When you’re working from home, chances are, you don’t the time to enjoy the outdoors as much as you’d like. Adding some elements of green doesn’t just add a pop of color to your workspace; it’s also highly beneficial for your mental health and productivity. That’s why throughout the quarantine, many have tried gardening at home. However, it can become intimidating especially when you don’t really have a green thumb. Check out these low maintenance indoor plants that will help you get started without the fear of killing them.
Jade Plant
Aside from its many benefits, jade plants are known to bring good luck. But you don’t need all the luck in the world to know how to care for this plant. Jade plants are a type of succulent so it’s obvious that it doesn’t need a regular dose of hydration. In fact, it can thrive for as long as three weeks without water. It also looks like a tree once it grows, which will give you a feel of the outdoors especially if you live in a highly urbanized area.
Monstera
Monsteras are one of the trendiest indoor plants. Also known as the Swiss cheese plant, its unique leaf patterns make an interesting addition at home. Some Monsteras grow to look like small palm trees while some species grow vines that spread out, which makes for a good hanging plant. To care for them, all you have to do is place them in a well-lit area at home. Water it once a week and before you do it, check if the soil is fairly dry. Its leaves can pick up dust, so use a damp cloth to wipe the leaves so it’s easier for the plant to absorb moisture and breathe.
Cacti and Succulents
There’s a reason why even your officemates like to decorate their office table with cacti or succulents! First off, they’re aesthetic AF. They’re very low-maintenance, much like other desert plants, as they store water in their roots or stems. You only have to water them once a week! If your pot has drainage holes, water the plant thoroughly. But if your pot doesn’t have any holes, just water enough to make the soil damp.
When choosing succulents, note that greener plants are more tolerant of low-light spaces. Don’t opt for succulents with white, purple, blue, and pink tones if your space doesn’t have any good light sources.
Terrariums
Most indoor plants already come in pots and all you have to do is assign them to a permanent place at home where they can thrive. If you want to get a feel of planting yourself, try making a terrarium – it’s a fun DIY project! There are plenty of glass jars or containers to choose from, and you can also decorate it with small figurines. To care for your terrarium, just make sure the soil is damp and not dripping wet. Otherwise, you’ll end up overwatering it.
Heart-Leaf Philodendron
If you want to embrace the plant parent life fully, hanging plants are a great addition to your space. Also known as the sweetheart plant, heart-leaf philodendrons are a popular indoor plant with heart-shaped leaves. It grows luscious vines, which is perfect to place on shelves or windows. Philodendrons thrive even in low light environments. You only have to water them when the soil is already half dry. Brown leaves indicate under-watering while yellow leaves mean you’re over-watering. Fun fact: you can also grow philodendrons in water; place them in glass jars, which make a cute decoration on your desk.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf fig plants are perfect if you want to have that outdoor feel in your space. They make a striking piece as they usually grow to look like trees. Some even outgrow indoor spaces! With the size it’s able to grow into, you might think that this plant would require a lot of watering. Nope! The last thing you want to do is over-water it. Make sure to water it once a week only and do so when the topsoil is dry. When it’s still damp, it doesn’t need the water yet.
Birds of Paradise
Since we can only dream of vacations right now, why don’t you try to bring the ~vacation feels~ home? Birds of Paradise plants have paddle-shaped leaves that resemble banana leaves. This type of plant thrives in bright light and doesn’t require regular watering. It’s enough to keep the soil damp and you’ll be rewarded with blooming leaves. Take note that Birds of Paradise are another large plant that’s a good statement piece in your space.
Aloe Vera
Did you know that aloe vera is a type of succulent? Its spiky leaves look cool AF and it’s perfect for when you’re just starting out with the plant parent life and don’t want to commit to larger plants yet. Just give them ample sunlight, water every week or two, and it’ll thrive on your desk or bedside table.
Which indoor plants have you tried caring for before? Share with us below!
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