Missing a Green Thumb? These 5 Houseplants Take Effort To Kill
Do you want to add a touch of greenery to your home but worry about your less-than-perfect track record with keeping plants alive? Don’t worry! There's a world of tough houseplants out there that can survive being cared for by even the most forgetful or inexperienced plant parents.
This short article will show you five nearly indestructible indoor plants that can breathe life into your home without demanding constant attention and care. Your home doesn’t have to be a plant graveyard any longer!
What Makes a Plant "Unkillable"?
Before we dive into our list of durable houseplants, it's important to understand what qualities make a plant low-maintenance. These hardy plants typically share a few important characteristics:
Drought tolerance: They can survive through periods of being forgotten about when it comes to watering.
Adapting to different levels of light: From low light to bright indirect light, these plants can adjust to anything.
Resistance to pests and diseases: They have natural defenses that keep them healthy without needing much.
Naturally forgiving: Even if you make a few mistakes, these plants can bounce back easily.
Slow growth rate: This means you have to do a lot less repotting and pruning.
Now, let's meet our top 5 picks for the most unkillable houseplants!
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law's tongue, is the ultimate survivor of the plant world. With its stunning vertical leaves and air purifying abilities, it's both aesthetically pleasing and helpful to keep around the house. Snake plants can survive low light conditions and irregular watering, making them perfect for forgetful plant owners or those with busy schedules.
Care tips:
- Water only when the soil is completely dry
- Can survive in a wide range of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light
- Rarely needs fertilizing
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is a plant you don’t have to worry about neglecting. Its glossy, dark green leaves can make any room look a little more sophisticated, while its hardy nature means that it can survive through long periods without water. This plant is so resilient that it can even survive in offices with fluorescent lighting and no natural light, making it a great choice for any office desk!
Care tips:
- Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings
- Thrives in low to moderate light
- Slow-growing, so it rarely needs repotting
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a versatile trailing plant that's perfect for beginners. It has heart-shaped leaves that come in different shades of green, and some varieties feature beautiful variegation patterns of different shades. Pothos is also known for its air-purifying abilities and can grow in water or soil, making it a good choice for anyone who wants to experiment with different growing methods.
Care tips:
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Adapts to different light conditions, but prefers bright, indirect light
- Easy to propagate and start from stem cuttings
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is a classic choice for hanging baskets and is known for its ability to produce baby plants or "spiderettes" that dangle from the mother plant. This fast-growing plant is excellent at removing indoor air pollution and is non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for animal lovers.
Care tips:
- Keep soil lightly moist, but not soggy
- Thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions
- Produces baby plants that can be easily transplanted
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Just like the name suggests, the cast iron plant is nearly indestructible. This slow-growing plant with dark green, leathery leaves can survive in conditions that would kill most other houseplants. It's an excellent choice for dark corners or rooms with almost no natural light and checks all the boxes for an unkillable houseplant.
Care tips:
- Water every once in a while, allowing soil to dry between waterings
- Tolerates very low light conditions
- Rarely needs fertilizing or repotting
Bringing Your Unkillable Plants Home
When introducing these hardy houseplants to your space you have to remember that while they are tough, they still need some basic care from time to time. Here are a few general tips to help your new green friends thrive:
1. Start with well-draining potting soil to stop root rot.
2. Choose pots with drainage holes to keep water from accumulating.
3. Dust leaves every once in a while to keep them looking fresh and allow for better photosynthesis.
4. While these plants can survive being neglected, they'll look their best with a little care (whenever you remember).
Remember, even unkillable plants have their limits. Pay attention to any changes in leaf color or texture, as these can be signs that your plant needs a bit of attention. By choosing these resilient houseplants, you're setting yourself up for success in your plant parenting journey
As you gain confidence and experience, you may find yourself ready to take on more challenging plants. But for now, enjoy the lush greenery and improved air quality these low-maintenance beauties bring to your space. Happy planting!