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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Ohio U chapter.

 

At times when life might be a little harder, like starting a new semester, a plant is a good way to stay grounded. School and life can pick up quickly and sometimes having another living thing that depends on you is exactly what the soul needs. I started taking interest in plants my senior year of high school, I wanted to bring life to my bedroom, so my mom surprised me with a peace lily which inspired me to research and get some plants of my own. With time I fell in love with plants, I started collecting more and more until it started to become almost overwhelming but more rewarding. I have not always been a green thumb and I killed many plants to get to the place I am now. I take pride in the plants I have. As someone who has had my share of fails as well as wins, I am here to tell you some of the most beautiful plants are the easiest to take care of, here are five of the easiest plants to take care of that I have owned myself  and would suggest to others.

Succulents assorted in pots
Photo by Angele Kamp from Unsplash

 

 

 

Golden Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy.

I have had my Golden Pothos plant for over a year, they have large green leaves with white speckles. They need to be watered around twice a week and do not require direct sunlight to survive, but they do thrive if they are given some sun time on occasion. This plant is hard to kill and will be forgiving if you forget to water it. This plant allows for a regular pot and looks wonderful in a hanging planter as well. Golden Pothos grow quickly, this is rewarding to see and might be more interesting to take care of than a slow-growing plant. 

Birds of Paradise

This plant is a large, wide-leaf plant. It is easy to take care of, it needs watered every 1-2 weeks and will be strongest in direct sunlight. These plants have the ability to flower but it is very rare for this to happen indoors. I personally have never had a flower, but I am hoping that with time I might get one! These plants can grow to be very tall (three to five feet) so be aware of this! 

Monstera, also known as Swiss Cheese Plant

This plant is a large leaf plant. It is called a swiss cheese plant because of the long slits that run on the inner portion of the leaf creating the “swiss cheese” pattern. This plant has recently become popular and is becoming slightly easier to find in regular stores such as lowes. This plant needs watering every 1-2 weeks. The soil must be completely dry between each time. It will do best in indirect sunlight which makes it the perfect plant for any placement in your home.

Bamboo, also known as the Lucky Bamboo Plant

This plant can really withstand anything. It does best in bright light but will do well anywhere in your home. Bright light will show the most growth. This plant is easy to take care of and is often already planted correctly and just needs water! It also provides an opportunity for an aesthetically pleasing design. It can be manipulated to grow in interesting patterns and can be grown in different types of rock or marble! 

Peace Lily

This plant is easy to care for and will show fast growth. It almost communicates with you, meaning do not water this plant until it begins to droop. I learned this after having my own peace lily for years and not understanding the correct watering time. After researching all of the care instructions most agreed do not water until the leaves are droopy. Peace lilies can grow to be fairly large and have beautiful flowers. Partial shade is the perfect light for these plants although they are not too picky so they will do well in any area of the house. They are toxic to many house pets which is something to be aware of!

Happy planting!I hope that these plant suggestions might bring the same joy to your homes that they bring to mine!

 

basil plant
Photo by Tone Høines from Unsplash

Carly Getter is a Junior in the Communications Sciences and Disorders major at Ohio University with plans to become an audiologist. She loves to read, drink coffee, and love on her bunny Keeto!
Caitlin Hunt

Ohio U '21

Caitlin Hunt is a fourth year journalism news and information student at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. On campus, Caitlin is involved with the Ohio Fellows, Cru, and is a Templeton Scholar. She has served as a TODAY Show intern and a NAJA fellow. In her free time, she takes in as much pop culture as she can! She is always watching tv shows and movies, listening to music and obsessing over the latest Broadway musical. Check out her monthly blog, Caitlin's Pop of Culture to see what she's watching!