Easy House Plants
There are a variety of easy-to-grow plants whether you've been cultivating houseplants for years or want to add some greenery your living space. These easy houseplants aren't picky about their surroundings or watering needs and are resilient to some neglect.
The spider plant, for instance, thrives in bright indirect light and is only watered when the top couple of inches of soil are dry. The peace lily is a low-key option with a pretty leaf design.
Ponytail Palm
The tropical succulent called the ponytail palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata) is easy to care for. It does not require much water or attention and is therefore a great choice for busy people.
Place the plant in a sun-lit area with moderate lighting indoors or within 3 feet of large, clear windows. Avoid cold, drafty spaces and hot windows because these conditions could dry out the leaves.
During the growing season Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the surface. It is recommended to water the ponytail palm in winter is not advised. The plant will be in a dormant state. When watering, use a moisture meter to keep the plant from being overwatered.
Ponytail palms grow slowly and don't require pruning unless they get sick. They are tolerant of drought and can withstand short periods of colder temperatures but they should be moved to a brighter room in the winter. Fertilize your plants a few times per year, especially in spring and summer. Follow the directions on the label of a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer.
Schefflera
The schefflera is one of the most popular tropical house plants. It is also known as an umbrella plant or the philodendron. It can grow up to 4-6 feet high indoors with bright indirect light.
The schrefflera is tolerant of medium to warm room temperatures, but it does not like cold drafts and could protest by dropping leaves. It requires a peat-moss-based potting soil, and is best fed monthly with a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer.
If your schefflera has become leggy, you may need to purchase a new container. It thrives in a container that is one or two bigger than the one it is currently in. This will encourage bushy growth. Press the growth tips with your fingers to encourage branching.
The schefflera is prone to spider mites. However, spraying the leaves with Neem oil or insecticidal soap is usually enough to remove them. It is also prone to thrip infestations however, spotting and washing the insects off the plant with a damp cloth will suffice.
Chinese Evergreen
The aglaonema or Chinese evergreen, is a top choice on the list of simple house plants. It can tolerate a wide range of indoor conditions ranging from low light to bright spots, and fluorescent lighting. It also tolerates cold temperatures however, it prefers warm temperatures.
These hardy, slow-growing plants thrive in well-draining potting soil that is rich in humus. Add peat moss or peat moss for better drainage and help acidify the soil. You should water your aglaonema often during the summer but let the top inch of soil dry between waterings.
If your aglaonema is beginning to appear sluggish or drab, it could be a sign it requires more light or it may have become pot-bound. Repot it into a container one size larger, untangle the roots that are tangled, and then add fresh potting mix. You can spray the plant with Neem oil or soapy water if it's suffering from insect infestations. There are dozens of cultivars to pick from and include solid green varieties like Aglaonema "Frasher" and Aglaonema 'Pseudobracteatum' as well as variegate varieties like Aglaonema 'Silver Bay and Aglaonema "Stripes".
Calathea
This plant is simple to take care of compared to the fussy sisters like calathea whitestar, ornata and calathea. The gorgeous pin-striped leaves of Calathea can reach more than an inch tall and look stunning in bright indirect light.
Calatheas require slightly moist but not wet or soggy soil. If the soil feels dry to your finger then give the plant a thorough watering. A typical watering schedule is every two days, but be sure to make sure to check the soil daily to establish a routine. If the potting mix is not sufficient, substitute it with an equal amount of 1 part peat to 1 perlite or Coco Coir. Feed the calatheas twice per month during Spring and Summer using a houseplant fertilizer that has been reduced to half strength.
Drooping or curled leaves are signs of dehydration. They can be fixed by adding water for a few days. Coloration of leaves is most likely caused by pests and can be treated with insecticidal soap or oil.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachias are easy-to care for plants that can bring the color of your home. Its oval, variegated leaves can extend up to 12 inches.
Dieffenbachias like other plants, can be affected by certain conditions that may affect their health and appearance. The tips of the leaves that are brown can indicate low humidity, whereas yellow leaves could result from excessive watering or submerging. Inconsistent watering and hard tap water may also cause issues.
If best houseplants starts to look droopy, try moving it to an area with more light. Drooping plants are usually a sign that they need more water, so check the soil's moisture by sticking your finger into it to the first knuckle. Water the soil thoroughly not just a tiny amount. Be sure to soak the soil in water until the excess water drains out of the drainage holes. Plastic nursery planters are the ideal container for your Dieffenbachia, as they let water drain more efficiently than porous Terracotta.
Peperomia
Peperomia is a low maintenance houseplant that can be positioned in any room. The glossy dark green leaves are beautiful and help to cleanse the air.
Peperomias are tolerant of moderate light and warm temperatures however they do not like direct sunlight. If the leaves become scorched or discolored it's a sign they are getting too much sunlight and should be moved to a shadier spot.
Like their wild counterparts Peperomias are epiphytic plant which cling to branches of trees and other tall structures in order to gain access to more indirect, bright sunlight. They thrive in well-drained soil that dries out between waterings. If you notice that your peperomia's roots are extending out of the pot and are causing problems, it's time to pot it again. Use good house plants that is free of peat, and place it in a bigger container than the one you are using to prevent root rot. Feed best houseplants during the summer with general fertilizer for houseplants.
Arrowhead Vine
The Arrowhead vine (Syngoniumpodophyllum) is an evergreen vine that can be planted indoors, is a leafy climbing plant. It is a good plant for the home for novices, since it is easy to propagate.
To make a cut in an existing arrowhead, find the stem that is healthy, and carefully cut the stem near the petiole's bottom. This is best accomplished using sterile, clean, sharp hand pruning shears.
Water your arrowheads often, especially in the summer. Allow the soil to dry between waterings because Arrowhead plants don't like a constantly moist soil. Winter is the only time they don't require fertilizer as the plant is dormant. This plant contains calcium crystals that can cause a burning feeling in the event of consumption. Beware of pets and children. The arrowhead vine, also known as goosefoot or nephthytis, is a favorite among home gardeners because of its beautiful foliage and low maintenance.
Snake Plant
Snake plants, also referred to as Sansevieria, are one of the most easy to grow houseplants. They do well in low light levels, are drought-tolerant and are not afflicted by insects. This plant is also excellent for purifying the air inside your home, by converting CO2 into oxygen during the day, and eliminating formaldehyde and benzene during the night.
Snake plants that are healthy have green leaves that have yellow, cream, or white edges. Leaves that droop or flop over indicate overwatering or lack of light the thrips (small insects) or root rot.
Repot your snake plants into containers that are two inches larger in case the roots get too crowded or if it grows out of its current pot. Choose an area that drains quickly, preferably with one third sand or perlite and one third peat. Fertilize each month during the growth season with an organic fertilizer in half strength.
Money Plant
Money plants are easy to cultivate and are considered to be lucky plants that bring prosperity to homeowners who take care of them. They also help in channelling the positive energy. They are great to give to your friends to wish them prosperity and wealth. According to Vastu, and Feng Shui, these plants thrive best when placed in the southeast corner of your house.
Money Plants aren't just a great air purifier, but they also tolerate less than ideal indoor conditions. It is crucial to observe the plant's requirements to water and fertilize regularly. If the leaves are turning yellow, this could be a sign the soil isn't draining properly or that the plant is being overwatered.
Money Plants are characterized by their green leaves with long stems, and tips which are light brown. It is a low-maintenance houseplant that doesn't need much sun or fertilizer.