Easy Houseplants That Don't Require a Green Thumb
Looking to add a pop of green to your home? Take a look at these simple houseplants that don't require the help of a green thumb.
These low maintenance plants need only a few minutes in bright indirect light occasionally wiping the leaves and a drop of iron fertilizer once or twice a month.
Ponytail Palm
The ponytail palms have a distinctive appearance and are great for numerous designs for interiors. They are easy to grow and thrive in a mild neglect, so long as they don't get overwatered. This plant that grows slowly is a great option for the first-time plant owners.
Pony tail palms are a tropical-looking plant that thrives in bright indirect light. They are also drought-tolerant, and enjoy warm temperatures. You can keep them in their nursery containers however, it is recommended to transplant them into a porous container. This allows for better air circulation and decreases the risk of root rot.
This low-maintenance plant is nontoxic for cats, dogs and horses. It's an excellent choice for homes with pets or children. It is also an effective natural pest repellent. However, it could be susceptible to diseases, such as leaf spots and bacterial leaf streak, which are often exacerbated by high humidity.
The plant is slow-growing and requires minimal fertilization, but it is able to be fed on a regular basis in the spring and summer months with a balanced water-soluble plant food at a half the recommended dosage on the label. Sometimes, the plant may produce offsets (pups) near the base. These can be removed and separated to propagate the Ponytail Palm Tree. Despite its name, this plant rarely flowers indoors, which makes it difficult to create viable seeds. Brown leaf tips are common in winter, and should be cut to keep the appearance fresh.
Schefflera
The schefflera is among the easiest plants to maintain. This tropical plant is called the umbrella-shaped tree. It is green with splayed, umbrella-shaped leaves. The plants can be cut in accordance with your preferences and grow quickly under ideal conditions. They also purify the air and are therefore one of the most well-known indoor tropical plants.
Schefflera, just like other tropical plants, requires bright indirect light to flourish. They can tolerate direct sunlight for a few minutes but too much will harm their foliage. If you're not getting enough light in your home, you could add a high-output lamp. You can also place your schefflera to a location which receives morning or late afternoon light and filter the light with curtains.
When watering a schefflera be sure to only water when the soil is dry at the surface. Overwatering can cause root rot. If you notice drooping or yellow leaves, it could be an indication of inadequate water.
If you'd like to add scheffleras to your collection you can harvest stem cuttings of 6-inches from your existing plants in the summer. Place the cuttings between 2 and 1 inch deep in a pot containing Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix. Then, give the same basic care to encourage the growth of new plants.
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema is an indoor plant that can be found in virtually any indoor setting. Contrary to philodendrons and peace lilies, which require lots of bright light, aglaonema can grow in low-light or medium-light conditions. low maintenance house plants does well under fluorescent lights. Aglaonema is slow-growing and can be placed on tables or tabletops at first, but will eventually become a huge floor plant.
The leaves of a glaonema are available in a range of colors and patterns, so you can pick one that is in keeping with your decor. Aglaonema Lucky Red has leaves with a hot and green pink variegation, while 'Siam Aurora" has dark green leaves with pink veins.
In general, aglaonema plants prefer low to medium light levels, but they can tolerate brighter indoor lighting conditions, although the more colorful and variegated varieties may need some more brightness. Avoid exposing any aglaonema plant to direct sunlight, as the sun's harsh rays can cause the leaves to burn. If you're growing a aglaonema in an office with a lot of natural sunlight then cover the window with a sheer curtain to block out harsh radiation.
Aglaonema, like other tropical plants that don't need any attention, thrives in warm temperatures. However, it isn't able to withstand sudden cold breezes. Regularly water aglaonema however, don't overwater it. The best way to tell the time to water is to stick your finger in the soil. If it feels dry, the plant is in need of more water.
Calathea
Calathea is also known as Goeppertia and Pinstripe Plant. It is a simple-to-grow tropical foliage plant. It is a native of dense jungles and rainforests, and grows in shady areas under trees, which makes it adaptable to bright indirect light indoors. However, it is crucial that it doesn't get direct sunlight since it could cause the leaves to burn and the markings fade. The best method to avoid this is to move it around or shield it from direct sunlight, which is done by covering a windowsill with a sheer curtain.
In general, calatheas like temperatures between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer humid conditions. They prefer filtered sun because they're used to dapples and not constant sunlight. This is why a south- or west-facing window is a good choice for them, however it is important to shade it from direct sunlight.
Calatheas can thrive in their ideal conditions with just a basic watering schedule. It is recommended to water it regularly however, not constantly. Placing your finger in the soil can help you determine when it is time to water. In the spring and summer it is also recommended to use fertilizer that is diluted.
Pothos
The trailing foliage of Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum, makes this tropical houseplant one of the easiest to care for. It is often used for macrame hanging baskets and planters but it is also able to climb up the wall or even along a Trellis. The fast-growing vine is tolerant of conditions and makes a great choice for beginners or experienced indoor gardeners.
The leaves of Pothos come in a variety of designs and colors. low maintenance house plants of the most popular cultivars are 'Golden Pothos', with a green and yellow variegation; 'Neon' with bright chartreuse leaves and 'Marble Queen', which is gorgeously marbled with white. The Pothos plant is easy to propagate from stem cuttings, which can be planted in soil or water. To root the stem cut a 4-6 inch length of a healthy stem that has a few leaves and just below the leaf node. Place the cutting in a glass filled with water or moistened perlite/vermiculite. Within a few weeks, roots should appear. The rooted cutting can be placed in the container in a small size with the potting soil.
Pothos plants prefer a warm environment with bright but indirect light, although they will tolerate low light conditions. It should be watered when the potting mix is dry. Feed it with a liquid fertilizer for houseplants once every six to eight week. Avoid cold drafts as they will cause damage to the leaves and slow the growth. If your Pothos plants are pot-bound, remove the soil and repot them in a new soil.
Peperomia
Peperomia plants are a great option for novices because they perform well with little or no maintenance, and it's easy to cultivate them as an indoor plant. They are native to South America, and they love shaded areas. However they don't require direct sunlight. They also enjoy warm temperatures.
Peperomia is available in a variety of colors and shapes. Certain varieties come with intriguing variations. Peperomia argyreia is sometimes called the watermelon peperomia due to its leaves that resemble to the watermelon's rind. Other varieties that are popular include P. polybotrya, which has large drop-shaped leaves, and P. caperata, which has deeply quilted leaves that are crinkly.
Depending on the type, Peperomias can be propagated from cuttings of the stem or leaf-petiole cuttings. If propagating with cuttings it is best to use sharp, clean scissors and select a mature plant that does not have buds or flowers. Cut a stem of the plant using the bottom 3 4''-4'' of leaves and remove any leaves that are below the leaf node with the lowest.
Plant peperomias in rich potting soil or a nutrient-rich mix. They don't require fertilizer, however an occasional dose of fertilizer around the plant's edges could be beneficial at least once every month. good house plants can cause peperomias to grow leggy. A good rule of thumb is to let the soil dry completely before re-watering.