15 indoor house plants that require little upkeep
If you're looking to spruce up your home and add a little life to your décor, getting indoor house plants may be a perfect idea. And if taking care of live plants seems intimidating, don't worry — not every plant requires full sunlight all day, along with a complicated watering and fertilizing schedule. In fact, there are plenty of house plants out there that require minimal upkeep while adding life to your space.
The benefits of indoor house plants
There are many reasons why you may want to consider adding indoor house plants to your home. For starters, plants help improve the air quality inside your home. House plants and the microorganisms in their soil help clean the air and replace carbon dioxide with oxygen.
In addition to the physical health benefits of plants, they can also help with your mental health. Interacting with your plants, whether that means watering, pruning or just admiring, can help reduce stress and help you relax. Having plants around can be an instant mood booster. Who doesn't want to glance away from their work screen to look at some leafy tendrils reaching for the sun?
Plus, plants are an inexpensive way to nurture and care for something, especially if you're not quite ready to commit to pets or children. A low-maintenance plant may be a good starting point to help build that responsibility and dedication to caring for something.
Considerations for keeping live, indoor plants
If you're thinking of adding some live indoor plants to your home, there are a few things to consider. Knowing your space is one of the most important things when learning how to keep plants alive.
Before choosing a plant, figure out where you want to put it. That way, you'll be able to pick a plant with needs that fit your resources. For instance, if the only place you have in your home for a plant is in a shady corner, it might not be the best idea to get a plant that requires six hours of direct sunlight.
Additionally, make sure you have enough room for your plant to continue to grow and thrive. If your plant grows vertically, don't put it on top of a bookshelf. If your plant is bushy, don't try and shove it between the wall and the couch. Plants also need good airflow to thrive, so you may want to keep that in mind when picking a place for your plant.
You may also want to consider your climate — both outside and inside. Some plants require more humidity, while others do well with drier air. If you frequently have the heat or air conditioner running, the air in your home is likely on the dry side. However, if you have your heart set on a tropical plant, there are options like misters and humidifiers to keep your plants healthy.
Another thing you'll want to assess before choosing a plant is how much light your home gets and which direction your windows face. Some plants, like snake plants, are perfectly content with low light. Others, like jade, thrive in direct sunlight.
And lastly, don't forget to take your furry friends into account when choosing a plant. There are household plants that are toxic to cats and dogs, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.
15 low-maintenance plants for your home
There are many low maintenance indoor plants that you can choose from depending on what you're looking for. Some ideas based on care are below.
Low light lovers
- Lucky bamboo (moderate to high moisture)
- Spider plant (moderate moisture)
- Golden pothos (moderate moisture)
- Snake plant (low to moderate moisture)
- Peace lily (moderate to high moisture)
Medium light mavens
- Elephant ears (high moisture)
- Prayer plant (moderate moisture)
- Rhapis palm (moderate moisture)
- Boston fern (moderate moisture)
- Cast iron plant (low to moderate moisture)
Full light fans
- Jade (low moisture)
- Aloe vera (low moisture)
- String of pearls (low moisture)
- Kalanchoe (low moisture)
- Cacti (very low moisture)
Fake plants
If you're someone who loves the look of plants but doesn't feel ready to keep one alive, consider fake plants. Many stores carry hyper-realistic fake plants that can provide a pop of color to your home without the commitment of caring for a real plant.
Another upside to fake plants is that you can choose any type and put them anywhere you'd like, without worrying that they won't get enough sunlight. If there's a hard-to-maintain plant that you had your heart set on but are worried you can't keep it alive, a fake version is a great option.
Pro tip: replant your faux plant in real dirt, and make sure to dust those leaves regularly to maintain the illusion.
What's more
Indoor house plants can be a great way to add color to your space, while also helping to improve your physical and mental health. Make sure to do a little bit of planning before picking out your plants, and then prepare to have your newfound green thumb take over.
