting mixture is poor, replace with the mixture of 1 part peat to 1 part perlite or Coco coir. Feed calatheas using a diluted fertilizer for your houseplants twice a month during the Spring and Summer.
The curly or drooping of leaves are signs of dehydration. They can be cured by adding water for several days. Discoloration on the leaves is usually caused by insects and can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is a simple-to-care-for plant that can add a pop of color to your home. The oblong leaves have variegated patterns of white, yellow and different shades of green and can grow to 12 inches or more.
Like many plants, Dieffenbachias can be susceptible to certain conditions that can affect their health and appearance. Brown leaf tips may indicate low levels of humidity, whereas yellow leaves could be caused by drowning or over-watering. Inconsistent watering or using hard tap water may also cause problems.
If your Dieffenbachia begins to lose its shape, try moving it to a brighter area. Examine the soil's moisture with your finger from the first knuckle if you notice that the plant is sliding. The soil should be watered until the excess water drains from the drainage holes, and do this by soaking it in a long way instead of a small sprinkle. Plastic nursery planters are the best container for your Dieffenbachia because they let water drain more efficiently than porous Terracotta.
Peperomia
The peperomia is a simple care house plant that's suitable for virtually every room of the home. Its dark green, shiny leaves are very attractive and it also helps to purify the air.
Peperomias prefer moderate light and warm temperatures but not direct sunlight. If the leaves are scorched or discolored, it's an indication that they're getting too much sunlight and should be relocated to a shaded area.
Peperomias are epiphytic, just like their wild counterparts. They attach themselves to tree branches and other tall structures in order to access more indirect, bright sunlight. They thrive in well-drained soil that dries out between waterings. If house plants online notice that your peperomia's roots are growing out of its pot It's time to repot. Use a general house plant mix that's free of peat, and set it up in a container that is one size larger than the current one to avoid root rot. Feed your peperomia using a general houseplant fertiliser once per month during the summer.
Arrowhead Vine
Arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum) is an exotic plant that develops into a sprawling, lush climbing vine and can be used as a low-maintenance houseplant. It is a good houseplant for those who are new to gardening, since it is easy to propagate.
To cut a hole from an existing arrowhead, find a healthy stem, and carefully cut the stem at the petiole's bottom. Using clean, sharp, sterile hand pruning shears is the best choice for this task.
It is important to water your arrowheads frequently especially in the summer. Allow the soil to dry between waterings since Arrowhead plants don't prefer a soil that is constantly damp. The winter months are the only time they don't need fertilizer, because the plant is in dormancy. This plant contains calcium crystals which can cause a burning sensation when consumed. Keep it away from pets and children. Also known as nephthytis, goosefoot or the philodendron plant, arrowhead vine is a favorite among gardeners at home due to its vibrant foliage and low-maintenance.
Snake Plant
Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, are one of the easiest to grow house plants. They are tolerant of low light levels, drought and are not afflicted by insects. The plant can be used to cleanse the air inside your home. It converts CO2 into oxygen during time of day and eliminates formaldehyde, benzene and formaldehyde at night.
Healthy snake plants have green leaves with yellow, cream, or white edges. Overwatering, lack light, thrips or root rot may cause leaves to droop.
Repot your snake plants in a container that is two inches larger in case the roots get too crowded or if it grows out of its current pot. Choose the soil that drains quickly, preferably with one third sand or perlite and one third peat. Fertilize your plants monthly by using a liquid fertilizer at half strength during the growing season.
Money Plant
Money plants are simple to cultivate and are considered lucky plants that bring prosperity to the homeowners that take care of them. They also aid in channeling positive energy. They are great to present to friends to wish them prosperity and wealth. These plants are believed to grow best 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. However, it's recommended to keep track of the plant's fertilization and watering needs regularly. If the leaves turn yellow, it may be an indication of excessive watering or the soil isn't draining well.
The most common signs of a healthy Money Plant are green leaves and long stems with tips that are light brown. It's a low-maintenance indoor plant that doesn't need much sun or fertilizer.