If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your home into a lush, green oasis but doubt your green thumb abilities, fear not! You don’t need to be an expert botanist to have thriving large plants in your space.
This guide is here to help you discover the easiest large plants that even beginners can keep alive and thriving. Not only do these low-maintenance beauties require minimal care, but they also offer numerous benefits like improving air quality and adding an aesthetic touch to any room.
Key Takeaways
- The top 5 easiest large plants to keep alive are snake plant, ZZ plant, peace lily, spider plant, and rubber tree plant. These low-maintenance plants are drought-tolerant, resistant to pests and diseases, and can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions.
- Proper watering is crucial for the health of large indoor plants. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to root rot or wilting. Use filtered or distilled water and avoid using hard or chlorinated tap water directly on your houseplants.
- Lighting requirements vary depending on the type of plant. Most require bright but indirect light while others can tolerate low light conditions. Consider adding artificial lights such as fluorescent or LED grow lights if natural light is limited.
- Choosing the right soil mix is essential for healthy growth of large indoor plants. Look for pre-mixed potting soils with ingredients like peat moss or coconut coir, perlite, and vermiculite; add organic matter like compost; re-pot in slightly larger containers when necessary.
Characteristics Of Easy-to-Keep Large Plants
Easy-to-keep large plants are drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and resistant to pests and diseases, making them perfect for beginners or those with a busy lifestyle.Drought-tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants are a perfect choice for those who may not have a green thumb or simply want low-maintenance greenery in their home. These hardy plants can survive and even thrive with less water than other species, making them ideal for busy homeowners or those living in areas with limited access to natural light and humidity. In addition to being drought-tolerant, these plants generally require minimal care compared to others. They often have unique features that enable them to store water more efficiently within their leaves or roots, like succulents and cacti. This makes it easier for beginners who might forget the watering schedule now and then without endangering the health of their houseplant.Low-maintenance
When it comes to large plants, many people are deterred by the thought of high-maintenance care. Luckily, there are several varieties that are incredibly low-maintenance and perfect for beginners or those who don’t have a lot of time to devote to plant care. Some examples include the snake plant, ZZ plant, peace lily, spider plant, and rubber tree plant. These easy-to-keep plants not only require minimal watering but also can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions and are resistant to pests and diseases.Resistant To Pests And Diseases
One of the characteristics of easy-to-keep large plants is their resistance to pests and diseases. These plants are typically hardy and robust, making them less susceptible to common issues like mealybugs, spider mites, or root rot. For example, the snake plant is known for being highly resistant to pests and can withstand neglectful watering habits. Similarly, the ZZ plant’s thick waxy leaves make it difficult for pests to penetrate.Top 5 Easiest Large Plants To Keep Alive
Here are the top 5 easy-to-keep large plants for beginners: snake plant, ZZ plant, peace lily, spider plant, and rubber tree plant.Snake Plant
The snake plant, also known as Sansevieria, is a popular houseplant due to its ease of maintenance and unique appearance. This tough plant can tolerate low light conditions, irregular watering schedules, and even neglect. It’s also an excellent air purifier that can help improve indoor air quality by removing toxins from the atmosphere. Snake plants have long leaves that grow vertically upward, making them ideal for adding height to any room while taking up minimal floor space.ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is another popular choice for those looking for an easy-to-keep large indoor plant. This hardy plant is drought-tolerant and can handle low-light conditions, making it great for beginners or those with busy schedules. The ZZ plant has thick stems and waxy leaves that help it retain moisture, requiring minimal watering. It’s also resistant to pests and diseases, ensuring a long lifespan if properly cared for.Peace Lily
Another easy-to-care-for large houseplant is the peace lily. Known for its lush green foliage and elegant white flowers, this plant thrives in low to medium light conditions. To care for a peace lily, it’s important not to let its soil dry out completely before watering it again. These plants prefer consistently moist soil but can suffer if overwatered or left in standing water. Peace lilies are resilient against pests and diseases, making them a great choice for beginners or those with busy lifestyles who don’t have time to devote to intensive plant care routines.Spider Plant
The spider plant is one of the most popular and easy-to-keep indoor plants, perfect for beginners or those who have limited space. It can survive in different lighting conditions, making it ideal for any room in the house. The spider plant requires infrequent watering and can adapt to various environments without getting damaged easily. Additionally, it is a great air-purifying plant that can eliminate toxins such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from your home. This low-maintenance houseplant has long, slender leaves that grow outwards like spider legs and delicate white flowers that sprout occasionally.Rubber Tree Plant
The rubber tree plant is one of the most low-maintenance large indoor plants that you can have at home. It’s an excellent choice for beginners who want to add some greenery to their space without having to worry about a lot of upkeep. This plant loves indirect light, so it’s perfect for those with limited access to sunlight in their homes. The rubber tree plant also doesn’t require frequent watering, as it prefers its soil to be on the drier side. If you’re looking for an easy-to-keep large indoor plant that can bring life and aesthetic value into your home, consider getting a rubber tree plant.Tips For Maintaining Healthy Large Plants
Water your plants thoroughly but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot; ensure that your plant has the right amount of light exposure, and use well-draining soil and fertilizer during their growing season.Watering
Watering is a crucial aspect of taking care of large plants. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt or dry up. It’s important to find the right balance for each type of plant and its specific conditions. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to water when the soil feels dry about an inch below the surface. For drought-tolerant plants like snake plants and rubber tree plants, it’s best to let the soil dry out completely before watering again. It’s also essential for indoor gardeners not to use hard or chlorinated tap water directly on their houseplants because this could affect their growth negatively. Consider using filtered or distilled water instead, which is free from any harmful substances that may hinder plant growth in direct contact with tap water.Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial in keeping your large indoor plant alive and healthy. Most plants prefer bright, indirect light to thrive, while others can tolerate low light conditions. For instance, the snake plant and ZZ plant can handle lower light conditions, making them ideal for dimmer rooms. If you notice that your large plant is not getting enough natural light from windows or doors, consider adding artificial lights such as fluorescent or LED grow lights that mimic natural daylight. In conclusion, proper lighting is vital for maintaining healthy large indoor plants.Soil
