Eazy Peazy Lemon Squeazy
So you're new to plants. Where do you start? With the easiest plants, of course!
Taking care of plants is beneficial for many reasons. It's a commitment that requires some love and attention, just like relationships, pets, and other hobbies. It's also extremely therapeutic, watching something grow right in front of your eyes. I still get giddy when I see a new leaf start to form.
Whether you're looking to become houseplant savvy or perhaps you're just wanting to add some more color to your house - - Either way, we're here to help! Check out these few easy to care for plants to get you started on your journey.
Sansevieria
Sansevieria, or Snake Plants, will thrive on neglect. And believe, me, it has unfortunatley taken me years to figure that one out. Due to my own over attentive nature, I have lost several snake plants to over caring.
Snake Plants make great beginner house plants because they don't require much attention. They can go weeks without water, they can grow in complete darkness, and they will tolerate a variety of temperatures. They are the perfect plant for a hectic lifestyle, a traveler, a househould with pets, or for someone that doesn't want to take on a huge committment.
Snake Plants are also natural air purifiers. They have the crazy ability to absorb toxins in the air and provide oxygen. And if you have a pet, no worries - they are non toxic to animals.
Snake Plants don't mind their roots being snug in their pots, and are relatively slow growers, so you won't have to worry about repotting them as frequently as many other plants.
They also come in lots of different varieties and sizes, giving you plenty of options to choose from. Here's a few of my favorites!
Pothos
In 2020, my sister gave me a Pothos for my birthday. I was excited, but also intimidated, as I had just begun my plant journey and figured the care would have been more difficult than I was used to. To my happy surprise, the care came easily and it has grown well beyond 15 feet in length over the past 3 years. Actually, I recently had to chop it down a few feet because it was getting a bit unruly.
Pothos love bright light, but are comfortable with lower light conditions as well. They're fast growers, always popping out new beautifully variegated leaves.
This plant can go dry between waterings, and doesn're require too much attention. If you notice the leaves looking a little droopy, give it a good drink and watch it perk back up!
Like Snakes, Pothos come in a variety of colors.
Trandescantia
If you enjoy watching a plant constantly put out new leaves and trail and thrive, this plant is for you!
Trandescantia's thrive in bright light. While they can't tolerate lower light as well as Snake Plants or Pothos, they do love direct sun.
In the summer I take my Trandescantia out and leave him where the sun hits most of the day. The more light, the better with this guy. If you have a lot of natural light in your home, this will be a great beginner plant for you!
While Trandescantias do need planty of water (let the top inch of soil dry between waterings), they are perfect for propogating. When my plant becomes a little too long and leggy, I take a pair of scissors and cut a stem, stick it in dirt or water, and boom - you have another plant ready to go.
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Trying saying that 5 times fast! More commonly known as "ZZ" plant, or what I refer to mine as "ZZ Top", this guy requires little to no attention to live. It's totally drama free. And while I personally can't relate to this mantra, I do enjoy watching mine do its thing.
ZZ plants prefer little water, can tolerate low to medium indirect light, and because they are typically slow growers, they don't need to be re-potted too frequently. Since they store water in their roots, they don't need fertilizer either.
Like Snake Plants, ZZ's are natural air purifiers, and you can't go wrong with a healthy living space!
ZZ's do best in homes that don't have curious pets, as it is toxic.
Monstera Deliciosa
The highly sought after house plant that is known for it's unique leaf design is a staple beginner plant. Monsteras are native to the hot tropics of Mexico, Costa Rico, and Guatemala, often found in forests with lots of other vegetation. This plants leaves have adapted to the various layers of the tropical rainforests (various amounts of light), which is why the more mature leaves begin to lobe.
Monsteras can tolerate lower light conditions if supplemented with a grow light, however, the brighter light (not direct!) it recieves, the more lobed and unique the leaves become. It is a tough plant that won't give up easily on you.
They are ideal for warmer, humid climates but will be perfectly happy in warm subtropical climates as well. They are drought tolerant so if you forget to water every now and again, it won't be an issue.
Be sure to keep away from pets, they are toxic!
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