House Plants That Are Hard to Kill
“I kill house plants.” You have likely either said it yourself or probably at least heard it before. It’s the reason why many people shy away from having house plants. The last time they had a houseplant, it died. They might even have its skeleton still stuck in the window somewhere.
Most of the time, when this happens, it isn’t because you actually have a brown thumb. It is because you didn’t pick the right plant for you. Every person and every home is different. Your plant should compliment your life, not be a high maintenance border.
Caring for Your House Plants
When it comes to plants, you need to figure out what it is you are doing that isn’t working. For example, did you get a super sensitive plant, or did you just overwater it?
Making sure that your plant gets the right amounts of light and water is what will ensure its health. If you don’t have a well-lit place to put the plant, check to see that the plant you’re buying will be happy in indirect light. Ensure you have a window available for a plant that needs plenty of direct light.
Watering too much is just as dangerous to a plant as not watering enough. Often it isn’t that you forget to water the plant; it is that you don’t know how much or how often you need to water your houseplants.
Keep in mind that soil is what houses your plant and where it draws its nutrients from. So when you shop for soil, make sure to buy the one that best supports the kind of plant you are getting.
What Makes a House Plant Hard to Kill?
House plants that are hard to kill are hardy in plants. In general, they are okay in indirect light, do well in your home’s normal temperature and humidity range, don’t require special soil, and can weather short periods of neglect.
If you want to try your luck with growing a houseplant or are totally new to caring for a plant, here is a shortlist of the best plants to start with because they are the toughest and most forgiving options.
Golden Pothos
The technical name is Epipremnum aureum, but you will hear it called Devil’s Ivy colloquially. You’ve likely seen Devil’s Vine many times from the corners of offices to plant arrangements in flower shops. It is one of the most common house plants around.
Golden Pothos has pretty heart-shaped leaves that drape down along long vines. The leaves are striped with white, yellow, and green. They can thrive in any type of light, from indirect to full sun, although they like plenty of indirect light.
If your brown thumb comes from forgetfulness about watering your plants, Golden Pothos might be just perfect for you. Pothos plant care doesn’t call for daily watering. In fact, when it comes to how to take care of pothos, you actually need to let their soil dry out between waterings.
Zeylanica Snake Plant
Snake plants are another type of house plan that is very hardy. Sometimes you will hear them called mother-in-law’s tongue. They have long straight pointy leaves that almost resemble spikes, hence the reference to the angry tongue of a mother-in-law.
Like Pothos plant care, the Snake Plant doesn’t need or want a lot of attention. It thrives when its soil is allowed to dry completely between waterings. Then, when it is time for water, just pour it on and soak the soil. You shouldn’t need to water again for a few weeks at least.
Dracaena
Dracaena are sometimes called the Song of India. They are very easy to care for and often recommended for beginning gardeners. These plants will need plenty of indirect light, but do not need full sun.
Dracaena can grow to be as much as three feet tall and are a beautiful decorative plant for both homes and offices. Be careful, though; this one is not pet friendly.
ZZ Plant
Better known as Zanzibar and also known by its technical name, Zamaioculcas Zamiifolia, the ZZ plant is very special. It is one of the best plants for refreshing the air in the room around it and producing extra oxygen.
The ZZ plant is easy to care for. It doesn’t need direct light and is even okay in low to bright indirect light. They only need to be watered every one to two weeks, so they are pretty low maintenance.
The plant gives you beautiful glossy green leaves arranged along with longer spikes. It is a delight for anyone’s home.
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciosa is an XL indoor plant. It looks great in almost any room, and its large leaves draw the eye to it. Although the Monstera Deliciosa is a larger plant, it is not hard to take care of at all. This is likely why it is found in so many homes and offices.
Although this plant doesn’t need direct light, it is sensitive to how much water it gets. You will need to water the Monstera Deliciosa about once a week to keep it happy. Its soil needs to stay moist but not wet all of the time.
Chinese Money Plant
The Pilea Peperomia, or Chinese Money Plant, is one of the most popular indoor plants worldwide. It is very easy to grow and care for. It may be the easiest plant to reproduce as well. The shoots from the mother plant can be simply repotted, and they become a whole new plant.
The ease of growing new plants is probably how they have been passed from household to household and become so popular.
They do well in moderately bright light with moderate watering. They are a tough and durable plant that will easily tolerate most home environments.
Shop for Your Plant
First, decide on the durable plant you are getting first. Then shop for the right soil and containers along with other plant accessories. This will help ensure you are getting the right products for the plant you are bringing into your home.
It can be hard to figure out where to start with all the greenhouses online to choose from. Thankfully, finding the essentials doesn’t have to be so difficult. When shopping for hearty plants and the accessories to pot them in, Soil and Clay has everything you need.
