Everyone loves houseplants, but many people don’t know the ways they are incredibly beneficial. This Swanson Nursery states that taking care of houseplants has been known to improve your mood, decrease anxiety, and improve air quality.
However when it comes to houseplants, many people just don’t know where to start.
So here is a list of the easiest houseplants to take care of, so even those who lack a “green thumb” can enjoy them.
The Best Plants for Beginners
English Ivy
- Water: about one time a week
- Light: indirect sunlight is best, and direct sunlight will burn the leaves
- Soil: does best in well drained soil
- WARNING: English Ivy is toxic, so if you have pets you may want to skip this one
Fiddle Leaf Fig
- Water: about one time every 10 days
- Light: indirect but bright light
- Soil: does best in well drained soil
- WARNING: Fiddle Leaf Figs are toxic, so avoid if you have pets
Spider Plant
- Water: about one time a week
- Light: indirect but bright light
- Soil: does best in well drained soil
Guzmania bromeliads
- Water: about one time per month
- Light: bright and direct sunlight
- Soil: moisture-retaining soil is best
- Note: Guzmania bromeliads appreciate humidity, so this would be a great plant for a bathroom that gets a lot of sunlight
Chinese Money Plant
- Water: not frequently, only when the soil is dry
- Light: indirect but bright light
- Soil: standard soil
Pothos
- Water: about once every 2 weeks
- Lighting: low light to indirect sunlight
- Soil: standard soil
Best Soils
For well draining soils, I recommend succulent and cactus potting soil. Even though it says it is just for succulents and cacti, it is great for other plants that require well drained soil. I recommend this Miracle-Gro potting mix.
For standard soils, I recommend this Miracle-Gro houseplant potting mix.
The key to successfully keeping plants alive, and thriving, is to learn what they like and don’t like. Some plants, even then they are known for liking indirect sunlight, will prefer to get more sun than others. The most important thing is learning to listen to your plants, and be willing to play around with them to find the perfect room and watering schedule.
How’s your indoor garden going? Let us know @HerCampusSJSU!