Low Maintenance House Plants
There are many house plants that can be a little fussy while others require less maintenance. These low-maintenance plants are great for gardeners who are forgetful and who struggle to keep their greenery alive.
Lucky bamboo, the holiday cactus, and peace lily are all very easy to grow. You just need to water them frequently and let indirect light shine through.
Calthea Ornata
Pinstripe Calathea is a beautiful house plant with a subtle foliage that contrasts with brighter leaves of plants such as the Chinese Evergreen or Arrowhead Vine. It is also suitable for indoor landscapes in offices. These plants are safe for the environment and safe for pets, children and the surrounding.
This tropical plant requires moderate amounts of sunlight. It is a great fit for an open window, but it should be kept away from direct sunlight, as this could cause its leaves to burn. If you are concerned about the amount of sunlight that is reflected in your home, you can try placing your calathea in an open window with an opaque curtain to block the most intense sun's rays.
Humidity is also essential for this house plant. It can handle dry air up to a point but it won't thrive in it. Mist the leaves of your calathea twice a week using water at room temperature to keep the humidity level. You can also try putting your calathea inside a place that has high levels of humidity such as the bathroom or kitchen.
Although calathea ornata may not be the most fussy of houseplants however, it requires some attention to ensure that it is healthy. It's not a big feeder however, you can add a liquid houseplant fertilizer to the soil once or twice a month during the growing season. Keep an eye on the calathea plant to prevent problems such as browning of leaves.
Tillandsia
Tillandsia is a unique houseplant that can grow without soil. They are members of the pineapple or pineapple rose plant family and there are over 540 species! They thrive in bright and filtered light (not direct sunlight) and should be misted with water about every two weeks. They can be planted outdoors, but are better indoors or in humid climates such as Florida.
If kept in a healthy environment, Tillandsia can be fairly unobtrusive and are an excellent alternative for those who travel or have trouble remembering to water their houseplants. They can be used as accents to other plants in the house, or mounted in a decorative manner. They are also ideal for terrariums.
Tillandsia are epiphytes found in nature. They are non-parasitic, and attach themselves to rocks, trees, and other plants, to get water and nutrients. The process of CAM photosynthesis also allows to exchange gases at night and breathe. This is different from other plants that breathe through their leaves during the daytime. One of the most intriguing looking tillandsia species is Tillandsia xerographica with its serpentine-like leaves that curves about in a variety of directions. It is covered with trichomes which gives the foliage a soft silver color. The species is native to Guatemala, Mexico El Salvador and Honduras. It is commonly used in terrariums or mounted on driftwood.
Orchids
Orchids can be a bit intimidating for a first-time grower. However, with a little research and attention they can bring opulence to any home. The most popular orchids are moth orchids, or Phalaenopsis. They have beautiful flowers and are suitable for our centrally heated homes.
Orchids come in a range of shapes, sizes and colors. The petals are usually speckled or patterned, and the stems rise up over clumps of long and arching leaves. They are found all over the globe in mountains, forests, and deserts.
Certain orchids thrive in bright light, whereas others prefer dim or moderate lighting. It is important to provide enough light the plants to flower regardless of the species. Insufficient light is the main reason orchids do not produce flowers. Bright indirect sunlight is the best for most orchids. However, direct sunlight can burn the leaves. To prevent this, put the plant behind curtains or window blinds which let light be filtered through.
Watering orchids is also very important. In winter, you should water the orchids at least once every week. In warmer seasons it is possible to water them 3-4 times per week. This will eliminate any salts naturally occurring and help keep the roots moist. Fertilize your orchids every 2 weeks during growth and once every week during dormancy. Use a commercial orchid fertilizer like 30-10-10, dilute to half strength.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are an excellent addition to any home because they purify the air. They are able to absorb a variety of harmful gases and VOCs like benzene, carbon monoxide, xylene and formaldehyde. They are easy to grow and require minimal care. They can be used to decorate rooms due to their gorgeous and elegant green leaves.
They prefer bright indirect light when they are growing Peace Lilies inside. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves of Peace Lilies. They are able to be placed near heat or air-conditioning vents but should not be positioned directly in front of them, as this can cause the leaves to lose their color.
Water Peace Lilies frequently, leaving the soil to dry out for some inches before watering again. The plant will let you know when it is thirsty by drooping just a bit.
Fertilize every month with a balanced liquid fertilizer designed for houseplants using the recommended dilution and schedule for application. Overfertilizing the plant may result in excessive growth of the foliage, at the expense or the flowers.
Another benefit of Peace Lilies is that they can aid in reducing the formation of mildew on curtains and walls by absorbing moisture from the air. This is particularly beneficial in kitchens, bathrooms and washrooms, where mildew can cause problems. The plant can also help in reducing the amount alcohol and acetone that are present in the room, which can be dangerous to the health of those who is exposed to them.
Anthurium
This popular houseplant will add beauty to any home. Its beautiful, long-lasting flowers symbolize love and friendship. It is also ranked top on NASA's list of air purifying plants. Anthurium is an epiphyte, which grows on trees and other plants. It is also able to adapt to a potted setting. To care for low maintenance house plants , make sure to repot it regularly using coco coir or peat moss soil mixture and keep it in bright indirect light. Water it when the soil is 50 to 75 percent dry, and mist it frequently (but be careful not to overwater).
Anthuriums can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. Cuttings from stems are suggested as seeds are only viable for a limited time. To do this, cut off a portion of the plant that is at least an inch in length, then wrap it in sphagnum and moss. Place low maintenance house plants in a container with a little moisture and cover it with plastic wrap. This will encourage germination. Once the roots are visible remove the sphagnum, and cut the stem close to the node. Then place it in a potting mixture for Aroids.
In the spring and summer fertilize your anthuriums with a liquid plant food at half strength once every other week. Anthuriums are susceptible to rotting when they are not fertilized enough. Watch out for insect pests like spider mites, mealy bugs and scale insects.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are a great option for indoor gardens as they can thrive in conditions of low light and don't require direct sunlight. They are also non-toxic and easy to maintain which makes them suitable for homes with children or pets. In addition, spider plants are known to remove harmful chemicals and toxins from the air, which makes spider plants a wonderful choice for those suffering from allergies.
Unlike some fussier houseplants spider plants require moderate amounts of fertilization and water. It should be planted in indirect, warm light, as direct sunlight may cause scorching of the leaves. To encourage growth, the soil should be well-draining and not allowed to become too wet. Fertilize often with high-quality houseplant potting mix.
Once the plant has reached the desired height, it needs to be repositioned. To do this, gently pull the roots and find areas that have a lot of roots. Place the plant in a pot and fill it with a potting mixture for houseplants that drain well. Make sure to water the new pot right away and continue to do so until the plant is established.
In the winter months indoor plants could be extremely dry. They might require mist in order to increase humidity. This can be accomplished by placing your plants in a moist area like a bathroom or kitchen or by running a humidity machine or grouping the plants together. Brown leaves on the spider plant are a sign that the soil is overor submerged and you should check the moisture level frequently.