Growing healthy, thriving houseplants can be a challenge. With less sunlight and limited room to grow, many indoor plants require a steady routine of watering, pruning, and fertilizing to reach their full potential.
Fortunately, you don’t need a green thumb to have a beautiful indoor garden! These low maintenance, easy-to-grow indoor houseplants are great for beginners, frequent travellers, or anyone who wants no-fuss greenery in their home.
-
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nothing to fear with this hardy houseplant. The perky spider plant has been an indoor gardening staple for decades, owing to its adaptability and appealing, grass-like foliage. And unlike many houseplants, spider plants pose no danger to curious cats or dogs (though you should still discourage them from taking a bite out of it!)
Spider plants prefer moist soil and bright light, though they fare well in medium sun. Healthy spider plants will eventually produce miniature ‘plantlets’ that are easily snipped off and rooted in a new container. With a little care and patience, you can fill your windowsill with a whole menagerie of spider plants!
-
Aloe Vera
It’s no surprise succulents have exploded in popularity. Not only are they spectacular photo material, succulents are relatively hardy and easy to grow as an indoor houseplant, surviving in dry soil and modest sunlight.
One of the most common and best succulents for beginners is Aloe Vera, well known for its medicinal properties. Aloe Vera is a striking plant, with thick, emerald leaves dappled with beautiful spots and lined with firm teeth. Lucky gardeners may even find their Aloe Vera plant sporting small, salmon-coloured flowers in the spring!
-
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Though they aren’t true lilies (peace lilies are actually members of the family araceae), peace lilies are no less beautiful than their namesake. A peace lily sports bold, white blooms with tiny spikes of fragrant, yellow flowers. Although they usually bloom in the spring, their dark foliage looks stunning throughout the year.
Peace lilies can tolerate the low-light and low-humidity conditions of our Canadian winters, but they need protection from cold drafts and temperature changes. Aside from that, they’re an easy flower to care for. The peace lily will wilt whenever it’s thirsty, and bounce back quickly after you water it. Be sure to plant it in a soil and container with good drainage.
-
Pothos (Eppremnum areum)
Also known as Devil’s Ivy, pothos stands all as one of hardiest and most versatile houseplants. Its variegated, heart-shaped foliage brings a natural touch to the kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom…or just about any room with low to full light. You can train it upright on an elegant trellis or leave it to dangle freely from a bookshelf. Cut back the stems when they get too long and the plant will continue to grow fully and healthily for years.
Pothos is also renowned for its ability to purify the air, absorbing carbon monoxide and toxins that leech from materials in the home.
-
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Like Aloe Vera, this durable succulent thrives with minimal care. The thick, teardrop-shaped leaves of the jade plant can retain water for long periods, allowing it to survive in dry soil and the occasional watering. Though they’re not terribly picky about climate, jade plants actually prefer cooler temperatures, making them a great choice for Canadians.
It’s important to note that jade plants don’t grow overnight — these charming little succulents can take months or years to reach their full potential. However, with a bit of care and a lot of patience, a heathy jade plant can reward you with decades of greenery and small, pink blooms.
-
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant has earned a reputation as the ultimate low-maintenance houseplant. Leave the house for a couple of weeks, and the snake plant’s long, sword-like leaves will be just as green as you left them! Snake plants are perfect for people who travel a lot for work or leisure.
Snake plants prefer dry air and dry soil, surviving for weeks without water or pruning. Different varieties of snake plants can display a garden of shades and patterns. They look best when placed in a group of other indoor plants, as this allows their pointed foliage to stand out from the crowd!
Growing healthy, thriving houseplants can be a challenge. With less sunlight and limited room to grow, many indoor plants require a steady routine of watering, pruning, and fertilizing to reach their full potential.
Suggested Products
