Source: flickr
Indoor and outdoor plants are a cheap and easy to way to bring a little nature into your home and in turn make your home life that much better. Whether it’s the relaxation that comes with watering and tending a backyard garden, or that little bit of green colour from a small house-plant contrasting with the off-white hues of cement and mortar, plants can improve your home in more ways than you might immediately think.
The downside is, of course, the maintenance that is often involved in keeping plants healthy, which can put some people off when it comes to investing in them. That’s why we’re here today to bring you our top four list of low-maintenance plants that will bring life to your home!
1. Cacti
The enduring popularity of the cactus is most likely rooted (no pun intended) in its ability to survive with very little watering; you could keep a cactus in your kitchen, leave your home for a two-week holiday and come back like nothing had happened. While it is true cacti don’t require much water to survive, for it to truly grow to its full potential it will need watering during what is called the “growing months” (spring to autumn).
2. Bird of Paradise
Native to South Africa, the Bird of Paradise plant gets its name from the memorable flower that blooms from it: orange and blue petals emerge from an acute, green spathe that more than resembles a bird’s colourful plumage and pointy beak. These hardy plants only require watering once a week maximum and even when kept in outdoor conditions, generally don’t attract insect pests, though they do need fertilising once a year – this is usually done in the spring).
3. Camellia
While not generally thought of as a low-maintenance plant, camellias are very easy to grow and are considered to be fairly tough. With occasional care, a camellia can light up your backyard with its emerald-green foliage and gorgeous flowers. Furthermore, camellias, when planted correctly, are known to outlive humans; some can even live up to 200 years! If you want a plant that looks amazing without ever having to put in the significant effort that re-potting and fertilising demands, a camellia just may be the one for you. As a final note on these peculiar plants, Camellias are well known for being very responsive to pruning so like the Bonsai tree, these plants only need as much tending as you are willing to offer. No time on your hands? That’s okay, the Camellia will thrive. Want to spend more time in the garden? Well, the Camellia would appreciate that too.
4. Epipremnum Aureum
Sometimes called “the Devil’s vine” because of how difficult it is to kill, Epipremnums are a highly popular houseplant (though can be kept outside in temperate regions) that can grow up to 20 metres tall if given the proper base, require little watering and grow broad, heart-shaped leaves that not only look beautiful, but will also enrich the air quality of your home to boot. Epipremnums are known for being one of the more efficient plants at removing air pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde. As attractive as its leaves are, houses with pets may want to be careful before purchasing an Epiremnum, as it is toxic to both cats and dogs.
Any other house plants left off that you feel deserve a mention? Let us know in the comments below!
