Easy Houseplants That Don't Require a Green Thumb
Looking to add a pop of green to your home? Look no further than these simple houseplants that don't require an extensive green thumb.
These low-maintenance plants require little more than a spot of indirect light that is bright, a wipe of the leaves every couple of months and a small amount of iron fertilizer.
Ponytail Palm
Ponytail palms are a unique plant that look great in many different interior designs. extra large house plants are easy to cultivate and thrive in a mild neglect, as long as they don't overwater. This houseplant grows slowly and is a wonderful option for those who are new to gardening.
Pony tail palms are a tropical-looking plant that thrives in bright indirect light. They are also drought-tolerant, and enjoy warm temperatures. They can be kept in their nursery containers but are best replanted into a pot that is porous, as this will allow for better circulation of air and reduces the chance of root rot.
This low-maintenance houseplant is not toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, making it a great option for homes with pets or small children. It also acts as an effective deterrent to dust mites and other pests. It is susceptible to diseases such as leaf spots and bacterial leaves streaks, which are typically caused by high humidity.
The plant is slow-growing and requires very 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 forms offsets ("pups") close to the base that can be removed and planted separately to help propagate the ponytail palm tree. Despite its name, this plant rarely flowers indoors, which makes it difficult to grow viable seeds. The brown leaf tips are common in winter, and should be cut to keep a fresh look.
Schefflera
The Schefflera (pronounced shuffler-uh) is one of the easiest houseplants to maintain. This tropical plant is also called the umbrella-shaped tree. It has green, splayed umbrella-shaped leaves. The plants can be cut according to your requirements and grow quickly under the right conditions. They also cleanse the air, making them one of the most sought-after indoor tropical plants.
Schefflera, as with other tropical plants, requires bright indirect lighting to flourish. They can tolerate direct sunlight for a few minutes, but too much will burn their foliage. If you don't have enough light in your home, you could add a high-output lamp. Alternately, you can relocate your schefflera to an area that receives the sun's rays in the morning or late afternoon but blocks the light with curtains.
The schefflera should be watered only when the soil surface is dry. Overwatering a schefflera could cause root rot. If you notice yellow or drooping leaves, this could be a sign that you have the insufficient amount of water.
If you'd like to add more scheffleras to your collection you can harvest 6-inch stem cuttings from existing plants in the summer. Place the cuttings between 2 and 1 inch deep in a pot containing Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix. Then, give them the same basic care in order to encourage the growth of new plants.
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema, commonly called Chinese evergreen is a simple houseplant that can withstand just about any indoor condition. In contrast to peace lilies and philodendrons that require lots of bright light, aglaonema is able to thrive in dim or medium light conditions. It also thrives under fluorescent lights. Aglaonema is slow-growing and can be positioned on desks or tabletops initially but it will eventually grow into a large floor plant.
You can choose from a variety colors and patterns for glaonema foliage. Aglaonema Lucky Red has leaves with a hot and green pink variegation 'Siam Aurora" has dark green leaves with pink veins.
Aglaonema plants will tolerate better indoor lighting conditions. However, the more colorful and varied varieties might require a bit more light. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight as the sun's harsh rays can cause the leaves to burn. If you're growing aglaonema in an office with lots of natural light then cover the window with a sheer curtain to block out the harsh radiation.
Like other no-fuss tropical plants, Aglaonema thrives in warmer temperatures however it isn't able to handle abrupt cold breezes. Water aglaonema on a regular basis, but be cautious not to overwater it. The best way to gauge the time to water is to put your finger in the soil; if it feels dry, the plant needs more moisture.
Calathea
Calathea is also called Goeppertia or Pinstripe, is an exotic foliage plant that is simple to grow indoors. It is native to dense rainforests and jungles in which it is a tree in shady places. This makes it adaptable to bright indirect indoor light. It is essential that it does not get direct sunlight since it could burn the leaves and make the markings fade. To avoid this you can move it, or cover a window sill with a sheer curtain to protect it from direct sun.
In general, calatheas like temperatures between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They do best in humid environments. They prefer filtered sun because they're accustomed to dapples, not constant sunlight. This is why facing west or south a window is a good choice for them, but it is important to keep it shaded from direct sunlight.
Calatheas thrive in their ideal setting with a basic watering schedule. It is recommended to water it regularly, but not constantly. Placing your finger in the soil can help you determine when it is time to water. In the summer and spring, you should also use fertiliser that has been diluted.
Pothos
The trailing foliage of Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum is what makes this tropical houseplant one of the easiest to care for. It is a favorite choice for hanging baskets and macrame planters. It can be trained to climb along a trellis or up a wall. This fast-growing vine is very adaptable to different conditions, making it a good option for novices or experienced indoor gardeners.
The leaves of the Pothos come in different patterns and colors. Some of the most popular cultivars include "Golden Pothos," which is distinguished by its yellow and green variations and 'Neon', with its bright, chartreuse-colored leaves and 'Marble Queen' that is gorgeously marbled with white. The Pothos plant is easy to propagate from stem cuttings, which can be grown in water or soil. To root the stem cut a 4-6-inch piece of a healthy stem that has a few leaves attached and just below the leaf node (the area on the stem where roots begin to form). Place the cutting in a glass of water or a moist vermiculite/perlite and it will sprout roots within several weeks. Plant the rooted cutting into the container in a small size with potting soil.
Pothos plants prefer a warm spot with indirect but bright light, although they will tolerate low light conditions. It should be watered when the potting mix is dry. Feed it with liquid fertilizer for houseplants every six to eight weeks. Avoid cold drafts as they can damage leaves and slow growth. If the Pothos plants are pot-bound, remove the old potting soil and repot the roots into new soil.
Peperomia
Peperomia plants are a great choice for beginners as they require minimal care and are easy to grow indoors. They are native to South America and love shaded areas, but don't need direct sunlight. They also prefer warm temperatures.
These easy houseplants can be found in many different colors and forms, and some varieties of Peperomia are interesting in their variations. Peperomia arryreia, which is also known as the watermelon peperomia, is so named because its leaves resemble a watermelon rind. Other types that are popular include P. polybotrya that has large leaves that resemble drops, and P. caperata, which has leaves that are deeply quilted and are slightly crinkly.
Depending on the type, Peperomias can be propagated from stem cuttings or leaf-petiole cuts. If propagating using cuttings, it is best to use sharp and clean scissors and select mature plants that do not have flowers or buds. Cut a stem of the plant by cutting the bottom 3 Take away any leaf that is that are lower than the lowest node of the leaf.
Plant peperomias with fertile potting soil, or a mixture that is nutrient-rich. They do not need to be fertilized, but may benefit from a light fertilizer once a month or so, sprayed lightly around the edges of the plant. Watering peperomias should be done cautiously because they can become unbalanced if they are overwatered. It is best to allow the soil to dry before you water it again.