Easy Plants to Get You Started

As we settle in for the cold winter months ahead, we want our homes to feel peaceful and cozy. Adding just one plant can completely change the energy in your space, bringing a sense of calm to any room. Yet for some of my clients, caring for indoor plants can be stressful. They may dream of having a houseful, but after killing a few they’re nervous to dive back in. The good news is that some plants are practically indestructible! For those who feel botanically challenged, or are just starting out, here are three of my favorite easy-to-care-for plants:

ZZ
Zamioculcas zamiifolia

The ZZ is one of the most popular plants we offer. Perfect for the forgetful plant owner, ZZ can survive for months without much care. Water them once a month and they’ll be fine. While happiest in bright indirect light, ZZ’s will tolerate low and even fluorescent lighting.

Is it fake? Nope. The sheen of their smooth, dark green leaves has many fooled. ZZ’s lush foliage fills out a pot beautifully and makes a lovely gift for friends. They come in a variety of sizes.

Snake
Sansevieria trifasciata

Snake plants, aka Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, don’t like a lot of attention. They actually prefer being left alone, so water no more than once a month. They do best in bright indirect, but will be okay in bright light or even a shady corner.

Their long, vibrant leaves provide a striking contrast among your other plants. They come in a variety of sizes and colors. The snake plant is said to clean air better than most other indoor plants as it has the ability to absorb excessive amounts of carbon monoxide. It also emits oxygen and filters other toxins from the air such as benzene, xylene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde.

Pothos
Epipremnum aureum

Pothos is arguably the easiest of all houseplants to grow, even if you have a habit of forgetting to water. They are very forgiving, and will bounce back if it gets too dry. Ideally, pothos should be watered once a week. The trailing vine has pointed, heart-shaped leaves that are sometimes variegated with white, yellow, or pale green. While pothos like bright indirect light, it can thrive in areas that don’t get a lot of sunlight. They do well with fluorescent lighting, making it ideal for offices and dorm rooms.

Happy Planting!

Laura

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