Intimidating an indoor garden can be scary, but there are many reasons to add some greenery to your space. Studies show that houseplants can reduce stress, increase mood, and improve focus and productivity – all of which are important when living and working at home.
You do not need much time, space, or even light to grow your own indoor garden. In fact, some plants prefer low light and occasional watering. According to Erin Marino, marketing director of the online herbal retailer The Silicon, low-maintenance plants do not need daily care or a complicated set-up. “You can bring it to your place, push it to a place where there is natural sunlight, water it once a week, and enjoy it,” she said.
If you live in an apartment or house with little natural light or need a little less maintenance, there are many indoor plants to choose from. We consulted gardeners to learn about the best indoor plants for a variety of uses, and we have put together some tips on how to go about your green space.
Best low-maintenance indoor plants
Are you ready to start growing? According to the experts we spoke to, some of the best low-maintenance houseplants are here.
The bird’s nest, known for its roses growing from central roses, grows in medium to bright indirect light in the soil, but not completely dry, there is a marino. This plant only needs watering every two weeks, and is considered non-toxic, making it safe to protect your pets.
The majestic palm is a tropical palm tree with majestic feathers that grow straight from the trunk before forming a large crown. A low-maintenance plant is non-toxic and can grow up to 10 feet tall. When a majestic palm tree dries out, but not completely, it is watered every two weeks and indirectly grows in direct light.
This tropical plant is easy to care for – it is known to be resistant to indoor conditions. According to Marino, it can withstand a wide range of light conditions, but is very happy to be watered brightly every two weeks. Like other low-maintenance houseplants on this list, Palm Palm is not considered suitable for pets.
The low-maintenance Philondronron recommended by Marino has heart-shaped leaves and fast-growing vines. The tall, lush vineyards can be easily cut and watered when they are very tall. Watering every two weeks, it prefers moderate to bright indirect light (although tolerant of low light).
Jean-Berg, general manager of Phillips Indoor Plants and Displays, recommends potash with fast-growing vines that can grow up to 10 feet[10 m]tall. These plants, which can grow in any type of indoor environment, prefer medium to bright light, but can also tolerate low light. You can water your pot every two weeks, and if the grapes are too long, give them a quick mow.
Recommended by Aaron Steel, Consumer Vegetable Extension Specialist at Iowa State University, Snake Plant is a medium-sized, light-tolerant plant. According to Marino, it can help clean the indoor air by filtering out toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene and toluene. If you travel a lot, this plant may be a good option – it can go two to three weeks without water or until the leaves begin to shrink.
Steel recommends a drought-tolerant ZZ plant native to arid areas. According to Marino, the plant has large, potato-like rhizomes that store water in a natural habitat. When the clay soil is completely dry, you can leave it in a moderate amount of light and water it every three weeks.
How to buy the right houseplant
Before deciding which plants to buy, evaluate your location for factors that determine plant growth, such as brightness and humidity levels. If you are not sure how much light there is in your area, decide which room to put the plant in and how your windows will look, how much artificial light there is and if there is anything outside that blocks sunlight, there is a berg. It is also important to determine if the sun is hitting the plants directly – for example through a window on the south side – or indirectly.
Even if you spend a lot of time at home now, you still need to think about how much time you will spend in the future. Like pets, plants need care — even low maintenance. Most can go without water for a week or two, but if you travel long distances, you may want to consider a plant that grows in dry conditions. Price is another thing to consider – Although most houseplants are relatively affordable, costs vary depending on the variety, size, health, and location of the plant.
When buying, pay attention to what the plant itself looks like. They want healthy, rich plants with green leaves with healthy stems. Remove brown spots and excessively wet or dry soil.
How to care for houseplants
Being a parent is not easy, so the most important thing is to be patient with your plants as you wish. “When you want to grow plants indoors, start small and start with the most common and easy-to-grow plants – they are so common,” says Style. “Once you are successful with those plants, you can grow your indoor garden. Remember, a new houseplant will take a few weeks to adjust to your home environment, so give it some time and don’t worry if a leaf or two falls.
Once you take your plant home, you need to make sure you take good care of it. Marino lists some tips for growing indoor plants:
- Irrigation It is better to water excessively. Excessive watering is one of the easiest ways to kill a plant. You may be tempted to water the plants on a strict schedule, but the best time is to water them when needed. Always check the soil before watering – if it is still wet, wait for water. Keep in mind that seasonal outdoor changes can affect your plant’s water schedule indoors. For example, most houseplants need a little water during the winter, but if they are burning all winter and the weather is dry, their soil may dry out quickly and they may need water more often.
- Consistency is key. Choose a day of the week to check your plants regularly. Berg added: “We hope that the plants will not lose too much water as a result of consistency and the loss of many houseplants in this way.”
- Keep the environment stable. Most houseplants, like us, are very comfortable at 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme cold or heat fluctuations can cause anxiety. Do your best to avoid storing plants near heat hazards that can cause hot or cold drafts.
- Avoid excessive care. For most plants, care is needed. “Plants are more adaptable than we think,” said Marino. Prepare to lose a few leaves during the long winter months when most houseplants are in bed – this is normal. Natural, timely flowering occurs when plants receive enough sunlight to support their current leaves.
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