Hi all. I’ve compiled a list of the easiest houseplants for you. This means that even those of you who have black thumbs can enjoy the benefits of a few plants.
A few lessons on plant care 101. We talk about full sun, partial sun, and low light. A full sun place is one that gets at least 6-8 hours of sun, and the light doesn’t necessarily need to be direct. Partial sun is maybe 3-6 hours of sun per day and low light is 0-3 hours per day. All plants need a little light to achieve photosynthesis. If you have a plant and you find it reaching towards the light, you may want to move it closer somehow.
All plants require good drainage. Very few plants like “wet feet”. You should find an average potting soil, and make sure your container has holes in the bottom for excess water to escape and a saucer to catch the water.
Your finger is a great tool for judging if the plants needs water. Just touch the top layer of soil. If it is damp, no! If it is dry just on top you could probably wait a little longer. If the pot is as light as a feather and soil is bone dry, then water that thing, stat!
I water my plants twice a week usually. I have one plant that is always thirsy, but that plant would never be on this “easy” list. I feed them 2-3 times per year. I go around regularly and snip off any dead leaves or flowers to clean it up a bit. And that’s all! Some people talk to their plants but I have not gone down that road yet.
All of the plants below you can find at your friendly local hardware store and sometimes even grocery store.
1) Pothos. This is a great vining plant that needs little light and average water, but can tolerate a little drought. It seems to never stop growing! You can cut it back if the vines are getting too long. If you stick the cuttings in water they might even grow roots and then you have new plants! I have a green pothos which is full and beautiful, some type of yellow variegated one that is growing up my stairway, and a marble queen that has beautiful white variegations. You can find these plants practically anywhere. They are toxic to pets though, so beware.
2) Aglaonema. I actually only have one of these. It was one of the first plants I purchased. It has done so well and even sent up a few flowers this year! I have it in front of a south facing window with a curtain so it gets consistent, filtered light. I don’t think about this plant too much, actually. I water it with the others and I may divide it soon. Mine has pretty pink spots on it but other kinds have different color patterns and markings.
3) Money plant. This plant is thought to be good luck, and to bring prosperity to your home. It is easy to find and so easy to care for. It likes bright indirect light and a bit of humidity, so you could either keep it in a sunny bathroom or put some rocks under it. It’s watering needs are moderate. It’s time to water when the first two inches of soil are dry.
4) Snake plant. There are many plants in the sanseveria family and all are beautiful. (Aren’t all plants beautiful?) These plants are easy to find and even easier to care for. In fact, they can tolerate a certain amount of neglect and low light and still look great. I water mine lightly twice a week. Let them dry out between waterings. Mine get medium light. I think they would do better in bright light but they are hanging on ok.
5) Jade plant. I love these plants. They are succulents, but never let them dry out completely. But don’t let them get too wet either. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top of the soil is just a little dry. They do like full sun. You can even propagate new jade plants from the little leaves. You can treat them like little bonsais too. Plus, Jade is another plant that invites prosperity and good luck.
So that’s it. 5 easy to find, easy care houseplants that will clean the air around you and lift your spirits. Let me know what you think. What was your first houseplant?
Lessons with Loll 