If you need a friend at home but don’t have time for one that runs around the house or needs a litter box, then plants might be the perfect pets for you! This Planting Day, on 21 March, welcome a leafy companion that stays right where you place it and brings life to your space.
Whether you have a sunny windowsill or a shady corner, this beginner’s guide will help you choose the perfect plant and keep it thriving.
1. Low light, less water
These plants are perfect for beginners or those with limited natural light in their homes. They require minimal watering and can thrive in shady corners.
- Snake Plant: Known for its hardiness, the snake plant can survive in low light and only needs watering every 2-3 weeks. It’s a great air purifier too!
- ZZ Plant: This plant is virtually indestructible. It thrives in low light and only needs water when the soil is completely dry.
2. Low light, more water
These ones prefer low light but need consistent moisture to thrive. They’re ideal for bathrooms or kitchens with higher humidity.
- Pothos: Commonly known as the money plant in our country, varieties of Pothos like Njoy, Marble Queen, and Golden Pothos can do well in low light, although they thrive more in bright, indirect light. They require watering only when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Calathea: This is known for its striking, patterned foliage that moves with light changes, requiring indirect light and consistently moist but not soggy soil.
- Peace Lily: An elegant plant with white flowers, it thrives in low light and prefers consistently moist soil.
- Ferns: Ferns love humidity and low light. Keep their soil moist but not waterlogged.
3. Bright light, less water
These plants love sunlight but don’t need frequent watering. They’re perfect for sunny windowsills or well-lit rooms.
- Cactus: Cacti thrive in bright, direct light and only need watering every 2-4 weeks. They’re great for forgetful plant parents!
- Succulents (e.g., Echeveria, Aloe Vera, Jade Plant): These pretty plants store water in their leaves, so they only need watering when the soil is completely dry. They love bright light.
- Mother of Thousands: A fascinating plant that produces tiny plantlets along its leaves. It prefers bright light and infrequent watering.
- Chinese Banyan: It is a resilient fig tree with aerial roots that form intricate structures, making it a stunning showpiece for homes, requiring bright, indirect light and moderate watering.
4. Bright light, more water
These plants thrive in bright light and need regular watering to stay healthy. They’re perfect for sunny spots in your home.
- Lucky Bamboo: This plant grows well in bright, indirect light. The soil must stay damp at all times; drying it out completely might affect the plant.
- Monstera: Known for its iconic split leaves, Monstera loves bright, indirect light and needs consistent watering when the top inch or two of soil is dry.
- Herbs: Fresh and fragrant, herbs like basil, oregano, mint, and coriander thrive in bright light with regular watering, making them perfect for home cooking and indoor gardens.
- Coin Plant: It thrives in wet, marshy areas, featuring round, coin-like leaves and needing full sun to partial shade with consistently moist soil.
- Moss Rose: This colourful flowering plant loves full sun and needs regular watering to keep the soil moist, making it perfect for adding vibrant layers to your green spaces.
Tips for beginner plant parents
- Choose the right pot: Ensure your pots have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Use the right soil: Different plants need different soil types. For example, cacti and succulents thrive in sandy, well-draining soil, while ferns prefer rich, organic soil.
- Feed your plants: Provide essential nutrients by using store-bought fertiliser or homemade compost made from banana peels, eggshells, and dried tea leaves to promote healthy growth.
- Monitor light and water: Observe your plants and adjust their care based on their growth and health. Overwatering is a common mistake, so always check the soil before watering.
- Rotate your plants: Rotate your plants occasionally to ensure even growth, especially for those in bright light.
- Be Patient: Plants take time to adjust to their environment. Don’t be discouraged if they don’t grow quickly at first.
Whether you’re drawn to the lush foliage of a Monstera, the fleshy leaves of succulents, or the low-maintenance charm of a snake plant, there’s a houseplant for everyone. By understanding the light and water needs of your plants, you can create a thriving indoor garden that brings life and beauty to your home. Happy planting!