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After two years of lockdowns and unable to spend time outdoors, indoor plants are suddenly a thing. All of a sudden, every home – even the smallest apartments – has its own pocket-sized garden. This is really a lovely trend; but if you’re one of those people with a brown thumb (or even a black one!) you must be all too used to picking up dead leaves from the ground, rather than enjoying the lush greenery around you!
We’re here to tell you that you don’t have to give up on your indoor garden dreams, even if your thumb is anything but green! We’ve rounded up the hardiest starter plants that will thrive without much care. The more you neglect them, the more they will flourish. Does that sound like exactly what you need? Read on!
#1. Money Plant
Whether indoors or outdoors, the money plant – also called Devil’s vine – will thrive on its own. It requires water only once a week, and thrives despite unsuitable soil or lack of sunlight. In fact, money plants will even put down roots if you just park them in a bottle of water, with no soil at all! They grow from cuttings, and cutting a stem and replanting it is the easiest thing in the world.
Money plants come in a variety of colors, including yellow-green, green and white, deep and rich green and golden.
#2. Aloe Vera
If you are the forgetful type, then the aloe vera plant is made for you! In fact, if you give aloe too much attention, instead of too little, it will probably protest! These slow-growing plants need the sun, so you should place them on a sunny window. When you remember to water your aloe vera plant, water it deeply but don’t let the plant sit in water (an inch of pebbles in the bottom of the pot helps!). Watering the plant once every three weeks is good.
Aloe plants are poisonous to pets, so don’t let your cat nibble on the leaves!
Also read: Why having plants in the bedroom can be a change
#3. Snake plant
The snake plant has an interesting sobriquet – it is called “mother-in-law’s tongue”, because of the long, winding sword-like leaves! Although only soap opera mothers-in-law deserve this unflattering comparison, this plant is certainly one that will do well in even the most unpleasant of conditions. Snake plants can go weeks without being watered, making them the perfect houseguest for frequent travelers. And they do just fine without direct sunlight too. Just keep them in indirect light and they will thrive.
Snake plants are known to purify the air of toxins and release pure oxygen even at night, so they are the perfect bedroom plants.
#4. Spider plant
Extremely resilient and hardy, spider plants do well in front of a window. They will thrive in indirect light too, so they can also be placed on your desk. In fact, they prefer cooler temperatures, and too much sun is not good for them. Water them well once a week and never let the soil get wet. These plants produce flowers that develop into baby plants, which can be cut from the parent plant and replanted.
If you’re just experimenting with a new garden, this is a great starter plant to have on your list.
#5. Succulents
Succulents make plant care a walk in the park (pun intended!). They need sunlight, so make sure you place them in a window that gets at least 4 to 6 hours of sun a day. And try not to water them too much! Too much water will actually damage them, so you should also make sure that the leaves are not misty and that the roots are not standing in water. Something you should do – and this applies to all plants with thick leaves, not just succulents – is to wipe the leaves every now and then to remove any dust.
Start your garden with wax rosettes or tree cactus plants; they are among the easiest to take care of!
#6. Lucky Bamboo
A tabletop version of the tall bamboo plant, happy bamboo grows well in bare water or moist soil and requires minimal indirect sunlight. They thrive in distilled water and do not need special care. If you notice the leaves turning yellow, clean the container and change the water and keep away from excess light. In fact, this plant can survive indoors for up to a decade.
Lucky bamboo is prized for its supposed ability to bring good luck to your home. Feng shui believes that a cluster of six stems represents wealth, seven will usher in good health, eight will help your business grow and nine stems represent great happiness. Choose your lucky number!
#7. Fred Lily
True to their name, peace lilies stop pollution and clear the air of toxins, effectively spreading peace everywhere! This perennial has lovely cream colored flowers and does not require too much water, sunlight or extra care. Water only when the soil looks dry and keep the plant in indirect sunlight for best results.
If the leaves turn brown or yellow, watch how much you water.
To help you keep your garden green, mark your calendar to remind you of watering schedules. Keep your plants visible, not parked in a hard-to-reach spot, so you can see if they’re crying out for some love!
For more green inspiration and tips on how to incorporate lush greenery into your decor, call the gardening experts at HomeLane. We always have your back!
