No Green Thumb, No Problem: 7 Easy To Grow Plants for Beginners
There are a lot of reasons why so many people have transformed into plant parents during the pandemic. So if are still intimidated by this increasingly popular hobby, worry not! The Philippine Primer has curated a list of low-maintenance plants and succulents that will surely change your mind.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller)
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There are more to aloe vera than its healing properties. It is an easy-to-maintain, attractive succulent that makes for a great indoor plant. It will decorate your home while serving as a self-regenerating first-aid kit. Just put this plant in a sunny spot and keep the minimum watering, as the soil likes dry. However, its thick leaves still need sufficient water nonetheless. Also, make sure not to overexpose the plant in direct sunlight because it tends to dry out the plant and can turn the leaves yellow.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
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Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is a tropical vine with shiny, heart-shaped leaves that often have gold, white, or yellow variegation. It is arguably one of the easiest houseplants to grow, even if you’re a person who often forgets to water his/her plants. When planting this trailing vine, use a pot with a hole in the bottom as it doesn’t like wet soil. Only water when the soil feels dry or its leaves begin to yellow. Place it in a bright place but in indirect light. It will tolerate low light, but will not grow as vigorously and may lose some or all of the variegation in its leaves in that condition.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
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Famously known as mother-in-law’s tongue, the snake plant is one of the easiest houseplants to take care of. They prefer bright, indirect light and can even tolerate some direct sunlight. However, they also grow well (although slower) in shady corners and other dim areas of the house. Just remember not to water it too frequently. Let the soil (mostly) dry out between waterings as it doesn’t like soggy soil, which causes it to rot.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
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The peace lily is a low-maintenance plant with glossy green leaves and pure white flower that changes to pale green after 10 days. Don’t expose these plants to direct sunlight and put them in a well-lit area instead. Keep the soil moist by watering it consistently, but do not overwater them as they tend to thrive in tropical environments where they originally came from. Peace lilies can tolerate short periods of dry soil, but their leaves will start to brown if neglected for too long. Keep in mind that peace lilies contain calcium oxalate, a substance that may cause stomach and respiratory irritation if ingested in large amounts. So keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
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As reported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for its reported air-purifying ability, the spider plant has slender, arching leaves that are green or variegated with white. These easy-to-grow houseplants look especially nice in a hanging basket. Keep it in bright to moderate indirect sunlight as it does not like direct, hot sunlight, which can burn the leaves, causing brown tips and spots. Water it occasionally, but make sure to keep the soil moist to encourage growth.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
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According to Chinese lore, the lucky bamboo brings good fortune to its owner depending on the number of its stalks. However, this plant isn’t a type of bamboo at all, but has a similar look to the real one and is nearly as tough. In fact, it is closely related to succulents than to bamboo, which is a type of grass. It can survive in a vase with just a bit of water and a layer of pebbles, or it can be planted in a pot of moist soil. It also doesn’t tolerate low light, though it will look its best when kept in a bright area and watered regularly.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
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Jade plants have thick, woody stems and oval-shaped leaves, making them look like miniature trees. They are easy to grow indoors and are known for living for a very long time. It’s important to keep the plant watered, but the soil should be allowed to dry out fully between waterings, as this plant is susceptible to rot. Try to avoid splashing water on the leaves while watering, as this can expose them to rot in a humid environment. They also need at least four hours of direct sunlight each day so you should place it in a well-lit corner of the house.
Do you have other plants for beginners in mind? Please let us know in the comment section below!
