Low Maintenance House Plants
Many house plants are finicky However, there are plenty that require less care. These low-maintenance plants are great for forgetful gardeners or those who struggle with keeping their greenery healthy.
Lucky bamboo as well as the holiday cactus and peace lily are all easy to cultivate. Simply water it regularly and provide it with bright indirect light.
Calthea Ornata
Pinstripe Calathea is a beautiful house plant with a subdued foliage that contrasts with more vibrant leaves of plants such as the Chinese Evergreen or Arrowhead Vine. It is also suitable for indoor landscaping in offices. low maintenance house plants are nontoxic and therefore safe for children and pets to be around.
This tropical plant needs moderate amounts of sunlight. It thrives in a sunny windowsill but should be kept out of direct sunlight, as this could cause its leaves to burn. If best houseplants are concerned about the sun's rays in your home, try placing your calathea near an open window with a sheer curtain to block out the most harsh rays.
This house plant also requires humidity. It can tolerate dry air to a certain extent however it will not thrive in it. Mist the leaves of your calathea twice every week with water at room temperature to help keep the humidity level. You can also place your plant in a space that has high humidity like the kitchen or bathroom.
Calathea ornata doesn't require much attention however it requires some care to remain healthy. It's not a big feeder but you can apply a liquid fertilizer to your houseplants every at least once a month during the growing seasons. Keep an eye on the calathea plant to prevent issues like browning leaves.
Tillandsia
Tillandsia is also known as air plants or bromeliads are a unique houseplant that thrive without the need for soil. They are part of the pineapple or pineapple rose plant family and there are 540 different species! They thrive in bright and filtered light (not direct sunlight) and should be misted with water approximately every two weeks. If grown outdoors, they can be very hardy, but they do best indoors or in extremely humid climates such as Florida.
If kept in a healthy environment, Tillandsia can be fairly unobtrusive and are an excellent option for people who travel or have difficulty remembering to water their houseplants. They can be used to accent other houseplants or arranged in a beautiful manner and are great for terrariums.
In nature, tillandsia is an epiphyte-they are not parasitic and bind themselves to trees, rocks and other plants to obtain water and nutrients. The process of CAM photosynthesis is also used to exchange gases at night and breathe. This is unlike other plants that breathe through their leaves at night. One of the most interesting looking tillandsia species is Tillandsiaxerographica that has a serpentine-like foliage that curves in a variety of directions. The foliage is covered in trichomes that give it a soft silver hue. This species is native to Guatemala, Mexico El Salvador and Honduras. It is often used in terrariums or mounted to a piece of driftwood.
Orchids
Orchids can be intimidating to the novice houseplant grower However, with a research and focus, they can become an impressive addition to any house. Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are the most common and well-suited for our homes that are centrally heated, producing exotic blooms that last far longer than cut flowers.
Orchids come in a range of shapes, sizes and colors. Their petals are often speckled or patterned, while their stems rise above clumps of tall and arching leaves. They can be found all over the world in forests on mountains, and even deserts.
Certain orchids thrive in bright light, whereas others do well with dim or medium lighting. It is essential to provide enough light for the plants to bloom, regardless of their species. Insufficient light is the most frequent reason orchids do not produce flowers. Bright indirect sunlight is best for most orchids. However, direct sunlight can cause burns to the leaves. To avoid this, place your orchid behind blinds or curtains that let light be filtered through.
Watering orchids is also very important. In winter, you should water the orchids at least once every week. In warmer months you can water them 3-4 times per week. The water should be drained until it flows out freely and eliminates any salts naturally occurring and keeps the roots slightly damp. Fertilize your orchids every 2 weeks during growth, and twice every week during dormancy. Use a commercial orchid fertilizer like 30-10-10 that is diluted to half strength.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies make a wonderful addition to any home, as they help purify the air. They can absorb harmful gases and VOCs like benzene and xylene. They are easy to grow and require minimal care. They can be used to decorate rooms due to their beautiful and elegant green leaves.
When tall house plants grow Peace Lilies indoors, they prefer bright indirect light. They don't thrive in direct sunlight because it can scorch their leaves. They can be placed near heat or air conditioning vents however, not directly in front as this could cause leaves to fade.
Water Peace Lilies regularly, leaving the top inch or two of soil to dry before replenishing the water. The plant will notify you when it is thirsty by drooping just a little.
Fertilize your houseplants every month with an appropriate liquid fertilizer. Follow the recommended fertilization schedule and dilution timetable. Do not overfertilize the plant as this may encourage excessive growth of the foliage at the expense of flowers.
Peace Lilies can also help to prevent mildew from developing on curtains and walls. They accomplish this by absorbing excessive moisture from the air. This is beneficial in washrooms kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where the growth of mildew could be a problem. The plant can also aid in reducing the amount of acetone and alcohol vapors which are present in a room that could be detrimental to the health of any person who is exposed to them.
Anthurium
This houseplant is a beautiful addition to any home. Its long, colorful flowers symbolize friendship and love. NASA has also rated it as the top air purifying plant. Anthurium, as an epiphyte grows naturally on trees or the sides of other plants, however it can adapt well to a potted setting. To care for it, make sure to repot it regularly using peat moss or coco coir soil mix and keep it in bright indirect light. Water it when the soil is 50 to 75 percent dry, and mist it frequently (but be careful not to overwater it).
Anthuriums are propagated either by stem cuttings or seeds. It is recommended to make use of stem cuttings to propagate them, as seeds only remain viable for a brief time. To do this, you need to cut off a section from the plant at least 1 inch length and wrap it in sphagnum. Place it in a container with a bit of moisture, then cover the container with plastic wrap to promote the germination. Once the roots are visible, remove the sphagnum moss and cut the stem at the node, then place it in an aroid pot mix.
During the growing season fertilize your anthuriums with liquid plant food at half strength every two weeks. Anthuriums are susceptible to rotting when they are fertilized too much. Watch out for insect pests such as spider mites, scale insects and mealy bugs.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are a fantastic option for indoor gardens since they thrive in dim light conditions and don't require direct sunlight. They are safe, easy to maintain and suitable for homes that have pets or young children. Spider plants also eliminate harmful chemicals and toxins out of the air. This makes them a great choice for people who suffer from allergies.
Spider plants require moderate amounts of fertilization and watering. Ideally, it should be kept in warm, bright indirect sunlight as direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. In order to encourage growth, the soil must be well-draining and not allowed to become too wet. Fertilize your houseplants regularly by using a high-quality potting mix.
Repotter the plant once it reaches the desired height. To do this, gently rubbing the roots will help determine areas that have an abundance of roots. Then, place the plant in a fresh pot and fill it with well-drained houseplant potting mix. Water the new container right away and continue to water it until the plant is established.
During the winter, indoor plants may become extremely dry. They may need to mist to increase humidity. This can be accomplished by placing the plants in a moist area such as a kitchen or bathroom or running a humidifier or putting them in groups. Brown leaves on spider plants can be a sign of soil that is too dry or too moist. Be sure to check the moisture levels frequently.