There are some people who feel that they kill every plant that comes into their homes. If this describes you, it doesn’t mean you can’t own a plant; it just means you have to choose an easy-care houseplant that calls for low maintenance and suits your lifestyle.
Here are five of our top recommended houseplants that you will be able to keep alive and growing, even if you don’t have a green thumb:
Philodendron
If you’re looking for a friendly, green, and leafy plant to brighten up any room in your home, you’ll want to consider a philodendron. Vining philodendrons have long, leafy stems making them able to grow around objects. These plants provide such a lovely addition to the home and are so adaptable to interior conditions. Simply place them in bright, indirect sunlight—preferably somewhere they can reach out and climb as they grow. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.
With philodendrons, it’s easy to tell when they’re not getting what they need. If they’re not getting enough light, the vines will grow, but there will be several inches between the leaves that sprout from them; put them in a brighter place (just not where the sun is shining directly on them). If they’re not getting enough water, or if you’re overwatering them, their leaves will droop; make sure you water them when (but only when) the top inch of soil is dry.
Dragon Plant or Dracaena
If you’re one of those who is always forgetting to water your plants, you may be more suited to something that does well in droughts, like the dragon plant or dracaena. The dragon plant has tough, narrow leaves with stripes of color that add interest to a room. It thrives in dry climates, such as Colorado’s, and does well indoors when the temperature remains between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In terms of care, allow its soil to dry almost completely between watering, and provide it with a nice place with bright light.
Schefflera Arboricola
With the Schefflera Arboricola, you can save yourself a lot of maintenance if you do a thorough but straightforward inspection on it before purchase. At the garden center, check it over for little holes in its leaves that might indicate insects. If there’s no evidence of bugs, you’re good to go. The Schefflera Arboricola resembles a short tree, sometimes with a braided trunk, that you can keep inside. The Schefflera Arboricola likes to be in a space with bright indirect light. The lower the lighting, the less water it’ll require. If you place it in a spot with lots of light, let the soil dry out half the way down the pot before watering it.
Yucca
Like having a piece of the Southwestern landscape inside, the yucca plant is an attention grabber in any room. Depending on the type of yucca you get, it can vary in color, have pointy leaves, grow on a cane, have a thick and woody stem, or differ in height. There are over 40 different species, but all indoor, potted yuccas are relatively straightforward. These plants can be placed in full to indirect sunlight, though indirect sunlight will give them better leaf color. They’re somewhat drought tolerant, so you don’t need to water them often—make sure the pot they’re in can drain well. Otherwise, too much water can cause root rot.
Jade Plant
Welcome to the ultimate plant choice for people who always manage to kill their plants! The Jade plant hails from South Africa and, with your neglect, can thrive for years. Like all succulents, the Jade plant has waxy skin and plump leaves that hold in moisture. Simply water it whenever the inspiration strikes you—about every four to six weeks. Just make sure the pot you have it in allows it to drain. When choosing a place for it to live in your home it’s best to pick a sunny spot with filtered light. You can encourage your Jade plant to grow small flowers by exposing it to a little bit of chill at night in the autumn and watering it a little less in the winter.
If you love plants but have a less-than-perfect track record when it comes to caring for them, there are a ton of varieties that don’t demand a lot of watering or supervision. From succulents to cacti to air plants, you could have a full garden of low-maintenance plants. Head to City Floral Garden Center and ask a team member which species would best fit into your lifestyle and home.
Which houseplants are your favorite and what would you like to see City Floral carry? Please share with us on Instagram or Facebook and tag @cityfloralgardencenter or in the comments below!