INDOOR PLANTS: 7 BEST HOUSEPLANTS FOR BEGINNERS

by: Annie Dofeliz

Photo from Livemore zone

Nothing adds more beauty and comfort to our homes than the lush flowers and foliage of indoor plants. Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, cubicles... There really isn't a space a houseplant can't enliven.

Not only do indoor plants enhance the overall appearance of your home, but they've been shown to boost moods, increase creativity, reduce stress, and eliminate air pollutants—making you healthier and happier.

Whether you’re a first-time plant parent or someone who travels a lot, it’s possible to find low-maintenance indoor plants that don’t die easily that will also work around the clock to keep the air you breathe clean.

Meet some most favorite plants to get you started:

Golden Pothos Vine

There is a reason golden pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum "Aureum") is one of the most popular hanging plants around. In its native habitat, golden pothos grows into a tree-swallowing monster with huge yellow and green leaves.

As a houseplant, the plant will grow aggressively from pots or trailing baskets with minimal care. They will easily root in a simple glass of water. With better care, large, mottled, mature leaves may develop.

Spider Plant

The Spider Plant, aka Hen & Chicken Plant or ribbon plant, is a popular houseplant for beginners. This elegant plant features long, sword-like green, cream, and white leaves that grow from a central point at the base.

These plants are tough, easy to grow, and require minimal maintenance. They do best in hanging baskets but also thrive when placed on a table or shelf in a bright room (no direct sunlight required). It is a highly-adaptable houseplant, as it can grow in almost any environment when given time to “settle”.

Snake Plant

In the same family that includes dracaena and liriope, there are many varieties of sansevieria (S. trifasciata or S. trifasciata laurentii) that are exceptionally tough. They like plenty of light, but they can handle less if necessary, and they are not too particular about watering—as long as it is not too much.

When repotting is necessary, the main clump can be easily divided. These plants are striking additions to a collection. The snake plant features green on green bands on sword-like leaves, while the mother-in-law's tongue has yellow leaf margins.

Dracaena Species

The Dracaena Marginata is one of the most popular houseplants for beginners. It is easy to grow and even easier to maintain. The Madagascar Dragon Tree can grow up to 6ft over 10 years.

The Marginata has slim, attractively arching leaves, which can be green with a red outer edge, or green with a red & yellow stripe through the leaf, or green with very thick red outer edges.

Succulents and Cacti

Cacti and succulents make for great starter plants for beginners. As succulents, they have very low-maintenance needs and are therefore ideal for those who forget to water and care for plants.

As they are highly-adaptable, they tend to survive even in difficult environments. Cacti simply need to be positioned in a bright or sunny spot and watered infrequently. Take care to ensure that the soil is well-draining – cactus potting medium can be bought ready-to-use.

Aloe Vera

The Aloe Vera plant is a really popular and easy-care indoor plant. The plant has bright green leaves in a rosette arrangement. These can grow as long as 20 inches in length.

The Aloe Vera is a great plant for beginners, as it can be left in direct sunlight for between 6 and 8 hours per day, with no negative effects. While it loves full sun, it does tolerate partial shade towards the late afternoon. Choose a window that faces south or west, for the best lighting arrangement. New owners of Aloe Vera plants should plant it in sandy soil and water infrequently once at least half of the potting mix is dry.

Lucky Bamboo

If you are looking for a really low-care indoor plant, caring for a Lucky Bamboo could be it. Many people believe that the Lucky Bamboo brings prosperity and happiness. For a beginner, this is a great starter houseplant. It can grow in plain water or soil and isn’t too fussy about light conditions. Watch the plant – when it grows towards the light source, it is a sign that it needs more light.

Lucky Bamboo plants like bright indirect sunlight, as direct sun tends to burn their leaves. If you choose to grow the plant in a vase or jar of water, add some pebbles for support and opt only for bottled water, as they can be quite sensitive to chlorine often found in tap water.

Humans have a strong connection to nature and bringing nature into your immediate surroundings makes you calmer, more content, and more focused. Outdoor activities like forest bathing and nature walks can help improve levels of stress and anxiety, and living with indoor plants can do the same.

Having plants around you will obviously offer psychological benefits but the act of caring for your plants can also help decrease stress and anxiety. But, having a healthy environment in which you live also plays an important role in your overall health.

Good quality and safe housing is a vital part of good mental health. Our home shouldn’t just be a roof over our head, but also a safe, supportive place to live. That’s why Camella builds homes that are of great quality within master-planned developments that inspires a lifestyle every family yearns for, complete with amenities for recreation and spaces for work, worship and shopping. A modern yet classic community that aims to deliver the best living experience to its residents.

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/the-7-best-houseplants-for-beginners-4767423