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Houseplants are a lovely addition to any home. They enhance our decor, bring a touch of nature indoors, purify the air, and lift our spirits.
Despite their numerous benefits, many people struggle to keep their plants thriving. Some are notoriously high-maintenance, while others require specific conditions to flourish.
Gerard George, a seasoned plant expert at Focus-New York, graciously shares his wisdom on the top 12 nearly indestructible houseplants. With a few simple tips, he shows how to keep them thriving with minimal effort, needing only occasional watering and a bit of sunlight.
Spider Plant
“Spider plants are like the superheroes of the plant world. They can survive almost anything,” says Gerard. These adaptable plants can tolerate a wide range of light levels and are forgiving when watering.
Gerard emphasizes that “Spider plants are great for beginners because they are known to be resilient and can bounce back even if you forget to water them for a while.”
Snake Plant
Snake plants can thrive in low light conditions and withstand neglect for long periods of time. Gerard advises, “If you’re a frequent traveler, busy professional, or someone who tends to forget about your plants, the snake plant should be your go-to indoor plant. It can go weeks without water and still hold up well.”
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is beautiful, with thick, waxy leaves that store water well. Gerard recommends giving your ZZ plant a good drink of water and then letting it dry out in between waterings.
Pothos Plant
“Pothos plants are the ultimate survivors,” notes Gerard. These adaptable plants can thrive in various lighting conditions and are forgiving when it comes to watering. Gerard advises, “If you’re unsure how much to water your pothos, remember this: it’s better to be underwater than overwater. Pothos plants can tolerate both under-watering and occasional overwatering.”
Peace Lily
“Peace lilies are not only beautiful but also incredibly easy to care for,” says Gerard. These plants prefer medium to low light and can tolerate infrequent watering. He adds, “When your peace lily starts to droop, it’s a sign that it needs water. Just give it a good drink, and it will perk right up.”
Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese money plant, a succulent with round leaves, is a plant that can virtually last forever. All you have to do is water it twice a week and drain the excess water from the saucer.
Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant is well known for its incredible healing properties. If you have a minor burn or skin irritation, break off a piece of an aloe vera leaf, and the gel inside can soothe and heal your skin. As a houseplant, Aloe vera plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Gerard notes that since aloe vera is a succulent, it likes its soil on the drier side. You only need to water it when the soil has completely dried out.
Jade Plant
“Jade plants are like the rock stars of the succulent world,” says Gerard. These plants thrive in bright light and prefer to dry out between waterings. And during the winter months, they can go up to a month without being watered.
Remember, less is more when it comes to watering your jade plant. Overwatering is the most common mistake people make. Let the soil dry out before watering again.
Rubber Plant
Rubber plants make a bold statement in any room with their glossy, dark leaves. Gerard advises, “Place your rubber plant in a spot with bright, indirect light, and it will thrive. Just be sure not to overwater it, as these plants prefer to dry out between waterings.”
English Ivy
English ivy is a timeless beauty that adds a touch of elegance to any space. They are low maintenance and will thrive in most indoor environments.
Chinese Evergreen
“Chinese evergreens are like chameleons; they can adapt to any lighting condition,” Gerard claims. These plants thrive in low to medium light and only need watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. Gerard advises that Chinese evergreens are perfect for those who want a plant that can handle different light levels. Plus, they come in different varieties, so you can find one that suits your style.
Dracaena
“Dracaena plants are visually stunning, making fantastic air purifiers,” notes Gerard. These plants prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Greensworth recommends, “With a little care and the right light conditions, your dracaena will thrive and bring a tropical vibe to your home.”
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