19 Aug 5 Plants for the Newbie Plant Parent
I’ve been a plant parent for about 6 years. I’ve learned a thing or two…and killed a thing or two along the way. Here are the plants that have held on since the beginning. These plants will forgive you again and again and will make starting out easier.
Spider Plant/ Latin Name: Chlorophytum Comosum
The plant your grandma had in her kitchen. Spider plants are perfect starter plants because they are fairly low maintenance. As long as you water these gals when their leaf color starts to fade a bit, you’ll satisfy their needs. If you succeed, these plants will produce babies that you can propagate and make into new plants.
SOIL: Well draining. Suggested additives include worm castings, perlite, slow-release fertilizer.
LIGHT: Bright indirect
WATER: Every week in warmer seasons or climates, every 2 weeks in colder seasons or climates.
Snake Plant / Latin Name: Sansevieria
These desert plants are commonly advertised as toxin-ridding purifiers. They can tolerate low light conditions, but prefer bright indirect light to grow and thrive.
SOIL: Well draining. Suggested additives include worm castings, perlite, slow-release fertilizer.
LIGHT: Low to bright indirect
WATER: Every 2 weeks in warmer seasons or climates, every 3 weeks in colder seasons or climates.
Pothos / Latin Name: Epipremnum Aureum
There are several varieties of Pothos and they are all very similar in needs. A tropical plant, Pothos naturally grow aerial roots on their stems to climb on trees in the wild. They can grow long and vine-y or you can train them to grow up a moss or totem pole. Easy to propagate – cut just beneath a “node, place in water, and watch the roots grow.
SOIL: Well draining. Suggested additives include orchid bark, coconut husks, worm castings, perlite, slow-release fertilizer.
LIGHT: Medium to bright indirect
WATER: Every week in warmer seasons or climates, every 2-3 weeks in colder seasons or climates.
Peace Lily / Latin Name: Spathiphyllum
The Peace Lily is a forgiving plant that will weep when it needs water. If you keep it happy, it will produce beautiful white flowers, sometimes several times a year.
SOIL: Well draining. Suggested additives include worm castings, perlite, slow-release fertilizer.
LIGHT: Low to bright indirect
WATER: Every 2 weeks in warmer seasons or climates, every 3-4 weeks in colder seasons or climates.
Rubber Fig / Latin Name: Ficus Elastica
The Rubber Fig is a fast-growing tree that comes in many varieties. Most commonly, you’ll find them in the “Robusta” variety with bright green leaves and orange-red stems.