The ideal houseplant thrives in dry air with little water or maintenance.
Most people have at least one potted plant growing somewhere in their homes. There are a huge range of species sold as house plants in stores and garden centers, but many are difficult to grow indoors as they need bright light, high humidity or special care. Some species seem to be able to tolerate neglect and even thrive with little maintenance. Even hard-to-kill species require minimal attention and houseplants should never be left with their pot in a saucer of water as this will drown the roots and potentially kill the whole plant. Does this Spark an idea?
Spider Plant
The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a South African species with long, thin, arching leaves with longitudinal green and white stripes. It grows from fleshy roots and can spread to be 3 feet across. Spider plants produce long stalks with small white flowers followed by attached plantlets. They favor bright light and rich, well drained soil but can grow in low-light rooms and do not need high humidity to thrive.
Jade Plant
Jade plants are attractive and easy-to-grow houseplants.
The jade or money plant (Crassula ovata) is a succulent species with small, fleshy, rounded leaves that can reach 5 feet in height as a houseplant. It is very tolerant of almost any indoor conditions and needs little maintenance. Jade plants rot easily if over watered and thrive in bright light and direct sunshine. Individual leaves can be planted with their base in damp soil and will grow into a new plant.
Pothos
Pothos or devil's ivy (Epipremnum aureum) originated in the Solomon Islands. It is a tough climbing vine with heart-shaped leaves that are often variegated with yellow or white. Pothos plants can be trained up a moss pole or allowed to trail. The plant looks at its best in bright light, with regular watering and fertilizing, but will continue to grow in conditions with little care.
Mother-In-Law's Tongue
Also known as the sanseveria (Sansevieria trifasciata), mother-in-law's tongue is a hardy houseplant that grows well at low light levels. It succulent, erect leaves grow up to 3 feet high and 3 inches across with a pointed tip. Some cultivars have pale, horizontal bands while others have yellow leaf margins. Mother-in-law's tongue produces fragrant, greenish yellow flowers if they become pot-bound. Variegated cultivars are more colorful if grown in bright light.
Lucky Bamboo
A West African species related to the dragon tree, lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is such an easy to care for houseplant that it can be grown in a container of water. Provided they are kept in bright, indirect light and not allowed to dry out lucky bamboos will grow for years with no soil at all. They are sensitive to chlorine and need bottled or distilled water rather than tap water.
Tags: bright light, with little, African species, high humidity, houseplant that, Jade plants