Low Maintenance House Plants
There are a variety of house plants that are fussy, but others require less care. These low-maintenance plants are ideal for lazy gardeners or those who have difficulty keeping their garden alive.
Lucky bamboo The holiday cactus and peace lily are very easy to grow. You just need to water it frequently and provide it with the bright indirect light.
Calthea Ornata
Pinstripe Calathea has beautiful, subdued foliage which complements the brighter leaves of plants such as Arrowhead Vine or Chinese Evergreen. It can also be used to create indoor landscapes in offices. They are not toxic and therefore safe for pets and children to be around.
This tropical plant requires moderate amounts of sunlight. It will thrive on a sunny window however, it is best to keep it away from direct sunlight since it can cause burning to the leaves. If you're worried about the sun in your home, put your calathea next to an open window and then cover it with a sheer curtain. This will block out the most intense sunlight.
Humidity is also essential for this house plant. It can tolerate dry air however it won't thrive. Mist the leaves of your calathea once every week with water at room temperature to help keep the humidity level. You can also put your plant in a place that has high humidity, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
While calathea orchida isn't the most fussy of houseplants but it does require some attention to ensure that it is healthy. It is not a heavy feeder however, you can add a liquid houseplant fertilizer to its soil at least twice a month during the growing season. Be aware of the calathea plant in order to avoid problems such as browning of leaves.
Tillandsia
Tillandsia is an unusual houseplant that grows without soil. They belong to the pineapple or pineapple rose plant family and there are 540 different species! They do best in bright, filtered sunlight (not direct sunlight) and should be misted around every two weeks. If grown outdoors, they can be very hardy, but they do best indoors or in extremely humid climates like Florida.
When kept in a good environment, Tillandsia can be fairly unobtrusive and are an excellent alternative for those who travel or have difficulty remembering to water their plants. They can be used to complement other plants in the house or placed in a beautiful manner and are perfect to use in terrariums.
Tillandsia are epiphytes that occur in nature. They are not parasitic and attach themselves to rocks, trees, and other plants, to obtain water and nutrients. The process of CAM photosynthesis also allows to exchange gasses at night and to breathe. This is different from other plants that breathe through their leaves during the daytime. Tillandsiaxerographica has serpentine leaves that bend in different directions. It is covered with trichomes that give the foliage a soft silver color. The species is native to Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, and Honduras. It is commonly used in terrariums or mounted to a piece of driftwood.
Orchids
Orchids can be intimidating to those who are new to growing. However, with a bit of research and care they can bring elegance to any space. The most commonly used orchids are moth orchids, or Phalaenopsis. They produce exotic blooms and are well-suited to the centrally heated homes we live in.
Orchids come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. The petals are usually speckled and their stems sway above clumps of long arching leaves. They are found all over the globe in forests, mountains and deserts.
Certain orchids require bright light while others thrive in dim to medium lighting. It is essential to provide enough light the plants to flower, regardless of their species. Insufficient light could be the primary reason why an orchid fails to bloom. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves of most orchids. To prevent this, put your plant behind window blinds or curtains that allow light to be filtered through.
It is also important to keep orchids hydrated. In winter, water the orchids at least once per week. In warmer months it is possible to water them 3-4 times every week. This will eliminate any salts naturally occurring and keep the roots damp. Fertilize orchids every two weeks during growth and every month during dormancy. Use a commercial orchid fertilizer like 30-10-10, diluted to half strength.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are an ideal addition to any house because they cleanse the air. They can absorb a range of harmful gases and VOCs such as benzene xylene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. They are easy to cultivate and require only minimal care. Additionally, they can be used as a decoration because of their beautiful and elegant green leaves.
When you grow Peace Lilies indoors, they prefer bright indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of Peace Lilies. They can be placed near heat or air conditioning vents, but they shouldn't be placed directly in front of them, as this can cause the leaves to fade.
Water Peace Lilies regularly, leaving the top inch or two of soil to dry before replenishing the water. The plant will droop slightly if it's thirsty.
Fertilize your plants once a month with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Follow the recommended fertilization schedule and dilution schedule. Do not overfertilize the plant, as this could encourage excessive growth of the foliage at the expense of flowers.
Peace Lilies can also help in reducing mildew on curtains and walls. They accomplish this by absorbing excess moisture from the air. This is beneficial in washrooms kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where the occurrence of mildew could be a problem. The plant also reduces the amount of acetone or alcohol fumes in a space that can be harmful to those exposed to them.
Anthurium
This popular houseplant will bring beauty to any room. Its long, bright flowers represent love and friendship that lasts. It is also ranked top on NASA's list of plants that purify the air. As an epiphyte, anthurium is a natural plant that grows on the sides of trees or along the edges of other plants, however it can adapt well to a potted environment. Repot it with coco coir or peat moss soil mixture regularly and place it in direct sunlight. It is recommended to water it once the soil has dried between 50%-75% and mist it regularly (but do not overwater).
Anthuriums can be propagated via seed or through stem cuttings. It is recommended to make use of stem cuttings for propagating them, since seeds are only viable for a brief time. To accomplish this, cut off a portion of the plant that is at least 1 inch length and wrap it in sphagnum. Place the plant in a container that has some moisture, and cover it with plastic wrap. This will encourage the germination. Once the roots are visible remove the sphagnum moss and cut the stem at a node. Then, place it in an Aroid pot mix.
During the growing season fertilize anthuriums using a liquid plant food at half strength once every other week. Anthuriums are susceptible to rot if they are over-fertilized. Be alert for insects that cause problems, such as spider mites and scale insects.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are an excellent option for indoor gardens since they thrive in dim light conditions and do not require direct sunlight. They are safe, easy to maintain and ideal for homes with pets or children who are young. Spider plants are also known to remove harmful chemicals and toxins from the air. This makes them an excellent accessory for people suffering from allergies.
Spider plants require moderate amounts of fertilization and watering. It should be planted in indirect, warm sunlight, as direct sunlight may scorch the leaves. To encourage growth, the soil must be able to drain well and not allow it to become soggy. Fertilize your houseplants regularly with a high-quality potting mix.
Repotter the plant when it has reached the desired height. To do this, gently pull the roots and locate areas with a good amount of root growth. Place the plant in a pot and fill it with a potting mixture for houseplants that drains well. Water the new container immediately and continue to do this until the plant has established itself.
In the winter months indoor plants could be extremely dry. tall house plants might require mist to boost humidity. This can be accomplished by putting your plants in a moist area like a bathroom or kitchen, running a humidity machine or grouping the plants together. Brown leaves on your spider plant could be a sign that the soil is overor submerged therefore be sure to monitor the moisture level regularly.