11 of the best indoor plants for beginners & brown thumbs
Growing plants indoors is beneficial on various levels and even if you are a beginner you shouldn't be hesitant to bring plants into your home.
Not only do they they liven up your space they also create an ambiance of peace and positivity and add freshness by soaking up pollutants from the air and balancing the humidity levels.
Indeed, studies have even shown that spending time around plants reduces your stress levels and brings relief from tension.
If you are considering plants I wanted to round up the 11 best indoor house plants (in no particular order) that are easy to grow for beginners or those who think they have a brown thumb.
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Apt for lending a graceful touch to homes, the peace lily is loved for its exotic curving leaves and elegant white flowers that form a nice contrast with the dark foliage around. It does well with regular watering and can tolerate different lighting conditions.
2. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana)
Don't go by its name. This feng shui icon is not really a bamboo. It's a type of Dracaena, prized for its showy foliage patterns and striking varieties. It can grow in a variety of lighting conditions. As long as you provide it abundant water supply, it will do fine. Fertilize occasionally and protect from cold drafts.
3. Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
Famed as a money magnet , this pretty little succulent is a good choice for indoor gardening. It grows up to a compact, manageable size and doesn't need much to grow. Moist soil and dappled shade are its only two needs. Occasional feeding is recommended.
4. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)
The tough and hardy Aspidistra, with its leathery leaves lives up to its name. It is one of the best houseplants for those who are beginners in gardening and/or don't have the time to dedicate to plant care. This plant can withstand days of neglect, and a wide array of temperatures; Moist soil is a must though.
5. Peperomia (Piperaceae family)
With an easy compact structure and striking foliage patterns, peperomia is a must for anyone who lives in humid areas. This pretty South American native has a liking for shade and moist soil. Direct sunlight is detrimental to leaf health, and overwatering can result in root-rot, which is why you should always allow the soil to dry out before watering.
6. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
I can tell you from personal experience that it might just be impossible to kill this plant. This hard-as-nails species can resist a wide spectrum of adversity, ranging from complete drought to total darkness. However, it thrives best on dappled shade and evenly-drained soil. Fertilizing is not mandatory but you can always use one twice a year or so, during summer.
7. Aloe Vera
A popular succulent loved for its plump, medicinal leaves, the aloe thrives on hot temperatures and dry soil. Go easy on the watering, and mist every once a week, or more, depending on the level of humidity around. Place your aloe plant on a sunny South-facing window sill or arrange it in dish gardens for a nice urban feel.
8. Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum Aureum)
Devil's Ivy (aka Pothos plant) is a group of leafy vines that make for attractive displays in every home. They need bright, yet indirect light and moist soil to thrive. Cold drafts are their enemy, and low lighting is a must to avoid droopiness. Prune every now and then to keep the growth in check.
9. Dracaena (Asparagaceae family)
Pretty on the outside and hardy on the inside, dracaena is one of the most popular indoor plants. It prefers indirect light and proper drainage. Occasional pruning is a must to keep the plant size in check. Avoid overwatering as it may lead to seasonal diseases.
10. Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae)
Prized for its intriguing colors and exotic shapes, bromeliads are easy-to-grow flowering plants that thrive from full sun and well-drained soil. These plants are slow-growers and bloom once in their lives. Basically, they have the same growth requirements as orchids, and their pretty foliage makes for an appealing show in the darkest corners of your home.
11. Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)
Saving the best for last as it lends an architectural touch to every space, the rubber plant doesn't demand much in terms of care. A well-lit spot and regular watering are its only major requirements. And apart from its ornamental aspect, it has proven air-purifying qualities as well.