Top 3 Easy to Care for Houseplants 🪴
In 2016 my (Stefanie) mom gifted us a beautiful Golden Pothos plant (pictured). I knew nothing about caring for houseplants, I only knew she divided the plant from one she had been growing for years. I could not kill this!
I dove into the world of houseplants quickly, researching care instructions. And, with each new plant I received, I did the same. Learning each plant’s unique light and water requirements is key.
Over the last 6 years I have learned so much and now own over 25 different varieties of plants. A quick count brought me to 45 potted plants and that does not include all of the cuttings I have rooting in water!
Without further ado, here are my top 3 easy to care for houseplants.
Pothos
Pothos are one of my all-time favorite plants, from low light to bright light, they’re happy. In our home, they do well being watered once a week, but are really forgiving if I don’t get to it right on schedule. If the leaves start to droop, it’s a sign they need water. Pothos are also a gift that keep on giving, their vines and leaves can easily be propagated and turned into more plants. Here’s a great quick video: how to propagate in water (I am really bad at changing the water out and let it go weeks and I’ve still been successful, so don’t worry about changing the water daily).
Houseplant Tip: for all plants, I highly recommend pots with drainage holes, this is one of the best ways to prevent overwatering. Not sure if it needs to be watered yet? Stick your finger in the soil, if it’s dry up to your 2nd knuckle, water it.
2. Snake Plant
Snake plants are often recommended as easy plants, because they do well in low light. As with any plant, the more light they receive the better they do, but snakes are hearty survivors. Until recently, I’d kept mine within 2-3 feet of a window. Needing the space we moved it across the room, a good 20 feet from an east facing window and it is still thriving.
Snake plants come in many different varieties. Ones like this, if given the right environment, over time can grow upwards of 6-7 feet. But there are also more compact varieties that stay small so find the right one for your space.
3. Haworthia
Often times when new plant owners look at succulents they go for a beautifully colored echeveria variety. Our house doesn’t get enough sunlight for these to be happy, they always stretch for the light and look “leggy”. But my Haworthias don’t need as much light and get huge, As they mature, they really become statement pieces or you can separate the “pups” and make more plants.
BONUS: runners up
Ficus Burgundy
These are often called rubber plants or rubber trees. They love bright indirect light. They get their name from the new leaf growth and dark red veins. Over the years, if you continue to increase the pot size as it grows, these can easily become indoor trees. Based on my home & light, I water once a week.
ZZ Plant
The Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, or affectionately called “ZZ” is a low light tolerant, drought tolerant plant. Based on my lighting and pot type on average I water it every other week.
Final Tips!
Every home is different… the amount of light you get and humidity level in your house will affect how often you water your plants. Also, the type of pot you use can change your care routine. A terracotta pot will dry out more quickly than a glazed ceramic or plastic pot.
Be patient with yourself and your plants! You’ll be a great plant parent in no time.