Adding a dash of the wild to your home is undoubtedly one of the best ways to bring light and life into any space. A dash of green here and there can work wonders when it comes to improving mood, energy levels, and even health.
A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that the presence of plants either in the home or the office produced higher levels of comfort and relaxation, with participants in plant-laden spaces displaying lower blood pressure and physical stress signals.
That being said, the adoption of new plants can be a daunting prospect for some. Without proper research on how to care for it, it’s all too common to bring home a beautiful new plant only to watch it eventually wither up and die a slow death.
To avoid the heartbreak of watching a beloved houseplant go to its grave, urban botanists recommend opting for one of the many low-maintenance house plant options out there. These are the plants that require the least upkeep overall, and thrive in almost all indoor common conditions.
If you’re looking to spruce up your living space or office without the hassle of tedious gardening - try adopting one of these low-stress indoor plant options!
1. Snake plant
With its striking, climbing leaves, the snake plant is one of the most visually impressive plants you can add to any space. Beyond their exotic look, these plants are one of the most accommodating greens you can add to an indoor space.
They tolerate pretty much any reasonable conditions, and can easily survive drought, low-light, and insects. Their dazzling, spiky leaves not only liven up a space - they also help to purify the air for a healthier, more relaxing environment!
2. Tradescantia Zebrina
Colloquially known as Wandering Jew plant, tradescantia zebrina is a gorgeous trailing plant sporting rich purple, white, and green striped leaves that possess an almost sparkling quality. Part of the spiderwort family of plants, tradescantia zebrina makes for a popular choice of houseplant due to the fact that it continues to grow and flourish with very little intervention.
Trailing plants in general are known and loved for their ability to keep growing with little assistance, and tradescantia zebrina will continue to thrive in most environments, with just a bit of water and light.
3. Spider plant
Spider plants are one of the most popular choices of houseplant out there - and with good reason! These adorable spiky plants are well-known for being some of the most adaptable and resistant plants to place in a home. With adequate water and light, these little plants can quickly thrive to an impressive size, and regularly shoot off little baby plants that can easily be potted and propagated. Hurray for infinite houseplants!
4. Pothos
Pothos is a highly popular choice of indoor climbing plant, owing to its low-maintenance and ability to liven up a space with its luscious, flowering vines. Pothos make a good addition to any space, as they can tolerate pretty much any condition. They can grow in either dry or wet soil, and can withstand direct and low levels of light.
Their ability to withstand low-lighting makes them especially popular choices for offices and bathrooms where light may be limited. One important thing to note about pothos, however, is that they contain some toxins that may cause irritation if they are ingested. For that reason, they should be kept out of reach from cats, dogs, and children, even though the negative effects of ingestion are almost never fatal.
5. Coffee Arabica
While they are technically coffee plants, don’t expect your coffee arabica to provide your morning brew any time soon! The dwarf variety of this glossy, green plant grows to around 12 inches in size, making it perfect for indoor cultivation.
They benefit from regular pruning, and in time make sprout small white flowers and even half-inch berries that gradually progress from green to blackish little pods. Within these fruits are the seeds that eventually become the coffee beans used to make coffee!
6. Succulents
Succulents are the absolute go-to for people who like to have nature in their space, but can’t bring themselves to maintain regular care for a collection of thirsty houseplants. These thick, fleshy, houseplants come in a variety of beautiful colours and are native to tropical climates such as deserts and steppes.
Due to their tropical origin, they not only liven up any space, they require the absolute bare minimum of care - watering once a month can often be more than enough to see them thrive, any more and they may rot!
7. ZZ plant
ZZ plants, or Zamioculcas, are tropical flowering plants that have become popular as indoor plants due to their wide, attractive, dark green leaves. ZZ plants are great for offices, or the homes of people who like to travel frequently, as they can tolerate neglect and bounce back quickly even after repeated periods of missed watering. A perfect solution for the forgetful among us who still want to enjoy the benefits of nature in our space!
Looking to liven up your space and create a healthier, more relaxing environment to see you through the day? Try adding one of these go-to houseplants for a low-maintenance yet refreshing addition to the home or the office!
