Hardy Houseplants: These easy-care plants purify the air and add style to your home
Are you longing for greens, but don’t have a green thumb? It doesn’t matter! In this article, we introduce you to hardy houseplants that are very easy to care for, purify the air and add life and style to your home.
Hardy houseplants that require little water – the missionary plant
Also known as the Chinese money tree, the missionary plant (Pilea Peperomioides) has distinctive rounded leaves that emerge on fine stalks and form a soft dome shape that is very pleasing to the eye. Its slightly fleshy texture makes it a very tactile variety that requires very little water during the winter months.
Location for the Chinese Money Plant: The Ufo plant likes bright but indirect light (full sun makes the stems go limp and all the leaves point in one direction) and only needs sporadic watering in the summer. Turn the pot occasionally to make it growth even. Once the plant is fully established, don’t be afraid to take cuttings and propagate as it grows relatively quickly.
Climbing philodendron can grow up to 1.5 m tall
The climbing philodendron (Philodendron scandens), also known as Sweetheart Plant or Heart-Leaf, is a wonderful houseplant with lush green leaves and drooping tendrils. With a moss stake for support, this South American plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. You can also let the foliage dangle from a hanging planter for a wonderful, jungle-like effect. If you’re a forgetful plant owner, climbing philodendron might be for you as it prefers irregular watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings and watch out for limp stems and small leaves, which means the plant isn’t getting enough light.
Where to put a climbing philodendron: Heart leaves like bright, indirect light and warm, humid conditions. A spot near a window (not on the windowsill) or on top of the kitchen cabinets will provide this plant with the right amount of sunlight. Note that eating climbing philodendron can be toxic to pets and children. If you have small children, put the flower in a high place. Hardy houseplants look great hanging on a shelf.
Also read: Aglaonema Care Indoors: Useful Tips and Guide for Beginners
The string of hearts is small and likes partial shade
String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is very popular for its delicate, flowing stems and pretty heart-shaped leaves that grow in pairs. While not a true succulent, Ceropegia woodii can store water in its stems and doesn’t like overwatering. Try growing them in cactus compost, sand or loam, and fertilize them with a liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the warmer months.
What to do with the String of hearts? The String of hearts is perfect for hanging baskets where you can see its purple underside. The String of hearts likes partial shade, so a bookshelf in the middle of a sunny room is ideal. Be careful and patient at first as their delicate, lacy structure is easy to break. Once established, you are completely free to take cuttings and grow your own personal jungle.
You can find out which indoor plants need little care here!
Hardy houseplants that need little light – spider plants
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are hardy houseplants with a dramatic silhouette that have always been popular, and with good reason. They also give birth to babies. You can repot these shoots and gift them to friends. This low-maintenance, air-purifying houseplant is a great choice for beginners.
Where to put a spider plant: The shape of the spider plant goes well with trendy macrame plant hangers, so why not decorate your bedroom with a plant like this? Keep it out of direct sunlight – ideally in a bright spot, although it can use some shade. Feed the plant every two weeks during the growing season and keep them it well watered, but be careful not to get the compost too wet. If you’re extra nurturing, mist the plant with water and make sure to repot when it’s outgrown its current container.
Areca palm is one of the best plants for air purification
Fancy a tropical flair? Get yourself an Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens), commonly called bamboo palm, butterfly palm and take your home to a warmer climate. This attractive palm consists of multiple trunks with arching fronds, giving it an elegant look that catches the eye for all the right reasons. It is also considered one of the best plants for air purification and a natural humidifier.
Where to put a butterfly palm: butterfly palms are hardy houseplants that love a bright spot, but keep them away from drafts and heat sources like radiators. Place a plant in an office to liven up the work day, or bring some greenery to a dreary living room. While hardy, it can be a little finicky and prefers soft water such as rainwater, which you can collect in your garden or on your balcony. Water regularly and allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Rubber fig is considered a classic among indoor plants
The rubber fig has been very popular since the Victorian era and is considered a classic among house plants. This hardy plant requires little care and is a real highlight. The shiny green leaves filter the air and look pretty at the same time.
Where to put a rubber fig: Considering its origins, this plant fits well in a formal dining room. Place your rubber fig in bright but indirect sun, although it can also use a few hours in the sun. Water as soon as the compost is dry. Spray the leaves in summer or occasionally wash them with a damp sponge to avoid dust accumulation. Attention, the rubber tree is slightly poisonous for dogs and cats.
Read also: Why are Jade Tree Branches Falling Off? – 5 Common Causes & Easy Solutions!