Indoor plants do a lot to improve the overall appearance of your space. Besides their exquisiteness, studies show that indoor plants can enhance creativity, boost mood, reduce stress, and sometimes remove air pollutants.
But indoor plants come with their fair share of challenges, and some mistakes may cost you a houseplant (or several). These challenges include few daylight hours in some places, dry air, changing temperatures, and more.
If you’ve encountered a few problems with indoor plant care, don’t despair. In this article, we have picked some hardy indoor plants that are hard to kill.
8 indoor plants that are hard to kill
1. Snake plant (Sansevieria)
Also known as “mother-in-law’s tongue,” snake plants tolerate low light, making them perfect for office spaces that need a dash of green. Also, they have low water requirements and may go for weeks without water.
These indoor plants are ideal for busy people because they don’t need specialized care. They are also great air purifiers, removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from the air.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Often confused for Philodendrons, the pothos plant has various leaf shapes and cascading patterns that add elegance to any room. They are adaptable and can survive in multiple lighting conditions, from partial shade to bright indirect sunlight. Also, they don’t need much care; you only need to water them once weekly.
Pothos is also called “devil’s ivy” because it’s hard to kill and can bounce back with proper care after long neglect.
3. ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
With glossy dark green leaves that arch in “graceful fashion,” ZZ plants can add a tropical and exotic look to your interior space. They are drought-resistant, and, like snake plants, these indoor plants can survive low-light areas, making them ideal for rooms with minimal light.
However, their “stems” may grow further apart as the plant looks for a light source.
4. Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants may not be “low light,” but they can survive various lighting conditions, from indirect sunlight to partial shade. They also have moderate water requirements (every two to three days) and may bounce back from underwatering.
These indoor plants are popular because of their long arching stems, giving a fantastic look reminiscent of outdoor grass. In ideal conditions, these stems may grow small plantlets or “spiderettes” at their ends. The spiderettes are easy to propagate when placed in water or soil, making the spider plant great for sharing with friends and family.
5. Succulents
Succulent indoor plants such as aloe vera and Echeveria are known for their thick fleshy leaves that allow them to store water, making them highly drought-resistant. They also prefer well-draining soil and infrequent watering.
These indoor plants can add oomph to your indoor spaces because they come in several shapes, sizes, and colors with captivating forms. Some have leaves that resemble rosettes, while others have unique spiky textures or geometric patterns.
6. Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa)
This plant has become ubiquitous in households thanks to its gorgeous leaf fenestrations (holes and slits in its leaves) when mature. The Swiss cheese plant requires medium indirect light and is forgiving regarding watering. It also requires well-draining soil.
7. Money tree (Pachira aquatica)
The money tree is known for its braided trunk and verdant green foliage. Like the Monstera deliciosa, this plant can survive bright indirect light to partial shade conditions. They also require moderate watering and well-draining soil conditions.
This plant is also considered wealth, good luck, and prosperity in some cultures. It is often gifted to give “positive energy” in homes and offices.
8. Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)
The versatile Chinese evergreen is a godsend for interior decor. It has exquisite foliage of variegated patterns that feature different colors, such as red, dark green, silver, and cream.
Besides its beauty, this plant can thrive in low-light conditions and various indoor environments. It has moderate watering requirements and can withstand neglect and bounce back with little care.
4 common mistakes people make with indoor plants
1. Overwatering or underwatering
Finding the right balance can be tricky when it comes to watering. Water too much, and you’ll drown the roots and cause them to rot. On the other hand, little to no water leads to dehydration and wilting.
2. Inadequate lighting
Some plants can survive low lighting conditions (such as windows that are too far away), but “low light” doesn’t mean “no” light. Besides dark conditions, placing your house plant in direct sunlight when it prefers shade may cause harm.
3. Incorrect potting or soil choice
Using the wrong choice of soil or incorrect potting can hinder your plant’s growth and health. Poor drainage, compact soil, or pots that are too large or too small can affect your plant.
4. Neglect or inconsistent care
Indoor plants need care, and neglecting to fertilize, prune, water, or change pots (when appropriate) may lead to their decline.
The good news is that you can help your indoor plant if you catch these issues early. Better yet, you can get beginner-friendly, hardy indoor plants that are easy to keep alive.
In summary
The mentioned easy-to-maintain indoor plants can transform your office or home spaces. They are considered hardy plants due to their different light conditions, ability to tolerate infrequent watering and drought, and their forgiving nature regarding minor mistakes. Besides their aesthetic appeal and hardy traits, these indoor plants are popular because they purify indoor air, make people happy, and are easy to propagate.
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