Despite our most noble attempts, some of us have an easier time keeping pets alive than houseplants. From too much sunlight to not enough drainage, we need a little expert advice to nudge us into that zen-like zone of plant care. We asked the local gardening gurus at Bates Nursery and Flower Mart to offer a few stress-free houseplant options.
5 Houseplants You Can’t Kill
Here are five picks for hearty, resilient (and dare we say confidence-boosting) houseplants.
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Otherwise known as Devil’s Ivy, Pothos can thrive in a vast range of environments and lighting conditions. Pothos aren’t fond of direct sunlight, but they are versatile in that they can grow in either water or dry soil. Since the plant tolerates low light, it’s a perfect office or home companion. And not that we’re suggesting you ignore your household greenery, but Devil’s Ivy typically continues to push out new growth even when it experiences some neglect.
Annora says of the Pothos plant, “It has a robust trailing growth habit that looks great on shelves or in hanging planters.” Image: Bates Nursery
Sansevieria (Snake Plant or Mother in Law’s Tongue)
Perfect for shadier corners of your house, the Sansevieria doesn’t mind low light and prefers to remain on the drier side. “The upright architectural growth habit adds a cool structural element to any space,” says Annora of the spiky greenery. Tom agrees, adding, “It is also great for indoor air purification.”
Nicknamed “Snake Plant” or “Mother in Law’s Tongue” for its snake-like leaves and sharp points, Sansevieria is sturdy and very easy to grow. Image: Bates Nursery
RELATED: Designing With Plants: Expert Tips for Stylishly Greening Your Interiors
Succulents
Succulents require minimal attention because they retain water. Often sold in smaller pots, they’re also the ideal choice for a window ledge or an office desk that sees a lot of sunlight. “The best way to care for a succulent is to water it sparingly a couple of times per month and to pot it up in a loose and clumpy potting soil,” explains Annora.
Perfectly compact, succulents are a no-brainer for adding greenery to your coffee table or windowsill. Image: Bates Nursery
Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)
More commonly called the Peace Lily, the Spathiphyllum is an evergreen, perennial plant that’s simple to grow because it doesn’t need tons of water or light to survive. In fact, it does best in the darker areas of your house. When it blooms, the Peace Lily produces a white, leaf-like flower, and the plant often symbolizes hope and renewal.
Peace Lily flowers look similar to Calla Lilies and typically bloom in the spring for up to two months. Image: Flower Mart
Zamioculcas (ZZ Plant)
Popular and accessible, the tropical ZZ Plant is originally from Africa, where it flourishes in the desert heat. Accepting of very little light, and able to go without water for a while, the most fascinating thing about it might be that a 1984 NASA study proved it could remove toxins from the air.
Technically considered a succulent, the ZZ Plant has hearty, waxy leaves. It only has to be watered every three to four weeks. Image: Bates Nursery
Enjoy your plants, and good luck finding your green thumb!
Now that you’ve figured out what you want to buy, let’s make extra sure you don’t kill those sturdy plants! Here are 8 Tips to Keep Your Houseplants Alive. Read it!
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