15 Low-Maintenance Plants That Can Turn Anyone Into a Green Thumb
The plants in the homes help in purifying the air, making it more humid, but also relieve allergy symptoms, and even improve mental health. One of the biggest concerns about them is their maintenance because some can be a bit too difficult, so many people are not ready to have them at home. Fortunately, our analysis showed that there are plants that are super easy to take care of, and people will still enjoy their benefits like with others.
So, make your homes look nice without having to do too much work by keeping the following 15 plants, and learn:
- Where to put them?
- How to water them? and
- What are the biggest problems in taking care of them?
Keep it in a spot with medium to bright light.
It is able to survive drought, but still watering is important, so water it regularly and make sure it doesn’t stay wet for too long.
Even the pests or diseases of this plant are very rare, it sometimes can have spider mites, which can be easily prevented if you keep English ivy somewhere humid or cool. Be careful because it is poisonous if you consume its leaves or touch the sap.
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Jade plant
The best place to put Jade plants where is a lot of light. While the plants are young, keep them away from direct sunlight, while for older ones it is not a problem.
During spring and summer (growing season), supply it with enough water, and then wait until the soil is almost dried out before watering it again. The drying might take a week or even a month, while during its dormant season (fall and winter), this plant needs even less water.
It is not prone to diseases, but a problem with mites and insects can occur. The most common are mealybugs, which can be just wiped off with alcohol applied to a cotton ball.
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Kalanchoe
Keep it in a well-lit room.
Do not over-water it, because can be damaged, so before watering it make sure the soil is dry enough. Usually, that period is about a week.
Even its diseases are rarely a problem, pests like mealybugs, aphids, and brown scale could attack them, so, simply remove aphids by hand and scrape off the brown scale.
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Peperomia
It shouldn’t be kept on direct sunlight.
The humid places are best for peperomia plants, while it can even be kept in your bathroom. It doesn’t require frequent watering, so, keep the soil on the drier side. Water it every 7th -10th day.
They are resilient to pests, but they can be attacked by mites, fungus gnats, and mealybugs.
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Chinese evergreen
They grow best in medium to low light spots, without direct sunlight.
The soil should be moist by regularly watering it, but the soil shouldn’t be soggy, and before next watering let it dry out a bit.
Even diseases are not very common, sometimes this plant can be affected by mites and insects.
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Ficus
Keep it in a bright room, but not on direct sunlight.
Watering should be once every 1-2 weeks, before soil dry out completely, which means the soil is a bit moist.
Its common diseases are foliar fungal infections, as well as spider mites and mealybugs. Remove them by wiping them off or using sprays.
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Ponytail palm
It likes sunlight, so the best place is near the window.
During the summer, make sure you water it deeply and let the soil dry out after, while in winter, you’ll need to water it even less often.
They are attacked by spider-like webbing and spider mites. Remove them by rubbing cloth of dish soap and water over the stems.
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Cast-iron plant
The direct sunlight could cause scorch marks on its leaves, so keep it away from it.
This plant is tolerant of drought, but during spring and summer needs regular watering, allowing the soil to dry between, while in fall and winter needs less watering.
On its leaves can be seen brown or black spots, which should be removed immediately and protect the plant with a fungicide. It can be also affected by scale insects, mealy bugs, and spider mites.
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Pothos
It needs a lot of light, so keep it in a bright place, but not on direct sunlight, because it will bleach out and burn. However, if there is no possibility to keep it in a bright place, you can keep it in a place with very low light conditions.
Be sure to not over-water pothos, but the soil should stay moist.
Even pest infestation is rare, mealybugs can sometimes be a problem.
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Corn plant
Near the window is the best place for corn plants, because it needs a lot of light, but, direct sunlight is not recommended.
Keep the soil slightly damp during the growing season, while in winter it should be on the drier side, but not dried out completely.
Spider mites and a few other insects can sometimes affect corn plants.
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Arrowhead vine
They need a medium to low light, but bright light could also work for a while (do not keep it there too long). Multicolored types can handle more direct sunlight.
It prefers moist soil, but not too soggy. Water it when the soil starts to dry, but in the winter water it less frequent.
It could be attacked by mealybugs, spider mites, and some other insects.
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Spider plant
Needs a lot of light, but not direct sunlight. Slowly can also grow in low sunlight.
Water it after 4-5 days and keep the soil moist.
They are pest-free, but sometimes, spider mites, scales, and aphids can attack them. Good air circulation, adequate water, and bright light can be preventive measures of those problems.
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ZZ plant
The bright room is an adequate place for the ZZ plant, but out of direct sunlight. It can also tolerate low light.
Water it systematically and, before watering it again let the soil dry out. For a while it can handle dry soil, but not for too long – it will drop its leaves.
It is almost completely resistant to pests and diseases, but be sure to not water it too much or keep it in a very humid place. Sometimes might be infested by aphids, but it’s very rare. It is a poisonous plant, so don’t eat or chew it.
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Philodendron
Philodendrons like moderate to bright light. Do not put them in direct sunlight.
The soil should be slightly moist throughout the year, except for winter.
They are not prone to pests but can become infested with mealybugs, aphids, scales, and spider mites.
Put it in bright but indirect sunlight, but a more shaded spot will be also fine (the growing might be slower and the bright color will be lost).
It tolerates drought very well, so it shouldn’t be watered a lot. During the summer it should be watered as soon as the soil dries out, while during the winter it can stay dry for longer periods of time.
These plants might have some insect infestations or fungal problems.
Here are some facts about planting indoor plants
Indoor plants are an essential component of every interior design and their popularity is due to the easy procedure to take care of. They also, provide health benefits and can be used in a variety of indoor décor themes.
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a) The best kind of indoor plant fertilizer to use
Use the rate of fertilizer specified for indoor plants. For blooming plants, look for a fertilizer labeled with the type of plant (orchids, for example) – fertilizer for houseplants.
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b) Get rid of bugs
Purchase an insecticidal soap, which usually is contained in a spray bottle and spray the entire plant when you notice bugs, and then repeat the spraying for about two weeks.
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c) Indoor plants affect people’s mood
People are often surprised at how beneficial indoor plants are. Not only do plants clean the air, but they also reduce noise levels and stress in the workplace.
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d) The common reasons indoor plants die
- Overwatering or underwatering
- Light Levels (either not enough light or too much light)
- Neglect balcony garden
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e) How long do indoor plants typically live?
They can last 2-5 years, then they stop thriving and it’s best to invest in another plant.
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