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Low-Maintenance Houseplants Even Beginners Can Keep Alive


April 12, 2022

Houseplants can bring a much-needed sense of wellness and positive energy to your space. But caring for them isn’t always easy. However, not all plants are created equal when it comes to low maintenance, and some plants are simply hard to kill.

The best thing about low maintenance house plants is that you don’t need a ton of time, space or even light for them to grow. In fact, some plants prefer a low level of light and infrequent watering. Low-maintenance plants are simply the ones that don’t require daily care or a complicated setup to flourish. The only thing you can do when you’re new to plant care is to choose a plant that is sturdy and won’t fall apart the second you make a mistake.

If you want to spruce up your home with a little greenery but you’re new to plant parenthood and want to stick to plants that are more forgiving and low-maintenance, here’s what you need to know, which plants to buy to how to keep them alive and happy. This beginner’s guide gives you all the basics on which ones to choose based on our environment, exactly when to water, and how much sun each plant needs.

Spider Plant

If you’re looking for a good investment, Spider Plants are the one for you. Not only can they tolerate a whole host of neglect, but they’ll also produce stolons that’ll harbour small offsets for you to separate. Water once the top third of the soil becomes dry, feeling the pot’s weight for confirmation. Situate in a bright, indirect setting with a good level of humidity, and you’ll be good to go. If they develop brown leaf tips, it’s probably because they are in a hot, dry room or it may be a result of under watering. Simply cut off the brown bits and move the plant to a cooler place, then up the feeding and watering routine.

Snake Plant

Snake plants are rather popular because they’re incredibly hands-off and easy to care for. They don’t need a ton of light, and they can handle quite a bit. In addition to being able to withstand pretty much any living condition, snake plants are also really powerful air purifiers. They can go for a month without water, but if it starts to look wrinkly, it definitely needs a drink. Yellowing leaves are a sign that you have overdone it. The only care it needs is an occasional wipe of the leaves to keep them shiny and dust-free.

Money Plant

Money plant is a popular houseplant with immense benefits. Many believe that keeping money plants in the home can bring good luck and prosperity. Among the main benefits of the money plant is its ability to purify the air by eliminating airborne pollutants like carbon monoxide. It has heart-shaped leaves on a twisty stem. It’s a climber, but it can be trailed from a pot, or trained up an interior wall.

Peace Lily

This is one of the best low maintenance indoor plants for people who don’t always keep on top of watering plants. It has glossy, green leaves with occasional elegant white folded flowers. Stand it in bright but indirect light and water only when the top of the compost is dry. Since a peace lily naturally grows in higher humidity climates, during the summer months you may want to mist the leaves often. If the plant droops, it means it is thirsty, but it will soon recover if placed into a sink or bowl of water for 30 minutes. Snip off the spent flower heads and any dry leaves.

Monstera

Monstera plants are beloved for their tropical look. They might look like a diva, but it is actually pretty low-maintenance. It won’t drop its leaves if you miss a few waterings, and it’ll be okay if you can’t stick it right in the window. Water when the top inch of the soil is dry. If the leaves turn yellow, it’s a sign that it’s too wet. If the edges of the leaves turn brown, this might be a sign that the plant needs more moisture or a larger pot.

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