A few simple houseplants are a good place to start if you are just starting your gardening journey.
Make sure the specimens selected are healthy and free of disease. Opt for plants with a low maintenance requirement instead of ones that require too much.
There are a few basics that must be considered when it comes to growing plants inside your house. Before we can walk you through our top ten indoor plants for beginners, we need to consider a few factors…
Temperature and Light
Most tropical houseplants require a temperature they are comfortable with since they are tropical.
During the day, aim for 65°F to 75°F. Do not let it fall below 55°F overnight to prevent suffocation.
Keeping your plants at a constant temperature is also crucial. They must be kept away from any heaters or fireplaces and away from drafts.
Light is important for houseplants, but too much can affect them. A smart option in terms of lighting and location would be bright windows that get direct sunlight for a part of the day.
Humidity
Particularly in the winter when the air can become dry, houseplants respond well to humid conditions.
There are a few simple ways you can increase your humidity levels, the easiest of which is to invest in a humidifier. Try grouping your plants and placing them in pebble trays or misting them gently with water if you don’t want to buy more equipment.
In order to get your plants through the winter, why not move them to the bathroom where things are naturally more humid?
The addition of plants to the decor of your bathroom can really enhance how relaxing the room feels, even in the non-winter months. You should take this into consideration when designing the bathroom of your dreams.
Water
When it comes to watering, there aren’t too many hard and fast rules. It really depends on the plant.
The following simple pointers will make your life easier if you are not an experienced grower.
- Check the soil every week. Water the soil if it feels dry to the touch. Moisture makes it possible to hold fire.
- Instead of watering the foliage, water the soil
- You want to water your drainage tray slowly and carefully. Once the drips begin to show on the tray, you should stop watering.
- In the winter, avoid using water from the cold faucet. You also want to cut back your watering frequency to once every 2 weeks.
- Do not allow your plants to oversaturate with water because drooping foliage can indicate a parched plant.
Pots and Soil
You should make sure that the container is the right size so that the roots will not rot. If the roots are in a pot that is too small and too tight, they can become crowded and starve. Repot once a year and only increase the pot size by an inch or two.
Plants need nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Garden soil will not work. Consider using a potting mix for houseplants. There are specific soils for orchids and succulents, but in general, all-purpose potting mix is just fine.
Feeding
You can provide your plants with a little extra feed from spring through fall to help with their growing process.
It is usually sufficient to use a standard plant food. It is available as a powder, liquid or in a slow release form.
Fertilize your plants judiciously and follow instructions closely to avoid over-fertilizing them.
OK…
You can grow 10 plants inside, regardless of whether or not you are an experienced gardener.
A Beginners Guide to Houseplants
1. Tillandsia
Tillandsias have always been considered among the best indoor plants. Their root system requires very little care. They do not need to be watered, even needing water for weeks at a time. Small homes with limited space will appreciate these hanging plants.
2. Spider Plant
These plants require minimal watering and medium light. They are effective at eliminating odors, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Because of its humidity-loving disposition, it is perfect for a bathroom.
3. Snake Plant
Since its blade-like appearance makes the snake plant look like that of the mother-in-law’s tongue or St. George’s sword, the name snake plant has gained popularity. It prefers low lighting and humidity. Snake plants can also remove nasty smells and toxic materials from the air.
4. Peace Lily
Even though this wonderful white flower prefers indirect sunlight, it is tolerant of lower light levels. Also, peace lilies remove toxins from the air. Its soil should be kept moist at all times.
5. Orchid
This flower thrives in indirect sunlight and should be placed next to a window. The humid conditions in the bathroom replicate the plant’s natural environment, which is perfect for orchids. The orchid should be placed near a sink or bathtub where water can periodically splash on it.
6. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo can grow without soil just like tillandsias. If you pop them in a glass half filled with water and pebbles, they will grow well. The water needs to be changed twice a month. Solar panels have almost no maintenance requirements, but are dependent on the sun’s rays.
7. Ivy
If allowed to, these hanging plants can climb up the walls. For enhanced sunlight exposure, vines of ivy should be positioned near the window. A beginner can grow ivy easily since it is not a demanding plant to maintain.
8. Dracaena
Also known as the dragon plant, this variety thrives in humid environments. They dry out and die when the leaves are low in humidity. Dracaenas are also known for removing toxins and impurities from the air. They prefer low lighting.
9. Cast Iron Plant
As its name suggests, cast iron plants are very tough. They can withstand extremely high temperatures, dry conditions, and humidity. Plants of this type prefer low light to direct sun but will thrive in moderate light. They must be watered on a regular basis, but the soil should dry completely before you do that.
10. Aloe Vera
Since it doesn’t die that easily, this plant deserves the name of an immortality plant. By rubbing the chopped leaves on the scalp, its aloe properties can be used to treat thinning hair and dandruff. Besides serving as a cure for shaving wounds, aloe is also used in cosmetics and skin care.
Wrap-Up
Plants are a great way to add some color to your home without putting in too much effort.
Almost any of our selected 10 require practically no gardening skills. Try some out and see what you think.
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