Easy Houseplants That Don't Require a Green Thumb
Looking to add a pop of green to your home? Look no further than these easy houseplants that don't require a green thumb.
These low-maintenance plants require little more than a spot in indirect sunlight occasionally wiping the leaves and the addition of a little iron fertilizer once or twice a month.
Ponytail Palm
Ponytail palms have a unique design and look stunning in many interior designs. They are easy to cultivate and thrive in a mild neglect, as long as they don't get overwatered. This houseplant grows slowly and is a wonderful choice for new plant owners.
Pony tail palms have an exotic appearance and thrive in bright indirect sunlight. They are also drought-tolerant and like warm temperatures. They can be left in their nursery containers, but they are best planted in a porous pot, as this allows for better air circulation and reduces the risk of root rot.
This low-maintenance species is not toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. It's an excellent choice for homes with pets, or children. It is also a natural pest deterrent. It is also susceptible to diseases such as leaf spots and bacterial leaves streaks, which are usually made worse by high humidity.
The plant is slow-growing and requires very little fertilization. However it can receive twice as much feed for plants that are water-soluble in the spring and summer. Sometimes, tall house plants may produce offsets (pups) close to the base. These can be separated and removed to allow the Ponytail Palm Tree. This plant does not flower indoors, despite its name. It is therefore difficult to grow viable seeds. In winter the brown tips of the leaves are common and must be cut to maintain a healthy appearance.
Schefflera
The schefflera (pronounced shuffler-uh) is one of the most easy houseplants to take care of. This tropical plant is known as the umbrella-shaped tree. It is green with splayed, umbrella-shaped leaves. They can be cut according to your needs and will grow quickly in the right conditions. low maintenance house plants aid in cleaning the air which makes them one of the most sought-after options for indoor tropical plants.
Like other tropical plants, schefflera requires bright indirect light to flourish. They can tolerate direct sun for a short time, but too much sun can harm their foliage. If you don't have enough lighting in your home, you can add a high-output lamp. Alternatively, you can relocate your schefflera to an area that gets sunlight in the morning or late in the afternoon but block the light with curtains.
When watering a schefflera be sure to only water when the soil is dry at the surface. Overwatering a schefflera will lead to root rot. If you notice yellow or drooping leaves, it could be a sign of too little water.
low maintenance house plants can add more scheffleras by taking cuttings of 6 inches in the summer. Place the cuttings between 1 and 2 inches deep in a pot containing Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix. Then, give the same basic care in order to encourage new growth.
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema often referred to as Chinese evergreen, is an easy houseplant that can tolerate almost any indoor conditions. Aglaonema, in contrast to philodendrons and peace lilies that require bright light to grow, can be grown in low and medium-light conditions. It is a great choice for fluorescent lighting. Aglaonema is slow-growing, and will initially be small enough to be able to be placed on tabletops and desks however, it will eventually develop into an entire floor plant.
You can choose from a variety colors and patterns for the glaonema foliage. Aglaonema Lucky Red has leaves with a hot and green pink variegation, while 'Siam Aurora" has dark green leaves that have pink veins.
Aglaonema plants generally prefer low to medium light levels, but they can be tolerant of brighter indoor lighting, although the more colorful and variegated varieties might require a bit more brightness. Avoid exposing tall house plants to direct sunlight because the sun's harsh rays will burn their delicate leaves. If you're growing an aglaonema in your workplace be sure to cover the window. This will block out harsh sunlight.
Aglaonema, just like other tropical plants that don't need any attention, thrives in warm temperatures. However it can't withstand abrupt cold breezes. Water aglaonema on a regular basis but be careful not to overwater it. The best way to determine when it's time to water is to place your finger in the soil; if it feels dry, then the plant is in need of more water.
Calathea
Calathea is also known as Goeppertia or Pinstripe, is a tropical foliage plant that is easy to cultivate indoors. It is native to dense rainforests and forests in which it is a tree in shady spots. This makes it adaptable to bright indirect indoor light. However, it is important to ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight since it could cause the leaves to burn and the markings fade. The best way to prevent this is to move it around or shield it from direct sunlight, which can be done by covering a windowsill a sheer curtain.
In general, calatheas prefer temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and do best in humid environments. They prefer sunlight that is filtered, as they are accustomed to dapples of light rather than constant sun. This is the reason a west-facing or south-facing window is a good choice for them, but it is essential to shield it from direct sunlight.
When a calathea is in its ideal environment it will be fine with a simple watering schedule. It should be watered regularly however it isn't essential to keep the soil moist. A better method of determining the right time to water is to place your finger into the soil. If it feels dry, it needs to be soaked. In addition, a diluted fertilizer should be applied during the spring and summer.
Pothos
Pothos is also known as Epipremnum Aureum, is an exotic houseplant that is easy to care for due to its trailing leaves. It is a favorite option for hanging baskets as well as macrame planters, but it can be trained to climb up a trellis or up a wall. The fast-growing vine is adaptable to different conditions, making it a good option for novices or experienced indoor gardeners.
The leaves of Pothos come in various patterns and colors. The most well-known cultivars are 'Golden Pothos', with its yellow and green variegation and 'Neon', with its bright chartreuse-colored foliage, and 'Marble Queen, that is gorgeously marbled with white. The Pothos plant is easy to propagate using stem cuttings, which can be planted in soil or water. To root a stem cut a 4-6-inch length of a healthy looking stem with a few attached leaves, and then just below the leaf node. Place the cutting in a glass of water or a moist vermiculite/perlite that will grow roots within some weeks. The rooted cutting should be planted in a small pot of potting soil.
Pothos plants prefer a warm location with bright, indirect light, but they can tolerate low-light conditions. Water it when the potting soil is dry and feed it with a liquid fertilizer for houseplants every six to eight weeks. Avoid cold drafts as they will damage the leaves and slow the growth. If the Pothos plants become pot-bound, remove the old soil and then repot the roots into new soil.
Peperomia
Peperomia plants are a great choice for beginners as they require little maintenance and can be grown indoors. They are native to South America and love shaded areas, but don't need direct sunlight. They also prefer warm temperatures.
Peperomia is available in various shapes and colors. Certain varieties feature intriguing variations. Peperomia argyreia is often referred to as the watermelon peperomia because of its leaves that look similar to a watermelon's rind. Other varieties 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 crinkly.
Based on the type, Peperomias can be propagated through stem cuttings or leaf-petiole cuts. If propagating using cuttings, it is best to use sharp and clean scissors and choose a mature plant that does not have buds or flowers. Cut the stem of the plant using the lower 3 Take away any leaf that is that are below the lowest node the leaf.
Plant peperomias using a rich potting soil or a mixture that is nutrient-rich. Peperomias do not require fertilizer, but a light dose of fertilizer around the plant's edge can be beneficial once or twice a month. Peperomias that are watered should be handled with care as they can turn leggy if overwatered. A good rule of thumb is to let the soil dry completely before watering again.