The saying goes in the horticulture world that the difference between an amateur and a professional is: a professional has killed more plants! In my experience, it’s true. What separates successful houseplant owners from yet-to-be-successful ones is the courage to experiment and find the right plant for the right place. Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your journey into the world of indoor gardening, selecting the right houseplants can make all the difference. Here, I've curated a list of five resilient and easy-to-care-for plants that thrive in various indoor environments, making them the perfect companions for both experienced plant enthusiasts and novices.
Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata):
Care Instructions: Snake plants are renowned for their hardiness and air-purifying qualities. They thrive in low light conditions but can tolerate brighter environments. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings, then ensure the soil is fully soaked (but never soggy) and repeat! These succulent plants can endure a wide range of temperatures and are an excellent choice for forgetful or busy plant owners. Seriously... when in doubt with these, err on the side of not watering.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum):
Care Instructions: Spider plants are characterized by their arching leaves and easy adaptability. They prefer bright, indirect light but can withstand lower light conditions. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. They tend to be forgiving of both under and over watering on occasion. Spider plants are known for producing "pups" or baby plants, making them an excellent choice for those looking to expand their green collection.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum):
Care Instructions: Pothos is a versatile and quick growing plant that can thrive in various light conditions, from low to bright indirect light. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry before watering, and be cautious not to overwater. Pothos are excellent at purifying the air, making them an ideal addition to any indoor space. An immense amount of color varieties are available, ranging from neon green to marbled white - perfect for coordinating in any room!
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia):
Care Instructions: ZZ plants are well-suited for those who may not have the greenest thumb. They can tolerate low light, drought, and neglect. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. ZZ plants are known for their glossy, dark green foliage and can add a touch of elegance to any room. My personal favorite variety of these is called Raven, which has beautiful black leaves and stems!
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.):
Care Instructions: Peace lilies are appreciated not only for their graceful white blooms but also for their adaptability. They thrive in low to medium light conditions and prefer consistently moist soil. The peace lily will let you know when it's thirsty by drooping slightly, making it easy to gauge when it needs water. I often think of this as an “indicator plant” to remind me to care for the rest of my collection! This plant is an excellent choice for those looking to bring a touch of serenity to their living spaces. These five houseplants are not only visually appealing but also resilient and forgiving, making them ideal choices for both seasoned horticulturists and beginners. By following these care instructions, you'll be on your way to creating a thriving indoor jungle that adds beauty and tranquility to your home.
Ashley is fascinated with almost everything in this world. She is the owner and main muscle of Arcana Natural Design, where she is lucky enough to create and nurture spaces that encourage life. When not knee deep in soil, you can find her in one of two places: snuggled underneath her gigantic black cat, Howl, or soaking in hot water (bathtub, hot spring, etc.). She is fueled by coffee and empowering women daily. You can find more information about indoor plant & garden coaching with me, as well as landscape design/install/maintenance services, at www.arcananaturaldesign.com!
If you are a Boise local, you can reach out to Ashley and DM her "Babble" on IG @arcananaturaldesign or email her at arcananaturaldesign@gmail.com with "Babble" in the subject line, and receive a free 1 hour consultation. This could be for gardening, landscape design, or houseplant design/care.
She had THE best suggestions for my sun porch helping me choose the correct plants for my space given the amount of light, etc. It was a game changer- not only to my sun porch, but also to my confidence knowing I was purchasing plants that would work for my space and teaching me how to care for them.
