Houseplants Anyone Can Grow
If you’re looking for low-maintenance, no-fuss greenery, check out these. Even those without green thumbs can keep these hardy plants thriving: Just dust occasionally, water every two weeks (unless otherwise noted), and pluck away any dead leaves.
Earth Star
You can’t miss the earth star’s unusual color: Its long, tapered leaves are pink, with some silver, green, or brown stripes. The earth star does not grow up- it grows out. You usually buy one rosette, and then the rosettes multiply (you can remove them and replant in other pots if you like). A north facing window- average sun, is perfect. Fazio says it’s bug resistant (indoor plants can become infested with insects that fly in through the window) and very adaptable to different environments.
Peace Lily
This lush plant can grow to be three feet tall by three feet wide. Stems with green, elliptical leaves and tiny flowers shoot up from its base; protective structures around the flowers are white. Low light is adequate, but it needs to be watered about twice a week.
Cast-Iron
Brownish-purple flowers bloom near the base of its dark-green leaves, which may be speckled and grow to about four inches wide and up to two and a half feet tall. It tolerates low light.
Chinese Evergreen
With sturdy green-and-white foliage, this one averages three feet tall by two feet wide. Even artificial light is no problem for this slow-growing specimen.
Grape Ivy
Hanging vines grow up to two feet long, with shiny leaves that are small and scalloped. Low natural or artificial light is sufficient.
India Rubber
This is a great floor plant, even in a room that doesn’t get direct sun. It grows up to four feet high with large, dark-green (sometimes maroon-tinted) leaves.
Snake Plant
Stiff, narrow leaves grow straight up from the soil line. It thrives in under-lit rooms and needs watering only once a month. The thick, pointy “snakes” are green or green with white stripes and grow to about 18 inches tall. It also has a high resistance to insects.
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