Low-Maintenance Plants to Add to Your Home
As the warmer weather approaches, let's chat about the wonders of houseplants and why they are an amazing addition to your home. Not only do they bring a touch of greenery and life into your home, but they also offer numerous health benefits. First and foremost, house plants purify the air by removing harmful toxins and increasing oxygen levels, helping to reduce stress levels and promoting better sleep. Studies also show that introducing houseplants into your indoor environment boosts mood and productivity, even lowering blood pressure. Additionally, caring for houseplants can be a fulfilling hobby that brings a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.
Between Michelène and I, one has a green thumb - the other not so much! As a glorified plant killer who wanted to take the leap with a live plant in my home, I leaned on the expertise of those more adept and purchased a few VERY low-maintenance plants that had a high chance of surviving. It’s been about a few months now and, so far so good!
A lot of my new know-how came from the Instagram profile @My_Plant_Haven owned and curated by Melissa, an invested plant-lover whose aim it is to connect with and provide newbies and plant lovers alike the knowledge required to include live plants in their homes. Melissa provides an outlet to inspire with a colorful feed of various low to high-maintenance plants. We teamed up with her to provide all of you plant lovers, (or ones like me interested in taking the leap away from the plastic variety), with some of the best low-maintenance houseplants and tips for keeping them alive.
Key Terms:
Semi Hydro Gardening: Achieved through keeping a reservoir of water, (and nutrients) below the potting medium, the water is wicked up by the porous potting medium providing the plant’s roots with the water and nutrients required.
Hydroponic Gardening: Essentially, hydroponics refers to the process of cultivating plants without soil
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
Image Source : @TheStem.Co.Uk & @My_Plant _Haven
The ZZ plant, with it’s beautiful wide green leaves, is a definite leader in the low-maintenance plant selection. Capable of tolerating neglect, drought, and low light conditions it’s a perfect option for most homes. We use this plant quite a bit on shelves, or desks as the leaves grow upward and give your space a striking illusion of height.
What Melissa Has To Say:
Price: $-$$
Maintenance Level: Low
Pros: Low Maintenance and can survive in low light conditions, drought resistant, variety of color options (black, variegated, green, chameleon) to match your preferred aesthetic.
Cons: Toxic to humans and animals if ingested, slow grower.
Pet Safe: No
Potting options: Grown in soil, or semi hydro conditions (pon, leca, stratum etc. )
Ideal Pot Size: ZZ plants are beautiful at every stage of growth, but if you can grab a larger pot, they can add so much to the aesthetic of a room. Being slow growers, you will have to wait for them to start sizing up before grabbing that larger pot. Start with a 6” pot that can fit on any shelf.
Probability of Death: 1/5 – ZZ plants can thrive on neglect if you keep up basic care. Keep their leaves clean and pest free, watering when dry and providing enough sunlight or artificial light.
Image Source: Jnaydaily
2. Monstera Deliciosa (Albo Variegata /Thai Constellation)
Image Source: @My_Plant _Haven
One of the more popular plants right now, the Monstera features a beautiful set of heart-shaped leaves with generous variegation, (the appearance of differently colored zones). The plant requires quite a bit of light so a window location would be preferrable, however this guy also needs a location that receives some shade to avoid scorching the leaves. We would use this plant in a larger room such as a Family Room, or Foyer where the plant has room to grow while on full display to appreciate its beauty.
What Melissa Has To Say:
Price: $$-$$$
Maintenance Level: Medium
Pros: Unique Foliage, Quick grower, multiple varieties, easy care, can grow indoors, or outdoors
Cons: Toxic to animals if ingested, prone to pests
Pet Safe: No
Potting options: Monstera varieties can be grown in Semi-hydro/hydroponics, and soil. I’ve potted my Monsteras in both and have found that in my conditions semi hydro works best, however either option will leave your Monstera thriving.
Ideal Pot Size: Monstera in juvenile form do not give the aesthetic that a larger, more mature plant will give. If you’re looking for fenestrated leaves and beautiful variegations you should opt for a larger plant.
Probability of Death: 3/5 - Monstera plants require more frequent care to ensure ideal growing conditions. If you forget to water, clean the leaves to ensure photosynthesis, or keep your plant pest free, you will notice browning of the leaves. Root rot is also common if you forget to water your plant for too long.
