Low Maintenance House Plants
Many house plants are temperamental However, there are plenty that require less attention. These low-maintenance plants are perfect for gardeners who forget or who struggle to keep their gardens alive.
Lucky bamboo, the holiday cactus, and peace lily are all easy to cultivate. Simply water them regularly and let indirect light shine through.
Calthea Ornata
Pinstripe Calathea is a beautiful subdued, sombre foliage that complements the brighter leaves of plants like Arrowhead Vine or Chinese Evergreen. low maintenance house plants can be used to create indoor landscapes for offices. They are safe for the environment which makes them safe for children and pets to be around.
This tropical plant needs moderate amounts of sunlight. It will thrive in a sunny windowsill but should be kept away from direct sunlight, as this could cause its leaves to burn. If you're worried about the sun's rays in your home, place your calathea next to the window and cover it with a sheer curtain. This will block out the most intense sunlight.
This house plant also needs humidity. It can live in dry conditions, but will not thrive. Mist the leaves of your calathea two times each week using water at room temperature to keep the humidity level. You can also put your calathea plant in a room that has high humidity like a bathroom or kitchen.
Calathea ornata doesn't require much attention however, it requires some to stay healthy. It is not a heavy feeder but you can apply a liquid fertilizer to your houseplants every once or twice a monthly during the growing season. Keep an eye on the calathea plant to avoid problems like browning of leaves.
Tillandsia
Tillandsia often referred to as air plants or bromeliads, are unique houseplants that thrive without the need for soil. There are more than 540 varieties of pineapple plants or pineapple roses. They thrive in bright well-filtered light (not direct sunlight) and should be misted with water approximately every two weeks. If grown outdoors, they can be very hardy however, they prefer to be indoors or in extremely humid climates such as Florida.
Tillandsia are perfect for people who have to travel or forget to water their plants. They can be used to complement other houseplants or mounted in a beautiful manner, and are ideal for terrariums.
Tillandsia are epiphytes in nature. They are not parasitic and attach themselves to rocks, trees, and other plants, to obtain water and nutrients. They also utilize the process of CAM photosynthesis to exchange gases and respire at night. This is different from most other plants, which breathe through their leaves at night. Tillandsiaxerographica has serpentine leaves that bend in different directions. The foliage is covered in trichomes, giving it a soft silver colour. The species is native to Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, and Honduras. It is frequently utilized in terrariums, or attached to a piece of driftwood.
Orchids
Orchids may be intimidating to the novice houseplant grower However, with a bit of research and careful attention they can make an impressive addition to any house. The most common orchids are moth orchids or Phalaenopsis. They produce exotic blooms and are a great choice for the centrally heated homes we live in.
Orchid flowers come in many shapes sizes, colors and sizes. The petals are usually speckled while their stems rise above clumps with long arched leaves. You can find them everywhere in forests, mountains and deserts.
Some orchids require bright light while others thrive in dim to medium lighting. It is essential to provide enough light for the plants to bloom regardless of species. Insufficient light is the main reason why orchids don't produce flowers. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves of most orchids. To prevent this, put the plant behind curtains or window blinds that allow some light to be filtered through.
Watering orchids is also very important. Douse the plants with tepid water once or twice a week during winter, and up to three times per week during the warmer months. Water until the water runs out without restriction; this eliminates any salts naturally occurring and keeps the roots slightly damp. Fertilize orchids every two weeks during growth and once a month during dormancy. Make use of commercial fertilizers for orchids like 30-10-10, diluted until half strength.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are an ideal addition to any house because they cleanse the air. They can absorb harmful gases and VOCs such as xylene and benzene. They are easy to cultivate and require only minimal maintenance. They can also be used to decorate a room due to their gorgeous and elegant green leaves.
When you grow Peace Lilies indoors, they prefer bright indirect light. They don't thrive in direct sunlight because it could cause their leaves to become scorched. They can be placed near heating or air conditioning vents, but they should not be placed directly in front of them as this can cause the leaves to fade.
Water Peace Lilies frequently, allowing the soil to dry out for several inches before you water again. The plant will drop slightly if it's thirsty.
Fertilize each month using an appropriate liquid fertilizer for house plants using the recommended dilution and schedule for application. Don't over-fertilize your plant as this may increase the growth of foliage at the expense of flowers.
Another benefit of Peace Lilies is that they can help reduce mildew formation on walls and curtains by absorbing excessive moisture in the air. This is beneficial in washrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms where mildew growth could be a problem. The plant also assists in reducing the amount alcohol and acetone that are present in the room, which can be detrimental to the health of anyone who is exposed to them.
Anthurium
This houseplant is a stunning addition to any home. The long, vibrant flowers represent love and friendship that lasts. It is also on NASA's list of plants that purify the air. Anthurium is an epiphyte which grows on trees and other plants. It is also able to adapt to a potted setting. To take care of it, re-pot it regularly with a peat moss or coco coir soil mix and keep it in bright indirect light. It is best to water it after the soil is dry between 50% and 75% and mist it regularly (but don't overwater it).
Anthuriums are propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. It is recommended to use stem cuttings to propagate them, as seeds can only last for a short amount of time. To do this, cut off a piece of the plant at least 1 inch length and wrap it in sphagnum. Place it in a container with a little moisture and cover the container with plastic wrap to promote germination. Once the roots are visible remove the sphagnum, and cut the stem near the node. Then, place it in a potting mixture for aroids.
During the growing season fertilize anthuriums using a liquid plant food that is half strength every other week. Avoid fertilizing too much anthuriums as they are susceptible to rot. Be on the lookout for pests that can harm your garden, including spider mites and scale insects.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are a great choice for indoor gardens due to the fact that they thrive in dim light conditions and don't require direct sunlight. They are non-toxic, easy to care for and perfect for homes that have pets or young children. Furthermore spider plants have been recognized for their ability to eliminate harmful toxins and chemicals from the air, which makes spider plants a wonderful choice for anyone dealing with allergies.
Spider plants require moderate amounts of fertilization and watering. Ideally, it should be kept in bright, warm indirect sunlight as direct sunlight can burn the leaves. To encourage growth, the soil must be well-drained and not allowed to become too wet. Fertilize your plants regularly with a good quality potting mix.
When the plant has reached the desired height, it should be repositioned. To do this, gently tease the roots and find areas with plenty of root growth. Place the plant in a pot and fill it with a potting mixture for houseplants that drains well. Water the new container immediately and continue to water it regularly until the plant is established.
During the winter indoor plants can be extremely dry. They may require mist to boost humidity. This can be accomplished by placing the plants in a moist area such as a kitchen or bathroom or by running a humidifier or putting them in groups. The brown leaves on spider plants can be a sign of soil that is too dry or too wet. Make sure to check the moisture level often.