Every living room magazine spread and #homegoals Pinterest board seem to have one thing in common: lush, vibrant indoor plants. Houseplants do more than just beautify our living spaces. They improve indoor air quality, increase humidity, reduce stress, and bring us closer to nature. But for many of us with a busy lifestyle, hectic work schedules, and, let’s face it, a forgetful memory might make plant parenting seem like a daunting task.
Whether you’re an ambitious careerist, a busy parent, or simply someone whose thumbs are more tech-savvy than green, this guide will walk you through five hard-to-kill houseplants. We promise these resilient green companions will bring that chic, tranquil aesthetic to your home, no green thumb required.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
With its tall, robust, and architectural leaves, the Snake Plant is an excellent addition to your home décor. It’s hardy, drought-tolerant, and can survive in both low light and direct sun, making it a perfect candidate for those ‘forgotten corners’ in your home. Water your Snake Plant sparingly, around every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Named for its spider-like offspring that dangle down from the mother plant, the Spider Plant is non-toxic, making it safe for homes with pets or young children. It prefers bright but indirect sunlight and requires watering once a week. Its water needs increase slightly in the summer. An added bonus? Spider Plants are great at purifying the air!
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Who said low-maintenance can’t be showy? The Peace Lily is a stunner with its glossy green leaves and elegant white flowers. It can thrive in low light but enjoys indirect sunlight. The Peace Lily tells you when it’s thirsty—its leaves will droop. But be careful not to overwater; it prefers its soil to be slightly dry.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ Plant is the perfect desk companion for its ability to thrive under fluorescent light. Its glossy, deep green foliage creates a rich, tropical feel. ZZ Plant prefers to stay on the drier side. Water it once every couple of weeks and let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a popular choice among first-time plant parents due to its heart-shaped leaves and graceful, trailing growth. It’s adaptable to various light conditions, but variegated types prefer more light to maintain their beautiful patterns. Water your Pothos when the top inch of the soil is dry—about once a week, depending on the conditions.
Each of these plants is a testament that you don’t need to have a green thumb to create your indoor garden oasis. Just remember, the key to houseplant care is understanding what your plant needs. Adjust watering schedules based on season, light, and humidity conditions, and always check the soil before watering.