Well, I guess I am not really telling the truth. You may really inadvertently kill these houseplants — but only in the event that you love them to death. Therefore, if you’re among those gardeners that say, “I can not grow houseplants; I always kill them,” have a look at these eight nearly bulletproof alternatives, have a deep breath and do it.

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

1. Ferns. That I really like this family of plants, with their lush green tropical expansion. When I hear folks say they kill ferns, I let them remember where these crops come out of character and attempt to replicate these conditions. While we can not create a rainforest in our living rooms, we can give ferns routine watering once a week, bright but indirect light and weekly misting with a water bottle to mimic the humid conditions they adore.

Search for the traditional Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) or lean sword fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia); though not technically ferns, asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus) and foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Meyersii’) make great houseplants.

Tip: If you end up nearly killing your fern, just cut it back and restart watering; you’ll probably see renewed growth rather soon.

Margie Grace – Grace Design Associates

2. Tillandsia. Any plant commonly called air plant has got to be easy, right? Tillandsias need no soil to grow — what’s simpler than that? A part of the bromeliad family, tillandsias get their nourishment from the surrounding environment (atmosphere, humidity etc.).

These otherworldly plants feature leaves that can be stiff, soft, curled or straight, in a wide variety of colors from green to gray to red. Some have amazing blooms that last for months — in all, a great selection for those who want something a little unusual in their houseplant screen.

Display them walls, hang them thin wires or tuck them into cubes, bowls or driftwood. Give them bright light and good air circulation (no closed terrariums, thank you) and mist them with a spray bottle once every week.

Tip: You can also provide tillandsias a weekly soak — dunk them into water and let them dry out on a towel before putting them back in their screen.

Scheer & Co..

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum). There is a reason folks have grown this plant for a lot of years (some crops have survived for decades): ” You are able to forget you have it, and somehow it still keeps right on growing.

This leafy vine may grow up to 40 feet long out from the wild, but in your living space, you can expect it to develop a couple of feet. Keep it complete and bushy by occasionally trimming the longer leggy vines, providing bright but indirect light and deeply watering it two times a month.

Tip: If you don’t remember to water enough, this plant will just wilt. If this occurs, thoroughly soak it and eliminate any dry or dead leaves, also it ought to perk up rather fast.

Kate Maloney Interior Design

4. Jade plant (Crassula ovata). Also called friendship tree or currency plant, jade plant was widely utilized as a houseplant for many decades. It’s plump, glossy leaves thick stems and will grow up to 4 feet tall when it likes the conditions.

Give it good light and low water (about once or twice per month), make sure that your potting soil is well drained and never let this plant sit in water for extended.

Tip: The leaves will wrinkle if you’re underwatering. If you notice this, drench the soil with water but let it slightly dry out before watering again.

ARTerior Design

5. Cacti (Cactaceae spp). This large family of plants is indeed drought tolerant that watering after a month is generally sufficient.

All cacti are succulents with spines that have backbone cushions. There are so many forms to choose from — taller forms, like Mexican fence post (Pachycereus marginatus);curved shapes, such as gold barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii); or the more diminutive spinystar (Corypantha vivipara).

Most prefer bright indirect light, and some can take light by a bright window. Permit the soil to dry out in between waterings and use a feeble cactus fertilizer once a month to encourage steady growth.

Tip: To plant prickly plants like cacti, fold paper to a long strap and then wrap it around the cactus. This will protect your hands from being poked as it moves into its own pot.

Urban Nature / Troy Silva Design Group

6. Sansevieria (Sansevieria spp). Also called snake plant as well as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, this tried and true plant takes nearly total neglect and scoffs it off. Got low-light interiors? Have almost no time to water? Don’t like fussy flowers? Sansevieria is the plant.

The rigid, vertical lance-like leaves usually have white or yellow edges or darker green stripes. Before you say, “Yeah, my mom used to develop that plant — no thanks,” have a look at some of the different varieties. The one pictured here’s Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Black Coral’ (shown with Aeonium and sedum);it features more curved foliage and matches very well with contemporary interiors.

Water once or twice per month and be sure that the soil is well drained — never let it sit in standing water.

Tip: This plant will rot if you water too much, so when unsure, submerged.

Read about utilizing sansevieria in your house

Incorporated

7. Palm trees. If you want a dramatic vertical part with a tropical feel, reach to your palms. Not all palms do well indoors, so it pays to know which ones do.

The best indoor palms are kentia palm (Howea forsteriana), sentry palm (Howea belmoreana), lady palm (Rhapis excelsa) and stair palms (Chamaedorea elegans).

Prevent majesty palm (Ravenea rivularis), despite the fact that it’s widely sold as an indoor palm, queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and blossom hands (Dypsis lutescens).

Most indoor palms will appreciate a steady source of water, light fertilizer once per month and bright but indirect light.

Tip: Trim off older, brown leaves one or two times per year, or as you see them appearing. The older foliage of many palms needs to be periodically removed and does not mean that the plant is struggling.

NatureMaker

8. Ficus trees (Ficus benjamina). Recall that ficus tree in your college dorm room or in your first apartment? There is a reason this plant is a favorite selection for many first-time indoor gardeners: It provides a large, dramatic presence and is very straightforward to grow as soon as you understand its requirements. A lot of individuals have their ficus trees for a number of years.

Give it bright, indirect light (never lead sunlight), regular watering (after a week) and well-drained soil.

Tip: Once it’s been in a spot it likes, it will loudly protest when moved, dropping its leaves. If this happens do not panic, as more leaves will take their place in time.

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