13 Easiest Houseplants to Keep Alive
I always say that I have two kinds of children – the human ones who can tell me what they need (sometimes in not-so-subtle ways), and the green leafy ones who communicate in whispers and signs.
And let me tell you, figuring out the needs of my plant babies can sometimes be as challenging as understanding toddler babble!
I remember this one time when I brought home a delicate fern, so beautiful with its intricate lace-like leaves. I placed it on my windowsill, basking in the morning sun, and watered it diligently every day.
But to my dismay, within a week, it began to wilt and brown. I was heartbroken. How could I have failed? Wasn’t I doing everything right?
That’s when I learned – not all houseplants are created equal. Some need more light, others less. Some thrive in humidity, while others need dry air.
And some are super resilient and can put up with even the most forgetful plant parents!
That’s why I decided to put together a list of the 13 Easiest Houseplants to Keep Alive.
Whether you’re new to the world of indoor gardening or simply tired of bidding farewell to your leafy friends, this post is for you.
Let’s get started and find out which houseplants are the best at surviving, and even thriving, under our care.
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Understanding Basic Houseplant Care
First off, let’s talk about the big three: light, water, and temperature. Just like us, plants need just the right amount of each to thrive.
- Light: Some plants love basking in the sun all day, while others prefer a shady spot. It’s important to find out what your plant’s light preferences are and position them accordingly.
- Water: This one can be tricky. Overwatering is a common mistake and it can lead to root rot, which is basically the plant equivalent of pneumonia. On the other hand, underwatering can leave your plant dehydrated and wilted. A good rule of thumb is to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
- Temperature: Most houseplants are tropical, meaning they prefer a warm environment, but not too hot. A range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is usually a safe bet.
Now, onto common mistakes. We’ve all been there – overzealous with the watering can, or guilty of neglecting our plants when life gets busy.
But hey, plant care is a learning journey, and every brown leaf or droopy stem is a lesson learned.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, are native to West Africa.
They have long, upright leaves that can range from green to a yellowish color. Snake plants are known for their ability to remove toxins from the air, making them great indoor plants.
They prefer indirect light and can tolerate some neglect when it comes to watering.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is a trailing plant that can grow in almost any environment.
The leaves are heart-shaped and can be green or variegated in white, yellow, or lighter green.
Pothos plants prefer low to medium light and like to dry out between waterings.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
ZZ plants are a popular choice for indoor spaces because they’re virtually indestructible.
Native to Eastern Africa, they have shiny, dark green leaves and can survive in low light conditions and with infrequent watering.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are easy to grow and are often seen hanging in homes due to their attractive, arching foliage.
The leaves are striped green and white, and the plant produces small white flowers. Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light and well-drained soil.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
This plant is one of my all-time favorites!
Peace lilies are beautiful indoor plants that produce white, spoon-shaped flowers.
They’re native to tropical regions of the Americas and Southeastern Asia. Peace lilies prefer low to medium light and moist, well-drained soil.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant species that has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
It’s native to the Arabian Peninsula and its thick, pointy leaves contain a gel used to treat burns and cuts. Aloe vera prefers bright light and well-drained soil.
7. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plants are succulent houseplants that have thick, woody stems and oval-shaped leaves. They’re native to South Africa and Mozambique.
Jade plants prefer full sun and require well-drained soil.
8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants are a popular houseplant because of their large, glossy, dark green leaves. Native to Southeast Asia, rubber plants can grow up to 50 feet tall in their natural environment.
They prefer bright, indirect light and need to be kept moist but not waterlogged.
9. Philodendron
Philodendrons are native to the tropical regions of the Americas and the West Indies.
Known for their heart-shaped leaves, they’re one of the easiest houseplants to grow. They prefer medium-light and moist, well-drained soil.
10. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is a versatile plant that can be grown either indoors or outdoors. It’s native to Europe and Western Asia.
English ivy prefers moderate conditions, with indirect light and well-drained soil.
11. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Chinese money plants are known for their round, coin-shaped leaves, which is how they got their name.
They’re native to the Yunnan Province in Southern China. Chinese money plants prefer bright, indirect light and well-drained soil.
12. Succulents
Succulents are a group of plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, which allows them to survive in arid conditions.
They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Succulents prefer bright light and well-drained soil.
13. Cacti
Cacti are also a type of succulent that are native to the Americas. They’re known for their sharp spines, which help them conserve water.
Cacti prefer bright light and need to be watered infrequently.
Essential Tips for Long-Term Houseplant Care
Maintaining the health and happiness of your houseplants is a rewarding journey.
Let’s break down some key tips to keep them flourishing for years!
- Spotting Common Plant Problems: The first step in ensuring your plant’s longevity is to know what to look out for. Yellowing leaves might indicate overwatering, while brown, crispy edges could mean your plant is too dry. Drooping leaves? Your plant might not be getting enough light. Once you understand these signs, you can adjust your care routine accordingly.
- Knowing When and How to Repot: Repotting is another crucial aspect of long-term plant care. Generally, it’s time to upgrade your plant’s home when you see roots growing out of the drainage hole or if the plant becomes top-heavy and unstable. To repot, carefully remove the plant from its current pot, gently shake off excess soil from the roots, place it in a new pot with fresh potting mix, and water thoroughly. Remember, a larger pot means more space for growth!
By keeping these tips in mind, your green buddies will thrive and continue to brighten up your living space.
You May Also Enjoy:
10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow Indoors
16 Plants That Clean Indoor Air
How to Start a Balcony Vegetable Garden
Wrapping it Up
We’ve explored the world of houseplants that refuse to give up on you, even if you don’t exactly have a green thumb.
From the Pothos to the Snake Plant, these 13 plants are champions at thriving in all kinds of conditions.
They’re not just pretty to look at, they’re also forgiving of our occasional forgetfulness when it comes to watering schedules.
So whether you’re an experienced plant parent or just starting your indoor garden, remember, there’s a houseplant out there for everyone!
