A few weeks ago we learned how beneficial houseplants can be to your well-being. But many people are apprehensive about growing them. This week we take a look at 5 easy grow houseplants that will flourish in many challenging conditions.
1. Pothos
This is by far the easiest houseplant to grow. It can live in both bright and low light and doesn’t take a ton of water or maintenance. Water it only when the top is dry. These plants develop vines that can grow over 30 feet long. If your plant gets too leggy, simply snip off the vines. For a bushier plant, trim them close to the base. It’s so easy to start new plants. Simply place your trimmed vines in water and new roots will grow. You can then pot them or even just leave them in the water. I have several that have been in water for years and they look great.
2. Snake Plant
The snake plant, or Mother-in-law’s tongue, is equally easy to grow. It also doesn’t require much water or light, although the variegated varieties require a little more. Let the soil dry out between watering and water every 1-2 weeks. In winter, these can go up to six weeks without water so if you travel this may be a good houseplant for you. It’s slow growing so it won’t need trimming or repotting. These are perfect to add a vertical element as these can grow up to about 2′ tall in ideal conditions.
3. Spider Plant
Spider plants are great for hanging but they look equally nice on a table. Their little baby spider plants grow at the end of long vines giving them a great look. The babies can be removed and potted to grow a new spider plant. These are known for their air purification qualities so they’re great for your health. They like moist soil so don’t let them dry out. Indirect sunlight is best as direct sun will burn the leaves.
4. Aloe
This is one houseplant that actually likes some neglect. Over watering can be a problem with aloe so let them dry out completely before watering. As with the snake plant, these can, and should go several weeks without water in the winter time. Place in bright, indirect light for best results. Aloe is known for it’s ability so soothe burns so if you have a burn, remove a leaf, cut vertically to remove the gel and place on the burn.
5. Christmas Cactus (shown above)
Christmas cactus in bloom is such a pretty plant. And even without the blooms, it’s quite interesting – which is good because mine has yet to bloom in 3 years. But these plants are otherwise easy to grow and care for. Keep them in indirect, bright light and well watered but not soaked. Let the top dry only slightly between watering. Don’t let the word cactus in its name fool you, it requires more water than than your normal cactus. Farmers Almanac recommends keeping your cactus in a cool room (55 degrees) and total dark for about 14 hours a night for six weeks to encourage blooming. Something I’ll have to try this fall.
One thing that helps me keep my plants alive is a set schedule. I water all my plants at the same time once a week – if needed. So far it seems to be working.
Take care of your plants and yourself so you both can flourish.
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