The best indoor plants that are hard to kill

Research shows that indoor plants offer numerous benefits, including reducing stress, boosting mood, improving air quality, and even enhancing creativity and focus. They also add a great splash of vibrant colour and form to your home.

But if your track record of keeping plants alive is less than to be desired, we’ve put together a list of indoors plants that look great, that you wont easily kill.

Pilea (Chinese Money Plant)

Pilea.

The pilea peperomioides, also known as the Chinese Money Plant, is a true gem. It’s playful and quirky in form with large, coin-like, glossy leaves. If you receive a Chinese money plant, you are being gifted good luck and wishes for prosperity and good fortune. Place in a spot where it will get a lot of bright, indirect light. It only requires watering once the soil has dried out.

Sansevieria (Snake Plant)

Sansevieria.

The Sansevieria, or Snake Plant, is virtually indestructible. With it’s striking form and upright leaves, Sansevieria bring sculptural elegance to any room. They are also popular for their air-purifying qualities. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Pathos (Devil’s Ivy)

Pathos.

A classic favourite, Pathos (or Devil’s Ivy) is a fast-growing vine with waxy, heart-shaped leaves. This type of indoor plant does well in a hanging pot and can make an eye-catching cascading feature in any room. Propagations also make a great decoration piece. Simply take a cutting and place in a jar of water, and watch the roots grow. It can tolerate all light conditions, and you only need to water it whenever the soil is completely dried out.

Zanzibar Gem (ZZ Plant)


Zanzibar Gem.

The Zanzibar Gem, or ZZ Plant, is a slow-growing, low-maintenance plant known for its glossy, deep green leaves and incredible resilience. Perfect for adding a lush, modern touch to any space, Zanzibar Gem plants will be happiest growing in a bright spot with indirect sunlight, however, they can also handle very low-light situations too. They require minimal watering. 

Ficus elastica.

Ficus elastica, or Rubber Plant, is often mistaken for a fake plant. They are extremely sturdy and will grow only to the size of the pot that it is in. They grow well in a warm room out of direct sunlight. If you notice the leaves beginning to droop, this is your signal to give it a good watering.

Syngonium.

This bushy and versatile plant, called Arrowhead Vine, is easy to care for and comes in a range of colours - dark green, lime green, green/white variegated and even pink/green variegated. It starts off compact, but grows and spreads out quickly. They prefer a medium to bright spot with indirect sunlight, and thrive in a humid spot (like a bathroom or kitchen).


Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

Dieffenbachia.

Otherwise known as Dumb Cane, the Dieffenbachia is another low-light-loving plant. Its large, ornate leaves in greens, whites and creams provide a lush vibe. They are fast-growing, reaching heights of 60cm to 1.5m. Position in indirect light, rotate it occasionally and avoid overwatering.

Top tips for happy plants

  • Don't overwater: Overwatering can lead to root rot.

  • Water thoroughly: When you do water, make sure to soak the soil until water drains out of the bottom of the pot. 

  • Match plants to light conditions: Some plants thrive in bright, direct light, while others prefer shade or indirect light. 

  • Rotate plants: If your plants are leaning towards a window, rotate them periodically to ensure even growth. 

  • Fertilize: Plants need nutrients to grow. A slow-release fertiliser will help keep them healthy.

  • Repot when necessary: Repot plants when they outgrow their containers or when the soil is no longer healthy. 

  • Keep foliage clean: Dust inhibits a plant's ability to effectively filter pollutants in the air, so wiping leaves with a damp cloth will help plants to keep purifying the air for healthier home.

  • Group plants together: Grouping plants together can create a microclimate that benefits all of them. 

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