Everyone longs for a space of their own. When children build blanket forts and play home under desks and tables they are catering to this intrinsic desire to have a space of one's own.
What about sharing this space with our favourite plant babies?
How tantalizing.
This is probably because the very process of caring for them is a step into the adult world. But taking care of plants is not an easy task for beginners. One has to take up the role of a parent, which we all know can be both rewarding and exhausting. Yet with some effort, love and care, a mini jungle can be created in every home. Like the wisest among us say, “Take it one step at a time”.
Numerous plants can get along well with new plant parents. All you need to do is smartly choose these plants which adapt to any environment and demand minimum resources and care from us.
Pothos
Often grown in homes as Money plants, Pothos are an extraordinarily adaptable species which is believed to have originated from the Polynesian forests. Their association with financial luck has made them a popular choice for plant lovers. Furthermore, the ease of taking care of them and the variety of hues and patterns they come in have solidified their position as the plant parent's favourite child.
Light: Pothos plants can tolerate a range of light conditions, but they do best in bright, indirect light. They can also thrive in low light, but their growth may be slower. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves.
Water: Watering once a week is sufficient. But frequency may vary depending on the temperature, humidity and pot size.
Fertilizer: Pothos plants do not require frequent fertilization, but they can benefit from occasional feeding during the growing season. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every 2-3 months. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to root burn and damage.
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is lovingly named after its monster-sized leaves. The perforation on the mature leaves of the plant is often likened to the holes in Swizz cheese, giving it the name Swizz cheese plant. In China, they are believed to be a symbol of longevity and are grown in honour of the elderly in the family. From the tropical forests of southern Mexico, Monstera has found its way into homes around the globe.
Water: Monstera plants generally prefer well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Light: Monstera plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate some direct sunlight in the morning or evening, but too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. It's best to place them near a window with filtered or diffused sunlight, or a few feet away from a bright window.
Fertilizer: A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every two weeks. It's important not to over-fertilize, as this can cause burn on the leaves.
Snake Plants
Snake plants have long vertical leaves with a pattern of alternating dark green, grey, and light green. These plants got their name due to the resemblance their sharp and stiff leaves have to snakes. They have attained worldwide fame for their air-purifying property. As a harbinger of luck and positivity, Snake plants are a regular sight in the homes of spiritually tuned individuals.
Water: Snake plants can tolerate dry conditions. It is better to water them thoroughly and infrequently ( once in 2 to 4 weeks)while allowing the soil to completely dry out in between the sessions.
Light: they can adapt to various light conditions. If kept in bright indirect sunlight they might grow faster but they can thrive in low lights as well.
Fertilizer: Although Snake plants can benefit from organic fertilizers like compost and worm casting, they do not require frequent fertilizing. It is recommended to fertilize them once or twice a year.
Peace lily
symbolising purity, prosperity and enlightenment, Peace lilies have blossomed in homes across nations. With its dark green leaves and white flowers, it brightens the aura of any space it's placed within. These highly symbolic plants are also excellent air purifiers.
Water: Peace lilies prefer moist but not waterlogged soil. It is important to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's better to err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering.
Light: Peace lilies thrive in bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate low light conditions. However, if placed in bright spaces, they tend to bloom more.
Fertilizer: Peace lilies require fertilization every 6-8 weeks in spring and summer. It is important not to over-fertilize them as it can lead to salt build-up in the soil and cause damage to the roots.
Spider plants
As a very forgiving plant that does not take to heart the occasional mistakes of their clumsy owners, Spider plants have taken over the hearts of many. Their ribbon-like leaves in different shades of green droop around the edge of the container resembling the legs of a spider.
Water requirements: Spider plants prefer to be evenly moist but not waterlogged. They can tolerate periods of dryness, but it's best to keep the soil consistently moist. However, overwatering can cause root rot.
Light: They can survive in low-light environments, however, they prefer bright light. So if we want to place them inside our house, they can be kept near a window, so that they can receive a few hours of sunlight.
