It’s safe to say that house plants are having a moment. They’re must-haves in pretty much all decor spreads, trendy restaurants, and can even be spotted in fashion shoots. Some of the more exotic plants can be tricky to keep alive if you don’t really have a green thumb. So if you’ve watered 50 Woolies succulents to death already, this is for you.
We’ve compiled this list of foolproof house plants that are really hard to kill. You don’t have to sacrifice style – you just have to pick the right plants. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to care for these little life-givers.
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Snake Plants: Unsung Heroes
Snake plants (Sansevieria Trifasciata) are notoriously hardy. They’re also sometimes referred to as a “mother-in-law’s tongue” because of the leaves’ sharpness – the reference is pretty obvious.
They basically thrive on neglect and can add a fresh pop of colour to any living space. This is a great plant for beginners because it thrives in low light and generally doesn’t demand too much. The less sunlight it gets, the smaller it’ll generally stay, but it’ll be growing happily enough. Outdoors, they can grow very big, but they’re ideal for darker nooks.
If the leaves start browning or sagging, it’s probably because you’re killing them with kindness. These plants don’t need much water, so they’re susceptible to over-watering. Water no more than once a week and see them thrive.
Spider Plants: The Hardiest Growers
Spider plants (Chlorophytum Comosum) are super charming, with their green and white-striped leaves. They’re also nearly impossible to kill. Their long tendrils make them great as hanging plants or for your trendy off-the-ground planters.
They do well in medium to bright, indirect light — so set them off to the side of your windowsill. They also prefer soil with good drainage. All this means is that it’s best to let them dry out fully before watering them again. You’ll see when they need water because their colours will fade. When the green of the leaves is looking a bit pale, you know they’re ready for some love.
Spider plants also love humidity. So they’re great for bathrooms. They soak up the steam from your baths or showers. This house plant is ideal for your potentially plain bathroom window sill – you’ll thank us later.
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Air Plants: Interesting Additions
Air plants (Tillandsia) come in all shapes and sizes. They don’t grow in soil (hence the name) so they can hang from curtain rails, burglar bars, or snazzy planters.
In nature, air plants usually grow on other plants and get their nutrients from the air and rainfall. To water air plants in your home, give them a good soak in water once a week for an hour or so. Once they’ve been soaked, gently shake off any excess water and hang them back up.
Many species of air plants also flower if they’re happy. This means that every few months, you might get an extra little pop of colour. These house plants are easy, interesting, and adaptable.
Peace Lilies: Classic Beauties
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are flowering plants that add a touch of class to any space they’re in. You can usually pick one of these plants up in your local grocery store – they’re popular and easy to grow. That’s why they also make great gifts; you’re not burdening the receiver with a fussy plant.
These lilies bloom throughout the year and do best in light spaces. They require quite a bit of water because they’re originally from tropical environments. But if you have light and water two or three times a week, these house plants will absolutely thrive.
They can also grow huge. The bigger the pot, the bigger your lily will grow, especially if you keep the soil nice and moist.
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Philodendron: High Impact Home-Grower
Philodendrons can be found at just about any nursery. There are hundreds of variations, so you can even get to collecting a variety of these beauties. They grow in long vines so they’re ideal as hanging plants.
These house plants grow best in medium or bright-light spots, but also tolerate low light exceedingly well. They need water once a week. But they are generally okay if you forget to water them for a little while. One thing to look out for with your philodendron is over-watering: if their roots are constantly soaked, they’ll rot.
These vines are relatively slow growers, so they make for manageable additions to your home. They’re not prone to taking over a whole space, but can be grown in trellises if you wish.
