People have been finding comfort amidst the pandemic with plants. Planet retailers across the country have seen a boom in sales since April and May 2020, and people aren’t slowing down. While plant sales have been on the rise over the last few years, partially thanks to online plant-centric influencers, even more people got interested in the hobby during lockdown.
Cultivating a lush collection of plants indoors isn’t not only visually appealing, but has shown to help reduce stress and increase feelings of relaxation and happiness (which are all things we all could use right about now). If you’ve been thinking about trying out your green thumb, but feel intimidated by where to start, here’s where to start.
Plants You Can’t Kill
These five plants are some of the easiest to care for and are all fairly hardy, which makes them great options for beginner gardeners. But before any new plant purchase, it’s always a good idea to read up on all care needs. It’s only fair for you and the plant.
Pothos
The pothos is a plant that seems to truly thrive in almost any environment. While they don’t particularly like direct sunlight, they can grow in water or in dry soil and thrive in low-light (or even artificial office light). If potted, let the soil completely dry out in between watering, but if you see the leaves wilt, you’ve waited too long.
Pothos grows long, trailing vines you can let hang or string up along a wall, or wrap up around a trellis. There are even multiple varieties with different styles of variegation and colors. This is a fun and easy-care plant to bring into your home, with minimal responsibility required.
Snake Plant
For some spiky, punk rock greenery, check out the snake plant. A great option to compliment the flowing-vibe of the pothos, the snake plant grows vertical, pointy leaves, and loves hanging out in the dark corners of your home. The snake plant is perfect for the forgetful gardener, as some varieties can go up to a month without water.
The snake plant leaves come in a various colors, patterns, and can sometimes grow up to four feet tall. This plant also propagates easily, so buying one will eventually lead to having even more.
Spider Plant
One of the best plants for newbie gardeners is the spider plant. These plants can take some abuse and still keep on trucking. With their fun burst of leaves and dangling propagations, spider plants make a fun addition to the top of a bookcase, or hanging from your bathroom ceiling.
While spider plants can withstand low-light placements and some general neglect, they will thrive in bright, in direct light with regular watering. You will know your plant is doing well if it flowers and shoots out the spiderette “babies.”
Christmas Cactus
The Christmas cactus is an interesting looking, low maintenance succulent. People love the Christmas cactus not only because it’s easy to care for, but for its bright, colorful winter blooms.
These plants prefer low light in the spring and summer months, but can handle more direct light in the winter. Unlike other cacti, the Christmas cactus (native to tropical environments) grows best with consistent watering and higher humidity levels during the growing season, but actually prefer to be semi-root bound in their pots. Most plants will bloom on their own in December, making them a fun addition to your plant collection.
Zamioculcas (ZZ Plant)
Here’s another tropical plan that’s basically indestructible. The ZZ plant is perfect for someone first starting out on the green-thumb journey, as they require little light or water, and basically thrive by being ignored.
ZZ plants are happy in basic potting soil, and only need to be watered once a month. Their thick, shiny stems and leaves actually grow out of a water-storing rhizome bulb, which helps the plant store and distribute limited water over long periods of time.