Fertilizer: They don't require frequent replenishing, but they can be fertilized in summer and spring with organic manure. Make sure to dilute the fertilizer to prevent over-fertilisation.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera can be found almost in every house. The aloe gel within the plant is often considered the sacred blood that holds secrets to immortality, beauty and health. Ancient Greeks believe this plant could cure everything from baldness to insomnia. They also purify the air around us by wiping out toxic gases.
Water: Aloe vera is a succulent plant that can survive periods of drought. Therefore, it is important not to over-water it. Watering is necessary only when the plant is completely dry as the plant itself has enough water content, there are chances it will rot.
Light: Aloe vera can thrive in bright but indirect sunlight. A south-facing window is hence a good spot for the plant Frequently changing the position of the plant can harm the plant. It cannot withstand fluctuations.
Fertilizer: It can grow even in poor soil conditions, but adding fertilizer to it once in two months can help in promoting the growth of leaves (the most beneficial part).
Aglaonema
Aglaonema comes in varieties- with a blend of pink and green leaves, white and green, and dark green. With vibrant colour combinations and captivating patterns, they are loved by all. Also known as Chinese evergreens, they are also considered luck-bringing plants in certain parts of Asia.
Water: Aglaonema prefers to be kept slightly moist, but not too wet. It is best to let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure to use a well-draining soil mix and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
Light: They prefer bright and indirect sunlight. Too much exposure to the sun may lead to wilting of the leaves.
Fertilizer: They can be fed with fertilizers during the spring and the summer. However, doing the same during the winter can slow down the growth process.
Jade
These plants with tiny leaves belong to the succulent family and can have a long life span if they are taken care of properly. They are also known as fortune plant or money tree. In Feng Shui, the plant is said to be the symbol of consistency. According to Vastu, the jade plant, also known as the wealth plant or money plant, will bring wealth and good luck if placed in the southeast corner of the house.
Water: The jade plant is a succulent that needs infrequent watering to thrive. The leaves of the plant retain water and become swollen with dark edges when overwatered. If the leaves bend when you squeeze them it's time to water them. Do not retain from watering till the leaves become wrinkled.
Light: They need a lot of sunlight. The plant will thank you if you keep it near the southeast-facing window of your house. An inadequate amount of sunlight will affect the growth of the plant.
Fertiliser: Adding fertilizers once a month is more than enough for the plant. Repotting the plants after two to three years can be considered as the plant grows rapidly.
ZZ plant
Also known as Zanzibar gems because of their shiny leaves ZZ plants are one of the easiest plants to grow at home. It sometimes gets mistaken as an artificial plant due to its flawless dark green leaves. They can also survive droughts due to their rhizomes that is a store-house of water. They are slow growers with individual leaves having a lifespan of about 6 months.
Water: They are drought-tolerant plants, and thus they don’t mind even if you underwater them. However, while growing indoors, we can check if the soil has no water, and can water accordingly. Their thick rhizomes make them resilient to dry conditions.
Light: ZZ plants can tolerate low to moderate light conditions and can even grow in artificial light. However, they prefer bright, indirect light for optimal growth. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it's best to keep them in a shaded or partially shaded spot.
Fertilizer: They do not need fertilizers, however, they can also be fed while you are feeding your other plants. It would just increase their growth pace, which is already fast.
Rubber plants
People used to the large Rubber trees growing in plantations, might be surprised that they are easy-to-grow indoor plants. One of the interesting characteristics of this plant is that its leaves change their shapes in different stages of life, unlike other leaves with the same shape throughout their life.
Water: They want their soil to be moist, but they are not very happy when they are bombarded with a lot of water.
Light: They prefer low light. Bright indirect light is very suitable for them. Too much sunlight can be damaging to the plant.
Fertilizer: They do not need fertilizers to thrive. But if you are planning to add some fertilizers, you can do that doing the summer. The plant would like if the fertilizer is added in a diluted form.
In conclusion, indoor plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also improve air quality and promote a sense of calmness. As a beginner, it is important to choose low-maintenance plants and pay attention to their watering, lighting, and fertilizing requirements. By selecting any of the top ten indoor plants discussed in this article, you can kickstart your indoor gardening journey with ease and experience the numerous benefits that come with it.
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