Types of Low Maintenance Indoor Plants
Are you a busy person who has always dreamed of having indoor plants, but thought that keeping them alive would be too much of a challenge?
Here’s the good news – you can still have lush greenery in your home without having to turn into a plant expert. There are plenty of low-maintenance indoor plants that are well-suited to busy folks who can’t dedicate all their time to gardening.
In this article, you’ll discover 5 of the best low-maintenance indoor plants for busy people and learn some tips for growing them successfully.
From the Spider Plant and the Peace Lily to the Pothos, Snake Plant, and ZZ Plant, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also discuss the importance of selecting the right pot size, watering and fertilizing your plant, providing the right light and temperature, and pruning and repotting.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are an ideal choice for busy people looking for low-maintenance indoor plants. These plants are widely available and come in a variety of sizes, making them perfect for adding a touch of green to any space. These plants require minimal maintenance and should be placed in bright, indirect sunlight. Spider plants are easy to care for and do not require frequent watering; they should be watered only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Despite requiring minimal maintenance, spider plants are excellent air purifiers and ideal choices for busy people looking for low-maintenance indoor plants.
Peace Lily
is a popular choice for busy people who are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant. This attractive flower thrives in low light, so it is a great option for those who are short on time and have limited exposure to sunlight. Peace lilies require very little maintenance or water, and they can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures. They are also known to remove indoor pollutants, making them an ideal choice for those looking to freshen up their home.
Pothos
is a great choice for busy people looking for low-maintenance indoor plants. A popular species of vining houseplant, Pothos comes in many varieties with variegated leaves in shades of white, green, and yellow. Pothos plants are easy to care for and only require occasional pruning to maintain their bushy shape. They do well in indirect sunlight, and are known to tolerate a range of temperatures and levels of humidity. In addition, the Pothos is known to purify the air and reduces toxins in indoor environments. They make an excellent addition to any home, and can be left alone for extended periods of time.
Snake Plant
Snake Plants or Mother-In-Law’s Tongues (Sansevieria trifasciata) are hardy indoor plants that require little maintenance. They thrive in low light and are hard to kill, making them an ideal choice for busy people. Water your Snake Plant once a month in the summer and once every other month in the winter. They generally do not need fertilizer, though providing a light fertilizer every six months may encourage growth. Snake plants are also known for improving air quality, purifying the air of toxins. They include a range of varieties that come in different shapes and sizes, making them an attractive addition to any home.
ZZ Plant
is a great choice for busy people looking for a low-maintenance Indoor Plant. Requiring minimal care, the ZZ Plant can tolerate dry conditions, low light, and occasional neglect. It grows best in bright, indirect light and its thick stems make it an excellent option for spaces with low humidity. Water when the top inch of soil is dry and keep the soil lightly moist by misting the leaves. Once established, this durable houseplant can last a long time, making it an ideal choice for busy people.
Tips for Successfully Growing Low Maintenance Indoor Plants
For busy people looking to add a little bit of greenery to their lives, low maintenance indoor plants are an ideal choice. Growing them doesn’t have to be a hassle, as long as you pick the right plants for your lifestyle, understand their needs, and stick to a consistent care routine. Here are a few tips to ensure success when growing low maintenance indoor plants.
Choose Low Maintenance Plants: Look for plants that don’t require a lot of watering and are easy to care for. Cacti, succulents, and snake plants are some of the most popular low maintenance indoor plants. They’re great at surviving in a range of temperatures and they don’t need a lot of light either.
Ensure Enough Light: Most low maintenance indoor plants will do well in indirect sunlight, but some are more demanding. Cacti, for example, should be exposed to as much sunlight as possible. Place your plants close to a window or near a lamp to make sure they get the light they need.
Water Wisely: Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes when it comes to growing low maintenance indoor plants at home. Many of these plants require very little water, so do your research to determine the ideal amount for your particular species. Also make sure you water them from the bottom, to avoid waterlogging the soil.
Fertilize Regularly: Fertilizing helps to ensure the health of your plants and helps them to produce more flowers and leaves. There are many different types of fertilizer to choose from, so make sure you pick one that is suitable for your particular indoor plants.
Check for Pests: Unfortunately, low maintenance indoor plants are prone to pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. Make sure you check your plants regularly for any signs of infestations and, if necessary, treat them with an all-natural pesticide.
With a littlebit of care and attention, you can have a thriving collection of low maintenance indoor plants in no time. Just remember to pick the right plants for your lifestyle, understand their needs, and stick to a consistent care routine.
Selecting the Right Pot Size
for your Indoor Plant
When selecting the right pot size for your low-maintenance indoor plants, keep in mind that the pot should be just large enough to fit your plant’s root ball. If the pot is too large, the soil can become oversaturated and lead to root rot. Also consider how much space you have in your home, as well as the mature size of the indoor plant. For example, a peace lily may need a 10-inch pot when it’s young, but may need to be transplanted into a pot larger than 16 inches when it’s fully grown. If you are unsure of how big the pot should be, refer to the instructions listed on the packaging of the plant or ask an expert at your local garden center.
Watering and Fertilizing
Indoor Plants
Watering and fertilizing are important to the health of an indoor plant. Without these two elements, plants cannot photosynthesize and will struggle to survive. The water requirements of indoor plants can vary depending on their type, but they generally need to be watered every 1 to 3 weeks. Additionally, it is a good idea to use fertilizer every few weeks to help maintain healthy soil and provide important nutrients to the plants. It is important to only use a fertilizer specifically designed for indoor plants, as other types of fertilizer can be too strong and can potentially damage the plant.
Light and Temperature
Indoor plants require varying levels of light and temperature to thrive. Bright and indirect light is best, but some plants can survive in low light environments. Most indoor plants prefer temperatures of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. At night, the temperature should be slightly cooler. Check the requirements of your chosen plants when determining a space and ensure they are able to survive in the environment provided.
Pruning and Repotting
Indoor plants are simple to care for and require minimal pruning and repotting. To properly prune an indoor plant, carefully cut off any dead or wilted foliage or stems with a pair of sterilized scissors or gardening shears. This will help to keep your plant looking healthy, and to encourage new growth. Repotting should usually be done every few years, depending on the variety of plant and the size of the pot. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the original pot and replace the soil with fresh potting soil. When handling an indoor plant, take great care to avoid damaging fragile stems or leaves.
