Easy plants that are easy to love to death, but hard to kill 🙂
—–
As a little girl, I observed my mom and her magical green thumb, which kept every plant in our home and garden always alive and thriving.
I, on the other hand, killed my first succulent at the ripe age of 12.
While I know the recent-ish rave with houseplants is nothing new, I’ve started my hand at keeping them alive and I have to say –– it’s not going too badly!
Millions of “Top 5 Beginner Houseplant” lists exist out there on the internet, but you’re getting these recommendations from me: aka the girl who has killed many succulents (among many others who shall not be named).
So here are 5 easy-peasy houseplants if you’re just starting out. All tested and kept alive by yours truly.
I know, amazing.
1. Fittonia.
I can hear the plant experts murmuring already, but hear me out. Many know the fittonia as a fussy, dramatic plant. And, well –– she is. But the wonderful thing about drama queens is that they’ll always express themselves.
The fittonia is the houseplant drama queen, which makes caring for her so easy. While you have to guess with other plants about sun and water, Miss Fittonia tells you exactly how it is.
LIGHT: keep her in indirect, moderately bright light.
WATER: when her leaves droop, water thoroughly in a pot with drainage holes. In a few hours, she’ll perk up good as new.
2. Philodendron brasil.
I rescued my philodendron brasil from the clearance section at Walmart and honestly didn’t know if this little guy would pull through. He was badly overwatered, and, at the same time, a little burnt from being exposed to too much direct sunlight. But he’s thriving now, growing several new leaves at a time, and is one of my favorite plants (don’t tell the others)!
LIGHT: indirect bright sunlight –– the secret is giving enough light but never any that is scorching or direct.
WATER: only water when completely dry, at least through the first 2–3 inches of soil. Stick your index finger up to your first knuckle into the soil to see if it’s damp. Damp? Don’t water. Dry? Water thoroughly and let water drain through the bottom.
3. Monstera deliciosa.
These Pinterest-worthy houseplants have gained quite a fan club. It’s fascinating to watch their huge leaves unravel –– and it’s also so rewarding. My friend actually gave me a cutting of her younger monstera and I propagated it in water and transferred it into soil after about a month and a half.
Now he’s still thriving and growing more and more!
LIGHT: this one is very happy in bright, indirect light. It craves sun but will get burned if touched directly. Like the others, it should be placed in a spot where it gets light throughout the day but never direct rays.
WATER: beware of root rot and watering the plant too often. Because it’s a bigger plant and will likely fare better in a bigger pot (so that it doesn’t get root bound), the soil might still be damp even a week or 10 days after watering. This can cause fungus to grow on the roots and then you’ll get fungus gnats like I did and have to switch out the soil I recommend sticking your finger down deeper (3–4 inches) into the soil to check if it’s wet. Water thoroughly if it’s dry and let excess water go out through drainage holes in the bottom.
4. Pothos.
By now, you’re hopefully recognizing the pattern for plant care. A lot of them have similar watering and light needs, and as long as you’re consistent, and caring for each one individually (not thinking that if one needs water, then all of them do, etc.) then you’ll be on your way to the world’s greatest green thumb! Pay attention to each plant and its needs. Research what light it likes most. Watch Planterina on YouTube. She’s like the coolest aunt and mother of plants.
LIGHT: once again, bright and indirect.
WATER: wait until dry several inches into pot and then water thoroughly, allowing water to drain through the bottom
Tip: in watering all your plants, use your kitchen sink or bathtub to make sure the plants have adequate time to drain before placing them back into their pots or saucers.
5. ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
This is really as hands-off as you can get with a plant. Plant lovers rave about it because of how simple it is, and how little it really needs from you. I babysat my sister’s ZZ this summer while she was home from college, and I honestly didn’t pay much attention to it. It sat on my kitchen counter and never made a peep. Easy-peasy for the beginner!
LIGHT: they do best in moderate or bright indirect light. I kept it more in moderate light and it was happy there.
WATER: when my sister handed off this plant to me at the start of the summer, she admitted she hadn’t watered it probably more than twice in the last nine months. That being said, it thrives on neglect, honestly. Don’t water it too frequently. I’d say even every 2 weeks is too much. I tried to replicate the care that my sister had been giving it to keep it consistent.
And that’s it –– 5 plants that are easy-peasy, tried and tested by me, who was once a notorious plant-killer. In essence, plants aren’t hard. It’s intimidating to start, but once you get going, start researching, and become attentive to what each plant needs, you’ll be come more attuned to how to care for them.
What are your best plant tips? What are some easy ones you’ve managed to keep alive? Share with this new mama!
xo, rachlv.
