Easy Houseplants That Don't Require a Green Thumb
Are you looking to add some greenery to your office or home? These easy houseplants do not require you to have 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 every couple of months.
Ponytail Palm
The ponytail palms have a distinctive design and look stunning in various designs for interiors. They are easy to cultivate and thrive in a mild neglect, so long as they don't overwater. This houseplant that grows slowly is a great choice for new plant owners.
Pony tail palms are tropical-looking plant that thrives in bright indirect light. They are also drought-tolerant and prefer warm temperatures. They can be left in their nursery containers but they are best planted in a pot that is porous, as this allows for better circulation of air and reduces the risk of root rot.
This low-maintenance houseplant is nontoxic to dogs, cats and horses, which makes it a great option for households with pets or children. It is also a natural pest deterrent. It is also susceptible to diseases such as leaf spots and bacterial leaf streaks, which are often made worse by high humidity.
This slow-growing plant requires little fertilization. However it is able to receive twice as much feed for plants that are water-soluble in the spring and summer. Sometimes, the plant may produce offsets (pups) close to the base. These can be removed and separated to help propagate the Ponytail Tree. This plant doesn't flower indoors, despite the name. It is therefore difficult to grow viable seeds. Brown leaf tips are common in winter and should be trimmed to keep a fresh look.
Schefflera
The Schefflera (pronounced shuffler-uh) is one of the most easy houseplants to take care of. This tropical plant is also called the umbrella-shaped tree. It is green with splayed, umbrella-shaped leaves. They are able to grow quickly in the right conditions and can be cut to fit your space. They also purify the air, making them one of the most well-known indoor tropical plants.
Schefflera, like other tropical plants requires bright indirect light to flourish. good house plants can withstand direct sunlight for a few hours, but too much exposure will cause burns to the foliage. If your home isn't receiving enough light, you can supplement it with a high-output fluorescent lamp. You can also move your schefflera to a location which receives morning or late afternoon light however, you must block the light using curtains.
When watering a schefflera, ensure that you only water when the soil is dry on the surface. Overwatering can cause root rot. If you notice leaves turning yellow or a drooping appearance this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough moisture.
You can also add more scheffleras by harvesting 6-inch stem cuttings in the summer. Place the cuttings about 2 inches down in a container of humid Miracle-Gro(r) Indoor Potting Mix. Then, provide the same basic care in order to encourage the growth of new plants.
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema is a houseplant that tolerates nearly any indoor climate. Contrary to philodendrons and peace lilies that require lots of bright light, aglaonema is able to thrive in dim or moderate light conditions. It does well under fluorescent lighting. Aglaonema grows slowly and can be placed on tabletops or desks initially, but will eventually become a large floor plant.
The foliage of a glaonema is available in a range of patterns and colors so you can choose one that complements your decor. Aglaonema 'Lucky Red' has leaves with hot-pink and green variegation while 'Siam's Aurora' has dark green leaves highlighted by pink veins.
Aglaonema plants can tolerate brighter indoor light conditions. However, the more colorful and diverse varieties might require a bit more light. Avoid exposing any aglaonema to direct sunlight, as the sun's harsh rays will burn its delicate leaves. If you're growing an aglaonema at work ensure that you cover the window. This will block the harsh sunlight.
Like other tropical plants that don't require any effort, aglaonema thrives in warm temperatures but isn't able to withstand abrupt cold breezes. Aglaonema should be watered on a regular basis but be careful not to overwater it. Place your finger in the soil to determine when you should water. If it appears dry, it's time to add more water.
Calathea
Calathea is also called Goeppertia and Pinstripe Plant. low maintenance house plants is an easy-to-grow tropical foliage plant. It is native to dense rainforests and forests where it grows under trees in shady areas. This makes it adaptable to bright indirect indoor light. However, it is important that it does not get direct sunlight as it can cause burns to the leaves and cause the markings fade. The best method to avoid this is to move it around or shield it from direct sunlight which is accomplished by covering windowsills with a sheer curtain.
low maintenance house plants like temperatures that range from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and thrive in humid climates. They prefer sunlight that is filtered, since they are accustomed to dapples of light instead of constant sun. This is the reason that a window facing west or south could be ideal, but it must be shaded to block direct sunlight.
If a calathea is in its natural environment it can be thriving with a simple watering schedule. It is recommended to water it regularly but not continuously. Placing your finger in the soil will allow you to determine when it is time to water. Additionally, a dilute fertilizer should be used in the spring and summer.
Pothos
Pothos, also referred to as Epipremnum Aureum, is an exotic houseplant that is easy to care for due to its trailing leaves. It is a very popular option for hanging baskets and macrame planters but can be trained to climb a trellis or climb up a wall. This fast-growing vine can tolerate an array of conditions. It is a great option for both experienced and novice indoor gardeners.
The leaves of Pothos come in a variety of colors and patterns. Some of the most popular cultivars include "Golden Pothos," with its yellow and green variegation and 'Neon', with its bright chartreuse-colored leaves, and 'Marble Queen,' which is beautifully marbled with white. good house plants is easy to propagate using stem cuttings, which can be established in soil or in water. To root a stem, cut a 4-6 inch length of a healthy stem, with a few attached leaves, and then just below the leaf node. Place the cut in the glass, which is filled with water or moistened perlite/vermiculite. Within a few weeks, roots should begin to emerge. Plant the rooted cutting in a small pot of the potting soil.
Pothos plants prefer a warm location with bright, indirect light, though they can tolerate low-light conditions. Water it when the potting soil is dry and feed it with a liquid houseplant fertilizer every six to eight weeks. Avoid cold breezes as they could cause damage to the leaves and slow growth. If your Pothos plants are pot-bound, remove the soil that was in place and plant them into new soil.
Peperomia
Peperomia plants are a great choice for beginners because they do well with little or no maintenance, and they are easy to grow as an indoor plant. They are natives of South America, and they prefer areas with shade. However, they do not require direct sunlight. They also enjoy warm temperatures.
These easy houseplants can be found in a variety of styles and colors, and certain varieties of Peperomia have interesting variations. Peperomia argyreia can be referred to as the watermelon peperomia due to its leaves that look similar to the rind of a watermelon. Other types that are popular include P. polybotrya that has large, drop-shaped leaves. Then there's P. caperata, which has leaves that are deeply quilted and are wrinkled.
Depending on the kind, Peperomias can be propagated by stem cuttings or leaf-petiole cuts. When propagating with cuttings, it is recommended to use clean sharp scissors and select a mature plant that does not have flowers or buds. Cut a stem from 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 with rich potting soil, or an organic mix that is rich in nutrients. They do not need to be fertilized, but can benefit from a little fertilizer once a month or so, applied lightly around the edges of the plant. Watering peperomias with caution as they can turn unbalanced if they are overwatered. A good rule of thumb is to let the soil dry out completely before re-watering.