Let me start off by saying I have killed many house plants, so if you consider yourself a black thumb, you’re not alone. However, despite all my trials, my love for plants continues. The life, color & organic shape they bring to a room can’t be replicated, and on top of that they actually remove toxins from the air in your house, which I think we could all use. So, I wanted to share which I’ve found to be the five easiest house plants to care for and tips on how to incorporate them into (and keep them alive in) your own home.
F I D D L E L E A F F I G
If you have a remote interest in interior design, you’ve undoubtedly seen fiddle leaf fig trees everywhere. They are extremely popular, and for good reason. The large, sculptural, bright green leaves are stunning, and they are wonderful for adding height and color to any room.
Fiddle leaf figs have a reputation for being finicky (and I can attest to this having killed several), but I’ve recently had success with fiddle leaf figs and have found them to be pretty low-maintenance in the right setting. In my experience, the key ingredient for a thriving fiddle leaf fig is sunlight. Don’t (as I once did) put them in a corner in your house that doesn’t get ample light—they will drop leaves and die. As long as they have plenty of light, I find that all I have to do is water them once a week, dust the leaves as needed, and occasionally give them a little fiddle leaf fig plant food (I use this one).
M O N S T E R A P L A N T
Also known as the “swiss cheese plant” for the distinctive holes in its large, heart-shaped leaves, the monstera is another plant that thrives indoors. They are one of my favorites because they are beautiful on their own and also perfect for trimming. When the leaves are growing too tall or wide, you can trim them at their base and put them in a vase on your kitchen island or somewhere that could use some tall greens.
Monstera plants do need some sunlight, but not as much as fiddle leaf figs. They do well in areas that get partial sunlight. The amount of watering required depends on your environment, but I find that mine can go around 2 weeks between waterings. You want to make sure the soil is dry before watering your monstera.
S N A K E P L A N T
The snake plant, a.k.a. “mother-in-law’s tongue” is what I’ve found to be the hardiest house plant. I swear mine does better the more I neglect it. I give it a little water about once every 2-3 weeks, and that’s it. They can survive even in areas with very low light. Snake plants come in a variety of sizes, so they can be used on tabletops, in bookshelves or in large floor planters. I’ve also read that they are one of the best plants for air purification, so I think everyone should have at least one snake plant in their house.
Home of Anne-Sophie Rosenvinge | Photograph by Freya McOmish
R U B B E R P L A N T
Rubber plants are a nice alternative if you have fiddle-leaf-fig-fatigue. They are available in sizes from small tabletop plants to large trees, and their dark green leaves are gorgeous. Their care requirements are similar to the fiddle-leaf-fig’s, but I’ve found them to be slightly hardier. They do need a decent amount of indirect sunlight and water about once every 1-2 weeks, depending on the season.
S U C C U L E N T S
In terms of smaller house plants, I’ve found succulents to be the easiest to manage. They are naturally drought-resistant, so they can go weeks without watering. However, they do require sunlight, so if you’re keeping a succulent on a bookshelf or somewhere that doesn’t get much light, be sure to stick it outside every now and then on a sunny day.
C O N T A I N E R S
Need something to put those plants in? Here are some planters + baskets I like right now. Baskets are a nice option for larger trees— they’re typically less of an investment than a planter and are easier to move around. If you’re using a basket or any container with a hole in the bottom, I suggest putting a trash bag around your plastic plant container to avoid any water dripping onto your floors.
P L A N T E R S
B A S K E T S
Lastly, if you are looking for plants or need tips on how to care for the ones you already have, I highly suggest finding a locally owned plant store or nursery. They always have the most knowledgeable people and the best selection. If you’re in Charleston, I love Abide a While. Trader Joe’s is also a good resource for succulents, orchids and other small plants. Happy planting!
xo
Lindsey
