43 Gorgeous Houseplants You Can Totally Handle
This article was originally published on worldtravelling.com and has been republished here with permission.
Ever feel like you’re a plant’s worst nightmare? Well, it’s time to change that story. We’ve scoured the green world for the most forgiving yet beautiful indoor plants – the kind that can survive even with a bit of neglect. These plants are practically indestructible, asking for very little but giving a lot back in return, especially in sprucing up your living space.
Plant enthusiasts agree that these selections are the ultimate in low-maintenance indoor gardening. No more worrying about your plants biting the dust a few weeks in. These hardy greens are here to stay, ready to make your home look lively and fresh. Whether you’ve never kept a plant alive or just looking for some resilient greenery, these plants promise to break your curse.
Alocasia Frydek
Water: Regular, but not excessive. The top 0.5” of soil should dry before watering again. Reduce water in winter.
Light: Bright, indirect light
Alocasia Frydek is a stunning indoor plant known for its large, velvety dark green leaves that resemble elephant ears. This plant is a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts due to its exotic appearance and relatively easy maintenance. It’s best to avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
The Alocasia Frydek thrives in a well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix, ideally with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A mixture of 60% peat moss, 30% perlite, and 10% compost is recommended. It’s crucial to ensure that the soil doesn’t become too dry or too damp.
Zanzibar Gem
Water: 2-3 weeks
Light: Shade
Zamioculcas is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. It is a tropical perennial plant native to eastern Africa, from southern Kenya to northeastern South Africa. Because it survives with as little water as possible and grows best in low light, this plant is actually trying to put you to the test.
It does not need any water in the winter since the roots of the plant are rhizomes, which is the reason behind the plant being drought tolerant as the rhizomes store water in it that the plant can use later to re-pot if it gets too big.
Mother In Law’s Tongue
Water: 4-5 weeks
Light: Sunlight
Dracaena Trifasciata is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to tropical West Africa from Nigeria east to the Congo, and it’s commonly now Mother in Law’s Tongue. Don’t be fooled by the name; this indoor plant is both easy to care for and hardy.
The slender snake-like leaves with a light border will provide a splash of color to your space. Because it is succulent, it will need a sandy potting mix, and you should not fertilize it in the winter to give it the best chance of survival. Its plant fibers used to make bowstrings.
Amate Umbrella Tree
Water:When the soil is dry
Light: Bright (A little shade)
Native to the shady undersides of the rainforest canopies in Australia and New Guinea, the Schefflera Amate (Schefflera actinophylla) is a fast growing, tropical, and lush tree that can grow up to 65 feet tall in its natural environment! It is also called the Amate Umbrella tree and it makes a beautiful tropical office plant with huge cascading green foliage.
It does well in low light and does not require much water. As for watering instructions, avoid overwatering this one by allowing the soil to dry up first. Preferably, place it in a Northern or Eastern spot facing the Window.