I get asked a lot what are some good plants to start out with for people that don’t have green thumbs, so i came up with 5 plants that you cant go wrong with to start out..
Ok so, you’ll want to look for plants that don’t require a lot of attention. Here are some of the best plants for beginners.
Snake Plant
Snake plants are incredibly easy to care for and can thrive in almost any environment. They’re also great air purifiers, so they’re a good choice for people with allergies or respiratory issues.
Also known as Sansevieria, snake plants are a popular and low maintenance indoor plant that can thrive in a bunch of different environments. By following these care tips, you can keep your snake plant healthy, and have those leaves poppin for years..
Watering: Snake plants are very drought-tolerant, so it’s important not to overwater them. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering, and then give the plant a thorough watering. Make sure the pot has proper drainage to prevent water from sitting in the soil.
Light: Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light, but they can also tolerate low-light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
Temperature: Snake plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they prefer temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C).
Soil: Snake plants prefer well-draining soil. Use a potting mix that contains perlite, sand, or vermiculite to ensure good drainage.
Fertilizer: Snake plants don’t require a lot of fertilizer, but you can give them a balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Pruning: Snake plants don’t require pruning, but you can remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking its best.
Propagation: Snake plants are easy to propagate by dividing the rhizomes (underground stems) and replanting them in separate pots.
Pests: Snake plants are generally pest-resistant, but they can occasionally be affected by mealybugs, spider mites, or scale insects. If you notice any pests, remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Pothos
Pothos is another low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a wide range of lighting conditions. They’re also great at removing toxins from the air.
Watering: Pothos plants prefer soil that is consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water your pothos plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Light: Pothos plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They can also tolerate low light conditions, but their growth may slow down.
Temperature: Pothos plants prefer temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Avoid exposing them to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Humidity: Pothos plants prefer moderate to high humidity. If the air is too dry, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant.
Fertilization: Pothos plants benefit from occasional fertilization. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Pruning: Pothos plants benefit from regular pruning to maintain their shape and promote new growth. Prune back any yellow or brown leaves, as well as any leggy or overgrown stems.
Propagation: Pothos plants are easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Simply cut a stem with several leaves and place it in water or soil to root.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is another low-maintenance option that can tolerate low light and infrequent watering. It’s a great choice for people who don’t have a lot of natural light in their home.
ZZ Plant also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia is known for its sexy glossy green leaves and easy care requirements. By following these tips, you should be good to go. You cant mess up with a ZZ!
Don’t overwater: ZZ plants are sensitive to overwatering, and their roots can easily rot if they sit in standing water. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering, and be sure to use well-draining soil. ZZ is a very forgiving plant, and can go quite a while without being watered, so they are perfect if you’re the type of person who travels a lot.
Bright indirect light: ZZ plants prefer bright, indirect light. While they can tolerate lower light conditions, too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves.
Avoid cold drafts: ZZ plants prefer temperatures between 60 -75°F (15-24°C) and can be sensitive to cold drafts. Keep them away from doors, windows, and air conditioning vents.
Wipe the leaves: ZZ plants have smooth, glossy leaves that can collect dust over time. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or sponge to keep them clean and free of dust.
Use a balanced fertilizer: ZZ plants don’t require frequent fertilization, but a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can help keep them healthy. Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer), and reduce or stop fertilizing during the winter months.
Propagate through division: ZZ plants can be easily propagated through division. All you have to do is separate the plant at the roots, and plant each section in a separate pot with fresh soil. Simple.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are great for beginners because they’re tough and can tolerate a range of conditions. They’re also easy to propagate, so you can grow more plants from the original. We will get into propagation later on.
Spider plants are popular houseplants that are known for their long, thin leaves and spider-like appearance. Here are some care tips exclusive to spider plants:
Watering: Spider plants like to be kept consistently moist, but not overly wet. Watering once a week should be sufficient, but make sure the soil has proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Lighting: Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate low-light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
Humidity: Spider plants thrive in high humidity environments. You can increase humidity by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier.
Fertilizing: Spider plants do not require frequent fertilizing, but can benefit from a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Repotting: Spider plants tend to grow rapidly and can quickly outgrow their containers. It’s recommended to repot them once a year, preferably in the spring.
Pruning: Spider plants can become leggy if not pruned regularly. Prune off any yellow or brown leaves, and cut back any long, trailing stems to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation: Spider plants are easy to propagate by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in water or soil. The plant also produces offshoots or “spiderettes” that can be removed and potted as separate plants.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are another great air-purifying plant that can thrive in low light. They also have attractive white flowers that can add a pop of color to any room.
Peace Lily also known as Spathiphyllum, is easy to care for. However, there are some care tips you need to know to keep your peace lily healthy and thriving, because they are most definitely the divas and most dramatic plants on this list:
Light: Spathiphyllum prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Place your plant near a window that gets plenty of light but avoid direct sunlight.
Water: Water your Peace Lily once a week. Overwatering can cause the plant to develop root rot, but these plants tend to be on the thirstier side, so its hard to overwater them. In fact they can be left in a vase of water without soil indefinitely. That being said, if you keep yours in soil, make sure its not left in saturated soil for too long. Muddy soil will cause almost any plant to develop root rot.
Humidity: Spathiphyllum prefers a humid environment, so mist the plant occasionally or place it on a tray of pebbles filled with water to increase humidity.
Temperature: Spathiphyllum prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Keep the plant away from cold drafts or excessively hot areas, such as heating vents.
Fertilizer: Spathiphyllum does not require frequent fertilization. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every two months during the growing season (spring and summer) to provide the plant with essential nutrients.
Pruning: Remove dead or yellow leaves whenever you see them. Trim back any damaged or discolored foliage to maintain the plant’s appearance.