Choosing the right soil is crucial for the health and well-being of your large plants. It’s important to use soil that is specifically formulated for indoor plants, as this will provide the nutrients that they need to thrive. One of the easiest ways to ensure that your plant has good quality soil is by purchasing pre-mixed potting soil from your local gardening center. Look for a mix that includes peat moss or coconut coir, perlite, and vermiculite. These ingredients will help with drainage while retaining moisture in the soil. When repotting your plant, make sure you choose a container that is slightly larger than its current one so it has room to grow. Fill about two-thirds of the new container with fresh potting mix before gently placing your plant inside and backfilling with more potting mix until level with the surface.Fertilizer
To keep large plants healthy, fertilizer is crucial. It provides essential nutrients required for growth. When providing fertilizer to your plant, it’s important not to overdo it as too much can be harmful. The amount you use will depend on the type of plant and its size. For example, snake plants require a balanced liquid or water-soluble fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 diluted by half strength. ZZ Plants do well with a slow-release granulated organic formula that has low nitrogen but high phosphorus content once every six months. However, peace lilies prefer monthly feedings using a balanced water-soluble solution that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K).Repotting
To keep your large plants healthy, they may require repotting from time to time. Repotting involves moving the plant to a new pot with fresh soil and extra space for growth. When repotting, be sure to choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and use well-draining soil. Gently remove the plant from its old pot and loosen any tangled roots before placing it in the new container. Remember not to overpot your plants as this can lead to waterlogging, which increases the risk of root rot. Typically, indoor plants require repotting every 1-2 years while outdoor plants may need more frequent attention due to their exposure to weather elements.Benefits Of Keeping Large Plants In Your Home
Large plants can improve air quality and add aesthetic value to homes, as well as reduce stress levels and improve mental health.Improved Air Quality
Indoor air quality can often be worse than outdoor air quality due to factors such as poor ventilation and pollutants from household items. However, having houseplants can help improve indoor air quality by removing harmful toxins. Some of the most effective air-purifying plants include snake plants, spider plants, peace lilies, and rubber tree plants. According to a NASA study on indoor air pollutants, certain houseplants were found to be effective in reducing levels of benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene – common compounds found in everyday household items such as furniture and cleaning products.Enhanced Home Decor
In addition to their numerous health benefits, keeping large plants in your home can also enhance your decor. Incorporating indoor plants into your design can add color, texture, and life into any space. Large plants like the rubber tree or peace lily can serve as statement pieces in a room while subtler options like snake plants or ZZ plants can complement existing decor. Additionally, hanging or trailing plants such as pothos or spider plant vines can add a unique touch of whimsy to any area.Reduced Stress Levels
Having large plants in your home has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health by reducing stress levels. Studies have found that exposure to greenery can lower anxiety and improve overall mood, making it an easy way to boost your well-being. In fact, some hospitals even incorporate indoor plants into their design as part of therapy for patients. Furthermore, certain plant species are known for having specific benefits when it comes to reducing stress levels. For instance, the scent of lavender has been shown to decrease heart rate and blood pressure, while the snake plant is known for its air-purifying abilities which can help eliminate toxins from the air and promote better breathing.Quick FAQs
Q: What is the easiest large plant to keep alive?
A: There are many plants that are easy to care for and can thrive in different environments. Some of the easiest plants to keep alive include snake plants, ZZ plants, spider plants, sansevieria, cactus, monstera, money trees, jade plants, rubber plants, fiddle leaf figs, cast iron plants, Swiss cheese plants, and succulents.Q: What makes these plants easy to care for?
A: These plants are relatively easy to care for because they do not require frequent watering and can tolerate a variety of light conditions including low to bright indirect light. They are easy to grow indoors and can survive in the easiest indoor environments with less attention from the plant parent.Q: What are some important things to keep in mind when caring for these plants?
A: While these plants are forgiving and easy to care for, it is important to keep their soil moist but not waterlogged and to keep the soil to dry out completely between waterings. They grow best in well-draining soil and require indirect sunlight or bright light, while some also thrive well in direct sunlight.Q: Do any of these plants require a more humid environment?
A: Some plants like the spider plant, jade plant, and prayer plant prefer a more humid environment. However, they can still thrive in drier air in your home.Q: Can anyone keep these plants alive?
A: Yes, these easy-care plants are perfect for beginners and anyone who wants to start their collection of plants. Plant parent or growers can keep them thriving with less attention or need for expertise.Q: What are some other easy to care for indoor plants?
A: Other easy to care for indoor plants include pothos plant, peace lily, dumb cane plants, rubber plant, and air plants on this list. These plants also surprisingly easy to care for and grow best in a humid indoor environment.Q: What should I do if I forget to water my plant?
A: Most of these plants can tolerate periods of drought, so if you forget to water your plant for a while, you can simply water it as soon as you remember and keep the soil moist. The plant will forgive you, and it will continue to thrive.Is Foxglove Easy to Maintain in a Garden?
When it comes to maintaining a garden, removing foxglove from your garden can become a necessary task. While foxgloves add aesthetic appeal with their vibrant blooms, their self-seeding nature can lead to overcrowding. Regularly monitoring and pulling out excess foxglove plants can help maintain a healthy and balanced garden, ensuring other plants have enough space to thrive.
