Are there truly plants that are resistant to pests?
Pests; insects, or bugs can attack all plants, whether they are indoor plants or outdoor plants.
Some plants are more tolerant than others and do not suffer as much damage from pests, while others simply succumb to whatever pests attack them.
It is a good idea to avoid certain plants since they are naturally poisonous to certain pests, such as bedbugs, scale, gnats, mealy bugs and thrips. Because of this, pets, dogs and toddlers with clawed feet may also be poisoned by these plants.
We as plant parents have a responsibility to be able to recognize the signs of a pest infestation and to take action to protect our plants.
I must admit, however, that half the battle is choosing plants that are less susceptible to pests. More and more I realized that I was taking care of plants that repel pests on my own, which also happen to be among the simplest indoor plants to grow. How convenient!
Here are the top 5 most pest resistant plants indoors!
1. SNAKE PLANT (SANSEVIERIA TRIFASCIATA)
Originally from tropical West Africa, Snake Plants grow in the Central African Republic.
Snake plants are not only one of the most pest-resistant indoor plants, they are also very easy to grow in the home and have numerous benefits;
- In addition, this species provides a great deal of shade, making it an ideal choice for dark spaces.
- The plants are extremely easy to look after, requiring very little maintenance and water.
- It tolerates low light conditions.
- This air purifier is excellent for removing benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and trichloroethylene from the air.
- The fact that it comes in many varieties, species, and sizes makes it an excellent plant to be used to decorate interior spaces, regardless of whether it’s on a table top, on a shelf, on a plant stand or even on the floor in a nice container.
2. JADE PLANT (CRASSULA)
Originally from southern Africa, jade plants have been widely diffused worldwide as indoor decorative plants, thanks to their pest resistance. You can grow succulents indoors easily!
These plants became popular houseplants not only for their low maintenance, but also because they are thought to bring good luck to their owners, (that is why they are also known as Money Plants).
As with many other succulents, Jade Plants need a lot of bright light and even direct sunlight to thrive. Low light will result in Jade Plants growing leggy.
You should not water these plants on a schedule. The best way to tell if they need water is to touch the top soil. Don’t let the soil completely dry out! Water it as soon as the soil feels dry!
The Jade Plant is an extremely easy plant to propagate. Plant the stems into a pot of soil when the plant becomes leggy or too big, and plant the stems directly into the pot.
If cared for properly and allowed to flourish in ideal environmental conditions, the plants can grow pretty old and big.
Like the Snake Plant, Jade Plants can be toxic to pets and toddlers if ingested. Insects and bugs truly dislike their poisonous sap!
Jade Plants are also considered great air purifying plants.
3. CAST IRON PALM (ASPIDISTRA ELATIOR)
Originally from Japan and Taiwan, the Cast Iron Plant has become increasingly widespread worldwide.
Among the most pest-resistant indoor plants, this is another plant that is impossible to kill = perfect for Black Thumbs.
The Peace Lily resembles it in appearance, but it is even hardier and less glamorous. Plants of this genus prefer hot, dry conditions. They are slow to grow yet they can withstand neglect better than most plants.
While it can withstand the most severe conditions, this plant still needs to be watered well regularly.
The plant to choose when you have killed all your other plants! Plastic plants are next!
Besides being non-toxic to both pets and children, this plant has many additional advantages!
4. MADAGASCAR DRAGON TREE (DRACAENA MARGINATA)
Africa is the native continent of the Dracaena or Dragon Tree.
This easy-to-grow plant does not require any special skill to grow, making it a good choice for newcomers. People who are just starting out with plants tend to find it to be very easy to grow and extremely pest resistant.
The plant prefers moderate to low light levels. Full sun will burn its leaves.
It doesn’t need to be watered very often since Dracaenas are drought tolerant. Overwatering makes them much more vulnerable to death. You can water this plant every 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the amount of light it receives. Dracaenas are sensitive to fluoride, so it is best to water them with distilled water if your tap water has high fluoride levels.
This plant is an excellent air purifier and it helps remove formaldehyde, xylene and trichloroethylene from the air.
Pets and children can die from Dracaena’s toxic leaves.
5. CHINESE EVERGREEN (AGLAONEMA)
The Chinese Evergreen plant is native to the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia and New Guinea.
It is highly tolerant to poor light conditions, dry environments and drought.
Like the Cast Iron Plant, it does not like cooler temperatures and needs to be away from drafts.
Water this plant approximately once every two weeks and allow to dry through before the next watering.
The Chinese Evergreen is another air purifying plant that helps remove xylene and formaldehyde from the air.
This plant’s leaves, like the majority of the pest resistant indoor plants, are toxic to pets and children, if ingested.
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