Easy Houseplants That Don't Require a Green Thumb
Are you looking to add a splash of green to your home? These easy houseplants do not require you to have a green thumb.
The plants that require minimal maintenance need more than a few hours of indirect sunlight that is bright as well as a clean of the leaves every couple of months, and a tiny amount of iron fertilizer.
Ponytail Palm
Ponytail palms are a unique plant which look fantastic in many different interior designs. They are easy to grow and thrive in a mild neglect, as long as they don't get overwatered. This slow-growing plant is an excellent choice for the first-time plant owners.
Pony tail palms are characterized by a tropical appearance and thrive in bright indirect sunlight. They are also drought-tolerant and prefer warm temperatures. They can be planted in their nursery pots, but they are best planted in a porous pot, as this will allow for better air circulation and lowers the chance of root rot.
This low-maintenance plant is safe to dogs, cats and horses. tall houseplants 's a great option for homes with pets or children. It also acts as a natural deterrent to dust mites and other pests. It is susceptible to diseases like leaf spots and bacterial leaves streaks, which are usually caused by high humidity.
The plant is slow-growing and requires minimal fertilization, but it can be fed every month in spring and summer with a balanced water-soluble plant food at half the recommended dosage listed on the label. Sometimes, the plant will develop offsets ("pups") near the base that can be removed and planted in a separate area to grow the ponytail palm tree. Despite its name the plant isn't known for its flowers indoors, which makes it difficult to produce viable seeds. The brown leaf tips are common in winter and need to be trimmed to keep the appearance fresh.
Schefflera
The schefflera is one of the most easy plants to care for. Also known as the umbrella tree, this tropical plant has green, splayed leaves that resemble umbrellas and are a beautiful addition to any living area. The plants are able to are able to grow quickly in the right conditions and can be trimmed to fit the space. They also help in the purification of the air and make them one of the top choices for indoor tropical plants.
Like other tropical plants, schefflera requires bright indirect light to flourish. They can withstand direct sunlight for a couple of hours but exposure to too much light will burn the foliage. If your home doesn't get enough light, you can supplement it with a fluorescent lamp that has a high output. You can also move your schefflera near a window that gets morning or late afternoon sun and filter the light using curtains.
Water a schefflera only when the soil surface is dry. Overwatering a schefflera can result in root rot. If you notice leaves turning yellow or a droopy appearance, this is a sign that the plant is receiving too little moisture.
You can add more scheffleras by harvesting 6-inch stem cuttings during the summer. Place the cuttings about 2 inches below in a pot of damp Miracle-Gro(r) Indoor Potting Mix. Then, give the same basic treatment to encourage new growth.
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema is a houseplant that can tolerate virtually any indoor setting. Unlike philodendrons and peace lilies, which require lots of bright light, aglaonema is able to grow in low-light or moderate light conditions. It also thrives under fluorescent lighting. Aglaonema grows slowly and can be placed on tabletops or desks at first, but will eventually become a huge floor plant.
You can pick from a range of colors and patterns for the Glaonema foliage. Aglaonema Lucky Red has leaves with a hot and green pink variegation, while 'Siam Aurora" has dark green leaves with pink veins.
In general, aglaonema plants prefer medium to low light levels but will tolerate brighter indoor lighting but the more vibrant and variegated varieties may need a bit more brightness. Avoid exposing any aglaonema to direct sunlight as the sun's harsh rays can burn its delicate leaves. If you're growing a Aglaonema in a space that gets lots of natural light, cover the window with a sheer curtain to block out harsh sunlight.
Aglaonema, just like other tropical plants that don't require much attention, thrives at warm temperatures. However, it's not able to stand sudden cold drafts. Aglaonema should be watered on a regular schedule, but be careful not to overwater it. Place your finger in the soil to determine when to water. If it feels dry, it is time to add more moisture.
Calathea
Calathea is also called Goeppertia and Pinstripe Plant. It is a very easy-to-grow tropical foliage plant. big house plants is native to dense rainforests and forests that are surrounded by trees in shady spots. This makes it adaptable to bright indirect indoor light. It is important to keep it out of direct sunlight as it can cause the leaves to burn and the marks to fade. To avoid this you can move it or cover a window sill with a sheer curtain to shield it from direct sun.
In general, calatheas enjoy temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer humid conditions. They prefer sunlight that is filtered, because they are used to short dapples of sunshine instead of constant sun. This is why a west-facing or south-facing window may work well for them, however it is important to shade it from direct sunlight.
Calatheas thrive in their ideal conditions with a basic watering schedule. It is recommended to water it on a regular basis however it isn't required to keep the soil constantly moist. Placing your finger in the soil will allow you to determine when it is time to water. In addition, a diluted fertilizer is recommended in the spring and summer.
Pothos
The trailing foliage of the Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum is what makes this tropical houseplant one of the easiest to care for. It is often used for macrame hanging baskets and planters, but can be trained to climb up an exterior wall or along a Trellis. This fast-growing vine can withstand a wide range of conditions. It is an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced indoor gardeners.
The leaves of Pothos come in a variety of designs and colors. A few popular cultivars include 'Golden Pothos'' with green and yellow variegation; 'Neon' with bright chartreuse leaves; and 'Marble Queen', which is gorgeously marbled with white. Pothos is easily propagated from stem cuttings that can be grown in either soil or water. To root the stem, cut a 4-6 inch length of a healthy stem that has a few leaves, and then just below the leaf node. Place the cut in a glass of water or vermiculite that is moist, which should sprout roots within a few weeks. The rooted cutting should be placed in small containers filled with pot soil.
Pothos plants are tolerant of low lighting conditions, but prefer bright indirect light. It should be watered when the potting mix is dry. Feed it with a liquid fertilizer for houseplants every six to eight week. Avoid cold drafts as they will damage the leaves and slow growth. If your Pothos plants are pot-bound, remove the soil that was in place and plant them in new soil.
Peperomia
Peperomia plants are a great choice for novices because they perform well with almost no maintenance, and it's easy to cultivate them as an indoor plant. They are natives of South America, and they like areas that are shaded. However, they do not require direct sunlight. They also enjoy warm temperatures.
Peperomia is available in various colors and shapes. Some varieties have interesting variations. big house plants is sometimes called the watermelon peperomia due to its leaves that look similar to the watermelon's rind. Other popular types include P. polybotrya that has large, drop-shaped leaves. Then there's P. caperata, which has deeply quilted leaves that are crinkly.
Depending on the kind, Peperomias can be propagated by stem cuttings or leaf-petiole cuttings. If propagating with cuttings it is recommended to use sharp and clean scissors and choose mature plants that do not have buds or flowers. Cut the stem of the plant by cutting the bottom 3 4''-4 of leaves. take out any leaves that are below the leaf node with the lowest.
Plant peperomias in rich potting soil or an organic mix that is rich in nutrients. Peperomias don't require fertilizer, but small amounts of fertilizer around the plant's edges could be beneficial once or twice a month. Peperomias that are watered should be handled cautiously as they can turn leggy if overwatered. It is a good idea to let the soil completely dry out before watering it again.