The House Plants to Grow to Make You a Green Thumb
These five low-maintenance plants may not be as easy as throwing a bean out the window, but they could make it seem so
Seen too many dead house plants in your lifetime? Worried you don’t know which plant to choose, or feel you don’t have the time or space? Don’t worry if you’re not a green thumb – check out these low-maintenance, (mostly) indoor plant options that will add a touch of nature to your home, and won’t take you away from your busy schedule. You’ll feel like Jack in no time.
Growing plants at home is not rocket science. Get the right plant for your climate and space, and with a little water, light and love, you can start beautifying your spaces with Jack’s simple recommendations. Just think: plants have feelings too. They thrive when you give them a little attention.
1. Rubber Plants
Rubber plants (Ficus elastica) are flexible – they can be placed indoors or out in the balcony – and are extremely tough. They can go up to a week without water (although you’ll be advised not to do that), and will suit those with a hectic lifestyle. New leaves sprout with a red/purple layer that drops off, before turning dark green, so you’ll get a little colour variation while the plant grows. It also acts as a great natural air filter, and will work very well in the corner of your living room, balcony, or porch.
Rubber plants (Ficus elastica) are flexible – they can be placed indoors or out in the balcony – and are extremely tough. They can go up to a week without water (although you’ll be advised not to do that), and will suit those with a hectic lifestyle. New leaves sprout with a red/purple layer that drops off, before turning dark green, so you’ll get a little colour variation while the plant grows. It also acts as a great natural air filter, and will work very well in the corner of your living room, balcony, or porch.
2. Money Plants
Vines are tough as nails, and the money plant (Epipremnun aureum) will grow quickly and attach itself to supporting structures, such as walls or other sturdy plants, in order to stabilise its growth and allow it to reach for more sunlight. With a little maintenance, you’ll be able to retain the shape without it looking too shabby. You can use it to complement other plants in your garden space, or as a standalone feature as shown in the picture.
Vines are tough as nails, and the money plant (Epipremnun aureum) will grow quickly and attach itself to supporting structures, such as walls or other sturdy plants, in order to stabilise its growth and allow it to reach for more sunlight. With a little maintenance, you’ll be able to retain the shape without it looking too shabby. You can use it to complement other plants in your garden space, or as a standalone feature as shown in the picture.
If you prefer a smaller sized variation, place your money plants on a window sill or in the bathroom (it’s well known as an extremely competent air purifier), along with other small pots of plants. For the design-adventurous, you can line up a small space on the wall with the money plant and let it branch out naturally to form a “living” feature wall.
3. Cordyline
There are many varieties of the cordyline (Cordyilne), with different leaf shapes and colours ranging from red, dark purple to green with lighter edges. While the cordyline can survive well in the outdoors, it needs daily watering. Maintenance is easy peasy – just remove the dead leaves once in a while, and it’ll look good as new.
There are many varieties of the cordyline (Cordyilne), with different leaf shapes and colours ranging from red, dark purple to green with lighter edges. While the cordyline can survive well in the outdoors, it needs daily watering. Maintenance is easy peasy – just remove the dead leaves once in a while, and it’ll look good as new.
The cordyline can grow to be quite bushy, and they are often employed as a natural screen in semi-outdoor areas like a balcony, to add a little privacy. You can choose from the different colours and variations available to create a vibrant palette for your space.
4. Succulents
These beauties are the ultimate water retainers, so you only have to water them once in a while. Use a pippette or dropper to inject water directly to the soil instead of spraying water on them. You can gather a few types of succulents together in a tray next to your window where they can enjoy plenty of sunlight, or complement the big pots in your balcony.
These beauties are the ultimate water retainers, so you only have to water them once in a while. Use a pippette or dropper to inject water directly to the soil instead of spraying water on them. You can gather a few types of succulents together in a tray next to your window where they can enjoy plenty of sunlight, or complement the big pots in your balcony.
Although cacti (Cactaceae) are usually not classified under succulents, these “untouchables” sure can take a beating, and are champions of survival. They can be placed almost anywhere at home due to their durability. Add a touch of green to your bathroom with a cactus on your countertop or rack. Not only is it easy to maintain, it will also help to cleanse the damp air in the bathroom. Definitely one of Jack’s favourites.
5. Terrariums
Over the last few years, terrariums have gained immense popularity in households. The setup is incredibly easy and personalised, and everyone can make one of their own. Ms Ong Yiting, Creative Manager from Make Your Own, a local company that specialises in workshops for DIY terrariums shares: “The idea for closed terrariums is to keep the soil moderately moist, and recycle the water in a high humidity environment; keeping in mind not to over-water, or overheating them by placing them under direct sunlight.”
Over the last few years, terrariums have gained immense popularity in households. The setup is incredibly easy and personalised, and everyone can make one of their own. Ms Ong Yiting, Creative Manager from Make Your Own, a local company that specialises in workshops for DIY terrariums shares: “The idea for closed terrariums is to keep the soil moderately moist, and recycle the water in a high humidity environment; keeping in mind not to over-water, or overheating them by placing them under direct sunlight.”
You can also use succulents (or cacti) to create a desert garden (think: open terrarium), adding miniature figurines to create your own beach side or Amazon jungle in a glass bowl. “Open terrariums are easier to maintain for beginners; with the proper drainage layer of pebbles, a good amount of natural light and a few drops of water once a week, they can easily last a year or longer”, Ong adds. It looks great as a feature on any coffee or dining table, and the best bit is that you don’t have to worry too much about the maintenance once it is set up nicely.
Bonus: Vertical Garden
Jack loves giving more than he promised because he’s just an awesome fellow. This bonus bit requires a little DIY, so if you’re a hands-on person and have a little space to spare, this is going to be fun.
The setup: Get a wire frame mesh, secure with nails and hooks on a wall (some place that has sufficient light, such as a yard), then place holders or hooks to secure the plant pots. You can fill up your vertical garden with varieties of small plants, succulents, cacti, or herb plants such as basil, thyme or chili for your very own herb garden!
Yes, getting your house plants to thrive can be as easy generating your own Be Like Jack internet meme.
TELL US
Are house plants a yay or nay for you?
MORE
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Jack loves giving more than he promised because he’s just an awesome fellow. This bonus bit requires a little DIY, so if you’re a hands-on person and have a little space to spare, this is going to be fun.
The setup: Get a wire frame mesh, secure with nails and hooks on a wall (some place that has sufficient light, such as a yard), then place holders or hooks to secure the plant pots. You can fill up your vertical garden with varieties of small plants, succulents, cacti, or herb plants such as basil, thyme or chili for your very own herb garden!
Yes, getting your house plants to thrive can be as easy generating your own Be Like Jack internet meme.
TELL US
Are house plants a yay or nay for you?
MORE
How to care for your indoor plants
The hottest indoor plants
What You Need to Know to Grow Your Urban Farm
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