According to a study, the presence of plants and the act of indoor gardening helps to reduce stress levels. Plants can also improve concentration and some plants can even improve air quality. They have been shown to help people recover faster from illness too. The positives are endless.
Want to become a plant parent but don’t know where to start? Beginning with some low-maintenance plants is a good first step. Bright Side has compiled a list of plants that would be perfect for it.
1. Calathea
Its leaves look like they’ve been painted by Vincent Van Gough.
Light: This beauty needs medium to bright indirect sunlight and its leaves move to stay out of the sun.
Water: It thrives best in wetter soil, but be careful not to overwater it, a consistently damp soil is best.
2. Jade Plant
It’s a popular succulent houseplant also known as a money tree.
Light: Jade plants love the light, so be sure to keep this one in a well-lit room, but not in direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
Water: During the warmer months water the plant often enough so that the soil is moist but not soggy. Then in the winter months, you can reduce it to once a month. Overwatering is detrimental for this plant, so make sure to remove any excess water that may come out into the drainage tray.
3. Dieffenbachia or Dumb Cane
This plant can get up to 10 ft tall so be sure to place it in an area with room for it to grow.
Light: They do well in the shade, but they do appreciate bright light during the winter.
Water: A large plant may need watering twice a week and less in winter. Again, be careful to not overwater them as this can cause a rot problem. Make sure the soil is dry before watering.
4. Rubber Tree Plant
This plant can grow up to 100 ft high but don’t worry you won’t be evicted from your own home, its size can be managed.
Light: Rubber plants like lots of bright diffused sunlight, but not direct sun as this can singe their beautiful oval glossy leaves.
Water: These plants need watering often to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Check the first few layers of soil to see if it’s dry and crumbly, if so, the plant needs water.
5. Parlour Palm or Lucky Palm
For a little bit of paradise at home, this is a great choice. It adapts to low light and temperature so it can be a good house plant for anywhere in the world.
Light: Whilst these plants adapt to low light, they still require bright filtered light.
Water: They are very sensitive to being overwatered and can’t deal with being waterlogged. It’s better to keep the soil too dry than too wet.
6. Fiddle-Leaf Fig
These plants can reach 6 ft to 10 ft high, so be sure to give them room to grow. Be aware that these plants are toxic to cats and dogs.
Light: These plants need bright filtered light, but not direct sun. They need to be rotated so that a different part of the plant is facing the light to ensure the plant grows evenly.
Water: This plant needs a moderate amount of water. Too much and it could cause root rot, causing it to die. Too little and the leaves will wilt.
7. Aloe vera
Not only does the gel produced by the aloe vera plant have soothing properties, but it also makes a good house plant.
Light: It thrives in bright indirect sunlight.
Water: They can handle drought but prefer to be watered regularly.
8. Lucky Bamboo
These plants are used to enhance Feng shui and bring good fortune to their owner. They are more closely related to a succulent and have a reputation for being almost indestructible.
Light: These plants love bright filtered sunlight.
Water: Lucky bamboo plants are sensitive to chemicals commonly found in tap water, so it is best to water them with distilled water.
9. Donkey tail plant
These unusual plants can grow up to 4 ft long.
Light: This succulent grows best in warm light.
Water: This plant doesn’t need much water — less is more. The soil should be fully dry before adding more water.
10. Red Aglaonema
In Feng shui, these plants are thought to bring good luck.
Light: This plant grows well in low to medium light and indirect sunlight.
Water: They need water when the soil is partly dry.
11. String of Pearls
This plant is low maintenance and can be a great focal point for any room.
Light: These unusual succulents grow well in bright light and sunlight.
Water: It is drought tolerant and can survive long periods without water. It has water storing capabilities so it can be watered well and be left alone for a week or 2.
12. Staghorn Fern
It was named this because of the unusual shape of its leaves, and it grows slowly.
Light: They like shaded light, but if given enough water, they can withstand direct sunlight.
Water: They need frequent watering, about once a week during the warmer months and then every 2 to 3 weeks in the winter.
Do you have a green thumb? If so, what are some tips you’ve learned for plant care? If you’re new to owning plants which plants look appealing to you?
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