Easy Care Houseplants

Last fall when I asked what you’d like to see more of this winter, two subjects stood out above all other; Recipes & Houseplants.

I’ve put together of list of easy care houseplants. These are all tough plants that are easy to care for and almost indestructible. (my kind of plants)

Houseplants bring some of nature indoors, create better air quality by acting as a filter for toxins, produce oxygen, release moisture, & most importantly, just look pretty.

My daughter is a great little Nursery companion and we always have fun picking plants from one of our favorite local Nursery’s;  J & J Nursery. Not only does J & J Nursery have an awesome houseplant section, we like to pick up fish and aquatic plants for our pond when we visit too!

I’ve complied 8{ish} of my favorite, easy to care for houseplants, most of which have withstood the test of time in my home.

First things first. Probably the number one reasons for houseplant death is TOO MUCH love…usually in the form of too much water. All the plants I have listed (except one) are fairly drought tolerant and won’t like to be watered to frequently. Can I get a HALLELUJAH?!

If you are like me & like to travel, or tend to forget about your houseplants, these are the  plants for you!

 

1. Money Tree {Pachira aquatica}

Money trees are nearly kill-proof. Why you might ask? Because they are virtually  immune to the most common cause of too much love: over watering. This plant can handle some overwatering so you don’t have to fear any over watering impulse you may have. BUT with that said, you should never let it stand in water. Good drainage is essential.
This plant likes bright, but indirect light. Make sure to turn it everytime you water for even growth and leafing.
The Money tree likes consistent watering. Usually once a week.
*Fun Fact: The Money Tree is commonly used in Feng Shui and also believed to bring the grower good luck. Money trees are often braided together, but in order for the “luck” to work, you’ll need to have three to five braided “trunks”. Steer clear of the unlucky number four!

 

2. Snake Plant, Mother in laws tongue {Sansevieria}

Snake Plant, is actually a succulent with thick, waxy leaves. It loves being potbound and thrives on being ignored — the perfect plant for two-week vacationers (or forgetters).

This indoor plant grows almost anywhere, with a whole range of lighting conditions.  It tolerates neglect but responds nicely to good care. Snake plant is great for beginners: one of the first house plants I started with. They can be found in a variety of leaf color options; see below. When they are grown in bright light, they can send up a tall stalk of greenish fragrant flowers.

Snake Plant can and likes to be watered less; once to twice a month.

 

3. ZZ Plant {Zamioculcas zamiifolia}

With the ZZ plant, you could forget about it for a year (hello you long vacationers) and return home to find it looking perfect. It needs that little water.

With thick leaves & a natural shine, and the ZZ plant is happy in any lighting condition; low to bright (avoid direct sunlight). ZZ plants have a slow rate of growth which in return can make them cost a little more because it takes longer for the grower to have it ready for you to buy.

Allow the soil to dry out at the top between watering and DO NOT over water. It’s best to water this plant too little, than too much. So if you tend to over-love {Overwater} stick with the Money Tree, not the ZZ Plant.

4. Madagascar Dragon Tree {Dracaena Marginata}

Madagascar Dragon Tree, is also a great beginner houseplant (tree). Super easy to care for because it also requires little light or water.

It will do well in both low or bright light. Water only when the soil feels slightly dry, and then be sure to water generously, until the water trickles through the drainage holes. Madagascar Dragon Trees do not appreciate soggy soil.

 

5. Bromeliads

If you love color, then Bromeliads are for you!

Give bromeliads bright light and they’ll produce colorful foliage and flowers. The plants prefer indirect sunlight and good air circulation. Just like most other houseplants, watering should be done when the soil becomes dry, making sure you have good drainage.

 

 

6 & 7. Cacti and Succulents

I clumped these together, because there are just so many varieties to choose from! I listed 2 succulents below that are extremely easy to care for, just DON’T OVERWATER!

Cacti and succulents thrives in a warm, sunny environment with bright light. Cacti and Succulents will die if overwatered. They prefer dry soil and climate. They need to be watered thoroughly when the soil is dry so that the water reaches the entire root system;  then be sure to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Good drainage is key. Water less frequently in the winter months, and more frequently in the summer months.

Mine are only watered once – twice a month.

 

 

 

Aloe (Aloe vera) Allow the plant’s soil to dry completely in between waterings.

Jade plant does not require a lot of water, so keep soil somewhat dry. The Jade Plant is known for Good Luck, Prosperity and Friendship. There are many varieties to choose from

8. Air Plant {Tillandsia}

Air plants are epiphytes, meaning they can grow without soil, making them one of the easiest indoor plants to grow. Simply mist your air plants with water once a week to keep them nice and healthy. If they become too dried out, you can soak the plant in water for 2-3 hours to rehydrate.

 

 

Place your Air Plant in a glass terrarium with moss, or on/in a piece of Cholla or grape wood, drift wood, lava rock, or even a coco pod. You can secure the plants with a plant safe glue (found here).

 

I hope this inspires you to go out and choose a plant to liven up your space!

BONUS PLANT: Philodendrons (I didn’t get a picture!) Philodendrons thrive on neglect. Water when their soil is dry, provide some light, and watch them thrive.

*Remember some houseplants can be hazardous to children or pets if consumed. Be sure to do your homework on any plant you wish to bring into your home.

*Remember less soil = more frequent watering, where are more soil holds more moisture, and can therefore be watered less frequently.