Image Source: Happy House Plants
3. Alocasia Regal Shield ( Alocasia Odora x Alocasia Reginula)
Image Source:@My_Plant _Haven
Also known as Elephant Ear, this mid to large plant has beautiful large leaves. Growing to about 5 feet tall, this plant requires ample room to thrive as well as quite a bit of indirect light. Close to a window would be a great spot, but not too close! Watch for direct light as the leaves can scorch easily. This plant would be a gorgeous addition to your Family Room décor, or if you have a sunny bedroom.
What Melissa Has To Say:
Price: $-$$
Maintenance Level: Medium
Pros: Unique foliage (green leaves with darker purple hues on the undersides), adds style and beauty anywhere its placed, quick growers, self-propagators (corms).
Cons: Requires specific care conditions for lighting and humidity, prone to Spider Mites, can go dormant in colder conditions.
Pet Safe: No
Potting Options: Alocasia can do well in most growing mediums. I find them on the thirstier side, and they don’t like to fully dry out. I prefer semi-hydro/hydroponics for mine. They also prefer to be more cozy in their posts so don’t re-pot them often.
Ideal Pot Size: Alocasia can be striking at stage, whether it is a starter size in a smaller pot or a bigger, more mature plant in a large floor planter.
Probability of Death: 3/5 - Some people will say Alocasia is difficult and some can handle their care easily. It is all dependent on your home conditions and care. The benefit to Alocasia is that even if they lose all their leaves and there are root deaths, they can still come back if the corm/tuber is viable.
Image Source: @My_Plant _Haven
4. Trailing Neon Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
Image Source: Architectural Digest & @my_plant_haven
Without a doubt, the Neon Pothos is one of the brightest house plants we have come across. This plant is meant to be hung, or placed in a location where the trail of leaves can hang freely. This is a beginner skill level plant but does require quiet a bit of light so keep that in mind. Indirect light is best so avoid window locations. The possibilities are endless when it comes to displaying this plant. Whether on a sideboard, or a bookshelf to allow the leaves to drape beautifully, or suspended in a lovely little pot to accent a bare corner, the Pothos is a lovely addition to any space.
What Melissa Has To Say:
Price: $
Maintenance Level: Low
Pros: Low maintenance, easy to propagate, versatile, (can be styled trailing or climbing), fast growers.
Cons: None
Pet Safe: No
Potting Options: An incredible versatile plant in regards to substrates. They propagate easily in water, can grow in hydro, semi hydro or soil substrates.
Ideal Pot Size: Neon pothos are more striking I find when they are either long trailing or climbing up a pole. Usually a fuller pot around 6” or larger can fill your space beautifully.
Probability of Death: 1/5 - Pothos plants are very resilient and fast growers. They are also easily propagated, so even if your plant isn’t doing well, you can chop and prop to start all over again and have a beautiful new plant in no time.
Image Source: Grace Wagenman
5. Jungle Boogie (Philodendron Narrow)
Image Source: Architectural Digest & @Beards_Daisys
A house plant for any beginner or nongreen thumb this plant is easy to grow and not high maintenance with light and humidity. These are great floor plants or sturdy large shelves as they require a larger pot and are heavier. This plant features a striking almost serrated edge to the leaves which can work with many different interior design styles. This plant we feel would be so beautiful in the corner of your kitchen or on a stand in your office
What Melissa Has To Say:
Price: $-$$
Maintenance Level: Low
Pros: Can be used as an accent plant (due to its long narrow saw like leaves), Easy to care for, tolerant of moderate humidity and moderate light levels.
Cons: Requires specific care conditions for moderate humidity and lighting, The plant is a climber and would need to be trellised/ put on a pole.
Pet Safe: No
Potting options: This philodendron in my opinion does well in semi-hydro/hydro phonics. It’s easy to adapt and isn’t overly sensitive to fertilizing. If you prefer, they can be grown in a soil mix..
Ideal Pot Size: This is a statement plant, whether it’s 4” or as big as 6/10” plant. The leaf shape and size grab attention in any space regardless of the plant size.
Probability of Death: 1/5 This is an easy plant and adaptive to different household conditions. It does require consistent watering and care, and if you can give it a pole to climb it will thrive and produce beautiful foliage.
Image Source: @My_Plant _Haven
So, if you're looking to improve your health and well-being, adding a few houseplants to your space is worth considering. Happy planting!
