Top 5 Low Maintenance House Plants
Do you want to add some greenery and life to your home but don't know where to start? Do you have a black thumb (but wish it could turn green)?
Maybe you have a busy lifestyle, and you don't have a lot of extra time to spend on plant chores—or you're on a budget and not looking to spend extra on grow lights and other planty accessories.
Fear not, because this post is for you!
Here we'll be discussing five plants (and a couple honourable mentions) that might just become your new best low-maintenance friend. These are plants that can grow with low light conditions, inconsistent watering, and sometimes they even thrive on being left alone. These are a great place to start to get your feet wet in the world of tropical plants!
But please keep in mind—all experiences are different, much as all plants are unique. Some of these may be toxic to humans or pets—so make sure your furry friends don't get too curious!
1. Sansevieria | Snake Plant
One of my personal favourites, and a favourite among plant keepers around the world. Snake plants come in a great variety of different forms, though they're often characterized by stiff, upright leaves. Some are tall while others are compact; the leaves can be flat, curved, or even round; and they often have interesting patterns. Snake plants will grow in low light, can handle a dry spell, and don't mind being a little cozy in their pots. That said, as with any of these plants, they will thrive with medium to bright indirect light and ideal watering conditions.
As a fun bonus, NASA has recognized Sansevieria for their air purifying qualities!
2. Zamioculcas Zamiifolia | ZZ Plant
Although the name can be a mouthful (hence the nickname), ZZ Plants are one of the most relaxed tropical houseplants in terms of care. Their preference is for medium indirect light, but these are plants that can grow in almost any lighting conditions. They're often said to "thrive on neglect", and they prefer to dry out between waterings—but don't completely forget about them!
ZZ plants have rhizomes—a round tuber just below the surface of the soil that holds water—that keep them healthy and strong even in periods of drought. Technically, the rhizome is the stem, and what you see growing upright is the petiole—the stalk that joins a stem to the leaf. With their glossy leaves, branching growth pattern, and interesting variations, this is a great choice.
3. Epipremnum Aureum | Pothos
Pothos plants belong to the family of Araceae—the popular and populous aroids. These plants are beloved for many reasons, and you'd be hard-pressed to walk into any greenhouse or garden centre without seeing a variety of pothos. These are great starter plants—they're fast growers, can tolerate inconsistent light or watering conditions, and offer many affordable and unique varieties.
These plants are viners or climbers, and will often grow all the way to the floor without much trouble. If given a moss pole or trellis to climb, mimicking their natural habitat, the leaves can grow significantly larger. As a bonus, pothos are quick and easy to propagate—and some theories suggest their cuttings actually release a growth hormone that can help other cuttings root even faster.
4. Pachira Aquatica | Money Tree
Although these plants are a little higher maintenance than those at the beginning of this list, they're easy to care for and adaptable to a variety of conditions. Money trees prefer bright to medium indirect light (that means not in a direct line with the sun!) and for their soil to dry out at least partially between waterings. They're fast growers with a showy, umbrella-like canopy—and sometimes, a unique, braided trunk—that can add a great touch of class to any room.
The name is symbolic for a reason, as these plants are often associated with good luck and prosperity. In Feng Shui, money trees are thought to bring balance and positive energy. A great plant for giving as a gift!
5. Philodendron
The inclusion of philodendrons on this list is, in large part, due to their affordability and accessibility. Another popular aroid (and my personal favourite plant family), philodendrons come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and appearances. As a general rule, however, they often prefer similar conditions: bright, indirect light, a well-draining potting mix, and water when the top inch or two of soil is dry.
There are plenty of extravagant and expensive philodendrons out there, with lush, eye-catching variegation—but just as many common starter varieties that can be fast, easy growers. Some philodendrons grow upright, some trail, and some climb—a little research into your specific plant can give you the tools you'll need to help your new plant thrive.
And a few extra honourable mentions!
Ficus Elastica are a popular option with a range of interesting varieties. Although they prefer bright, indirect light, these plants can tolerate a range of conditions. Just be cautious not to overwater, as these plants prefer to let their roots dry out a little between waterings.
Jade plants, with their thick, rubbery leaves, can store their own water and can tolerate periods of drought. In fact, err on the side of under- rather than over-watering, as these plants are technically a succulent and can be prone to root rot. Give them a bright corner with plenty of indirect light, and this plant will thrive.
Spider plants are one of those plants that, while others consider them to be a low-maintenance starter plant, I find them to be finicky. That said, I often see them thriving—so I suspect it might just be me in this instance. As a bonus, they often proliferate their own babies so you may end up with multiple!
Stop by Floral Acres online or in-person to see all of these plants in action—and move forward in your plant journey with confidence! Raising plants is often simply following one lesson into the next.
Until next time!