7 low-maintenance houseplants for beginners
In this article, we bring you a few tips on houseplants that will thrive even for growers who are short on time or experience. What makes these plants so great is that they need no special care, do not need much water and usually survive even in shady spots with lower humidity.
If you are looking for the perfect gift for someone who loves plants but cannot look after them every day, or you want to get your first few plants yourself and are looking for a safe bet to start with, these species are sure not to let you down. Prevention always comes first, though, so when buying, choose a healthy-looking plant that is neither overwatered nor dried out. Make sure it has nice leaves and check their undersides too, to see whether you spot any pests. For the first few days, keep an eye on how it is doing in its new home.
A striking plant with glossy leaves that really is easy to care for. It can grow even in low light, and because it grows from tubers that store water, it does not need frequent watering. Once every 14 days is definitely enough. If you forget now and then, it will not even show. It does not need frequent repotting either, as it likes being slightly root-bound in its planter. Repot it when its roots literally burst the planter. From spring to fall, you can fertilize it to ensure a long life. Zamioculcas is almost everywhere, and rightly so, because it really is a rewarding plant. There is also a rarer black variety called Raven.
Mother-in-law’s tongue is almost indestructible. You really cannot go wrong with it. It thrives in partial shade as well as in a very bright spot, and watering it as little as once every three weeks is enough. It is the perfect plant for beginners, including children, who can also learn from it how easily a plant propagates (but more about that in another article...). Sansevierias come in a great many colors and sizes. They look great alongside other plants as well as on their own as statement plants. Just like Zamioculcas, this plant does not need frequent repotting. Repot it only when it no longer fits in its planter.
Dracaenas are well known and popular for being low-maintenance. All you need to do is follow a few rules. They do not like direct sun, because it could burn the thin tips of their leaves. Brown leaf tips are also often linked to poor water quality, so let the water stand for a few days before watering to let the chlorine evaporate. The best water for them is rainwater left to reach room temperature. If you do not have rainwater, tap water that has been left to stand will do. They prefer a warmer spot without drafts, but that really is all they need to be happy. They will reward you with their interesting look and long life.
Plants from the genus Peperomia are another great low-maintenance choice. There are over 1,000 species, and they are very diverse, but they all have similar needs. The main thing is not to overwater them; apart from that, they will grow really well. They like plenty of indirect light and houseplant potting mix combined with peat and sand. Do not forget drainage so that the roots do not sit in water. With the right care, they grow fairly quickly and often bloom. They are also easy to propagate: just let the leaves root in a glass of water.
Ideal plants for forgetful growers: they need very little water, and in winter almost none at all. They will thrive in a bright spot; otherwise they will stretch toward the light and look unsightly. Apart from that, though, they really are low-maintenance. When repotting, do not forget a good drainage layer so that the roots do not rot.
A noble name for a noble plant that is surprisingly low-maintenance. It will be happy in a bright to moderately bright spot with light watering. Be sure to let it dry out between waterings, as it stores water in its leaves. Hoya comes in many varieties, and the easiest to grow are usually species with larger, flat leaves, such as Hoya carnosa. In good conditions, it grows fairly quickly and even produces fragrant flowers. It is sure to bring you joy.
In their own way, these species are also among the easier ones, as long as we meet their needs. They need to dry out between waterings, and their roots must not sit in water. On the other hand, they like more humid air, so we can mist them from time to time. If we want them nice and bushy, they will need trimming (which is also an easy way to propagate them), or their growth may need guiding. So in this respect they are more demanding than the plants above, but they can boost the confidence of beginner growers, because they grow really fast.
Try getting at least one of these species and you will see how much joy it brings you. :)
Happy growing.
Alžběta Lacinová