If I haven’t lost you already, well, indulge me, please, and read on. If you don’t have any, well, maybe you should get some. Houseplants, that is. They provide so much to our interior spaces, beyond just their beauty, the air-cleaning purposes they provide are immeasurable. They don’t have to be ‘messy’ if you care for them properly.

 

 

If you find yourself a bit daunted on their care (houseplants in the general sense) there are many varieties that are super low-maintenance. My top three suggestions would be pothos (a true fave among many), sansevieria (snake plant), and many kinds of palms.

 

 

 Pothos have heart-shaped leaves, also called trailing hearts. I keep mine somewhat cut back with maybe a few dangling ‘trails.’ I’m not a big fan of the look of too long (the trails) where many leaves may be missing, thus making the plant look somewhat ‘ragged.’ Rather, bunched together without being ‘dense’ is a better look. Restaurants often sport these plants, where no one is taking particularly good care of them and they’re left to become straggly. These guys are very easy care. They like indirect light. When the top of the plant’s soil is dry most of the way through, give it a soak, then allow it to go all the way dry before you water it again. (Always use a plant tray or saucer to catch overflow.). They like average temperature and humidity. Cut them back often when the trails get bedraggled-looking and save the cuttings. Stick them just as they are in a wine bottle (or whatever); they will spring roots before too long, and voila- a whole new plant. In a bunch, they make great hostess gifts. From my one plant, I now have four and have given away probably ten or more.

 

 

Sansevieria- also known as snake plant- is also a good choice for low maintenance. These guys like to go super dry and only require watering once every few weeks. They are hardy and adaptable to many growing conditions. Looks wise, they have sword-like spiky upright leaves. Though they generally prefer indirect light, they can still thrive in full sunlight or low light. And a big bonus? They give off oxygen, both day and night, unlike many other plants.

 

 

And one of my favorites–within the palm family–is the Kentia. Their pure elegance can just add life to an empty corner of the house. Their fronds grow right from the base while not taking up too much room. They thrive in most light conditions. Potted, they may grow to ten feet tall. Their preference is moist soil; they don’t like sitting in water, nor do they like their roots soggy. Water only after you’ve felt the soil.

 

 

Go out on a limb and be brave. I’ve never met anyone in a nursery/garden center that wasn’t quite well-versed in suggestions for your specifics, along with their care. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. As will our environment.

 

 

 

 

Leslie Cramer

I’ve always had a passion for anything growing; I’m an admitted tree hugger. From seedlings to full-on mature trees, to all the things plants can do for our fragile environment, that pretty much sums up my borderline obsession for all things green.