5 House plants that even you can't kill
House plants that are safe for kids, cats, dogs, and the nargles that hide in your pantry.
I've heard it all. "I kill my houseplants," "I can't seem to keep anything alive," "I am the opposite of a green thumb," and "I am a plant murderer". I deem these #fakenews, and I believe that anyone and everyone can cultivate a green thumb.
The 2 most important tips to keeping your plants alive:
Read the "watering" instructions carefully and add a reminder on your phone to help avoid under-watering or over-watering it. This is crucial. There is a science to plant care, and it's not based on "when the spirit moves you".
Light - does it require direct light? Indirect light? Full sun? Most house plants on the list below thrive in places where the sun doesn't come through the window. Not all plants like direct sunlight.
And that's it - we'll get into propagation and repotting at a later time!
So without further ado, here we are:
1. Spider Plant
These are gems in the plant world. They are super forgiving and thrive in moderate light (no direct sunlight). These plants are native to the tropics and southern parts of Africa. They're by far the easiest plants that I've ever owned: They're called "hens and chickens" because they sprout off little shoots which come with roots already. Just plop those suckers in some soil and watch them grow. My cats love spider plants, as they're not toxic or tasty (to them).
Easy peasy!
2. Christmas Cactus
This one makes me feel sentimental. Not only is the word "Christmas" involved (making one think of the best holiday of the year and bringing back joyful memories), but my grandmother also had one on her window sill - as did my aunties and my mom. When my grandmother passed in November some time ago, I remember the peace that the women of my family felt as all of their Christmas cacti started blooming simultaneously one day after her passing.
These plants like moderate light (no direct sunlight), and get grumpy with overwatering. Do not over water!
3. Boston Fern
Extra! Extra! Fern all about it! Most ferns ARE poisonous, but this one is not. Be sure to get a "Boston" fern, also known as a "Sword" fern, also known as "Nephrolepis exaltata" (if you wanna get fancy). These are native to many tropical forests of the world, and thrive in indirect/diffused light (no direct sun, and further from the window). She's fluffy! She's cute! She's popular to boot!
4. Burro's Tail
Also known as Donkey's tail, also known as Lamb's tail, AKA AKA AKA "brown lighting" (I'm so sorry if you don't get my New Girl quotes. Feel free to allow your eyes to gloss over me being extra). I inherited one of these from my neighbor, and have named him Josh. Josh is doing great so far. He likes the sun, but does not like being over watered. He produces pink or red flowers, but be careful touching this plant - the little nubbins come off easily.
5. Haworthia
This plant is a non-toxic cousin of aloe (aloe can be toxic which is why it's not on this list). They are native to Africa, and there are a lot of different species. They grow well in moderate light, and don't require frequent watering. I have a few of them (some in my garden and some indoors)! They have little stem shoots that bloom white pretty flowers. Highly recommended!
Leave a comment if you want to get any of these, or have some already!
