I love indoor plants, the green keeps the house feeling fresh, plus the added benefits of cleaning the air. But, I’m not great at keeping them alive.
Me: Look, I bought a new plant for the living room today *smiles*
Husband: *rolls eyes*… here we go again…
This is a conversation that has happened more times than I’d like to admit but I have learned a few things in my time of trying to parent indoor plants. The most important thing has been finding the plants even I cant kill. So heres the 5 plants that are still surviving at my place.
Monstera Deliciosa
I actually have 2 of these at home, the first one stood the test of time (i.e. I hadn’t killed him within the month) so I bought another and the second is even healthier than the first. They are both in pots near windows and probably get watered around once every 10 days. Nothing special but their glossy green leaves always bring freshness to the space. Heres one of them starting to take over my workspace. I have it planted here in the Podium Pot by Zakkia which may be little small for this specimen but it doesn’t seem to be stunting its growth at all.
Zanzibar Gem
This little guys is the indoor plant I have probably kept alive the longest. It seems to be able to go ages without water and still keep its glossy green leaves. Im sure it would grow a little faster or be a little fuller if I cared for it more but its height and structural form draws interest. It is currently on my window sill in the living room but this one seems to be ok in that bathroom or kitchen and in places with lots or only a little light. Definitely one for the “black thumbs” in my opinion, it isn’t the glamour girl of indoor plants but offers green without too much effort.
Devils Ivy
Trailing indoor plants are definitely on trend and make the perfect addition to your styled bookshelf. Devils Ivy is a really hardy plant and has last in my home for weeks on end without water. This guy often ends up in the bathroom and seems to love the damp environment. I adore the look of trailing plants on book shelves but some of the popular varieties like Chain of Hearts or String of Pearls seem to be quite sensitive to light and definitely need more than my bookshelf offered. (The pot this is in is the Cylinder Pot from Zakkia – it is a super buy at only $19 and is a great planter for various plant styles).
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Im sure you’re thinking if this person is not a green thumb how has she not killed her Fiddle Leaf Fig?? The answer to this is I’m not sure. I’ve read lots about these indoor plants being fickle and dropping leaves if not in exactly the right spot with the right amount of water but mine must be some kind of toughened variety because I really don’t pay it that much attention. It gets watered around once every 10 days like the rest of the gang and sits near a window. I have new leaves pretty regularly and during January we went away for over two weeks and it actually grew 3 inches with absolutely no love. So if you’re nervous about getting one of these beauties for your space, don’t be. If I can grow it I’m sure you will be able to as well.
Hanging Lepismium Cruciforme
Long name, I never even knew till I looked it up just now. But it is a cactus variety with long leaves that trail down, perfect for the place you never remember to water as it always looks green. I usually water this one along with the other but it needs a lot less. This guys is a pretty new addition to the household but I think you could put this in the cactus & succulent category and keep it forever without too much fuss.
Hope you have found a couple of indoor plants here that might work at your place. We love the fresh look and look and its much cheaper than buying flowers each week – provided you don’t kill them 😉
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