10 Easy to Grow Houseplants

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We all would like to have at least a few green plants in our homes – they freshen up the surroundings. However, some of us do not think we have a green thumb or are too busy to care for plants. I am here to tell you that there are plants on this list that are almost foolproof.

Some plant basics – most plants die from one of two things: Overwatering and/or not enough light. There is at least one plant on this list that will survive in very low light, most need at least moderate access to daylight to survive. Some plants need more light than others.

In regard to watering, let your plants get almost dry before watering them, and make sure their pot has good drainage. Do not let them sit in a saucer of water for extended periods of time.

Jade Plant

This plant has been around forever and is a symbol of good luck for a new homeowner. It is a succulent with fleshy leaves and an interesting shaped branches that can grow up to 4 or 5 feet tall and wide. This one will literally live forever; it’s not uncommon to have a plant that is 20 years old! Keep at room temperature, fairly dry, and indirect light for best results.

Snake Plant (or Mother in Law’s Tongue) Sanseveria

This plant will survive in a bathroom without windows. It likes the soil slightly dry, and although it will survive in very low light, it will thrive and grow tall and full in bright light. It’s sword-shaped leaves grow from 6 inches to 48 inches tall, and occasionally will flower. This plant has been a popular house plant since the 1930’s. Do not overwater and this one will boost your confidence.

Devil’s Ivy Pothos

This plant is the mainstay of the potted plant industry, and it’s no wonder as to why. Pothos trails beautifully, grows quickly, and will live in offices, bedrooms, and even bathrooms. It can take a trimming without damaging the plant (in fact, you can root those clipping in a glass of water). Keep between 50 and 80 degrees, water thoroughly and let dry out in between watering. Brighter light means more variegation on leaves.

Corn Plant (and other varieties) Dracaena

There are a lot of different varieties of Dracaenas, and you can find them from 2 inch post up to medium sized trees. All are very easy to care for. They have long strap shaped leaved that are mostly variegated – either cream, white or red. Dracaenas can grow to be 15 feet tall – very impressive in a home! Care includes medium to bright light (close to a window is ideal), let soil get almost dry between watering, and you can trim any dark tips off leaves with a pair of scissors.

Benjamina Ficus

There are dozens of varieties of Ficus plants out there that make great houseplants. They have tough, almost leathery leaves, and don’t need much care. Whether on a table top or placed as an indoor tree, put your ficus where it will remain for some time; they don’t like to be moved around. Medium to bright light (by a window is ideal, if it isn’t drafty), warm room temperature of 65 to 75 degrees, and water the root ball thoroughly, letting it dry out almost completely between watering.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Ficus

This one has huge dark green violin shaped leaves. They are leathery and care is almost identical to the Ficus Benjamina. It likes bright indirect light; if its leaves start to fade, move to a location with more light. This one prefers to have a few dry days in between watering.

Rubber Tree Ficus

This is another one of the almost indestructible Ficus varieties that can grow from a small pot to a tree that is more than 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Shiny, dark green leaves make for a beautiful plant. Rubber Trees can withstand low to medium light and dry soil. If your tree is getting too tall, just pinch out the top bud and you will get a bushier shaped shrub. This is an outside plant in frost free climates.

Cast Iron Plant Aspidistra

This is a pretty variegated plant with sword shaped leaves. It is slow growing; buy the size you need for the space. It tolerates low light, low humidity, neglect, cool air, warm air, and just about most household conditions. This might be the ideal leafy houseplant. Keep at 45 to 85 degrees, evenly moist during the spring and summer; let it dry out a bit during fall and winter. Grows to 2 feet tall.

Aloe

This one is a succulent, and can withstand a variety of household locations. You can buy then in very small pots up to 3 feet tall for a showy indoor plant. The love direct sunlight (you can move them outdoors for the summer) and let them dry out between watering. Try to keep at around 68 to 72 degrees. This is also the same aloe that you put on burns and sunburn. Just break off a leaf and apply the inner sap to the skin.

Lucky Bamboo Dracaena

This is sort of a novelty, but they are green, growing plants and look pretty neat. Keep out of direct sunlight, and water regularly, fertilize occasionally, also keep away from cold drafts. This one will restore your faith in your gardening skills.