Five plants that thrive on neglect: Perfect for busy lives
Do you want to grow potted plants but don't have the time to give them much attention? Or perhaps you sometimes forget to water your plants? Fortunately, some plants are almost indestructible and thrive even if you occasionally neglect them. Discover the 5 best plants for the forgetful.
3:53 PM EDT, October 24, 2024
Not everyone has the time or memory to regularly water and care for houseplants. Fortunately, many species thrive even with minimal care. In this article, we present the five best plants for the forgetful, which will be a great addition to any interior.
Five low-maintenance potted plants
Zanzibar gem is a plant known for its remarkable durability. Its thick, fleshy leaves store water, allowing it to survive several weeks without watering. This makes it an ideal plant for the forgetful.
Caring for it is very simple. Just place it in a spot with diffused light and water it only when the potting soil is completely dry. Avoid overwatering since the Zanzibar gem is more sensitive to too much water than to a lack of it.
The Zanzibar gem is also very resistant to pests and diseases. It can be placed both at home and in the office, where it will serve as an excellent decorative element. The Zanzibar gem is the perfect choice if you're looking for a plant that is nearly impossible to neglect.
Another plant worth noting is the Snake plant, also known as Sansevieria. This is another plant that is very hardy and copes perfectly with minimal attention. It features long, sword-like leaves that grow vertically, creating an attractive interior decoration.
The Snake plant is not only easy to care for but also has air-purifying properties. It effectively removes toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air.
Caring for it is as simple as for the Zanzibar gem. Place the Snake plant in a spot with bright, diffused light or partial shade, and let the soil completely dry out between waterings. This plant is exceptionally drought-resistant and will do well even if you forget about it for a few weeks.
Cacti are some of the most resilient plants, requiring practically no attention. They thrive in dry and hot conditions, and care is limited to occasional watering.
Cacti come in many species and varieties, allowing for the creation of interesting and diverse compositions. It's worth remembering, though, that cacti do not like excess water. It's best to water them once every few weeks and always avoid soaking the stems and leaves. Watering should be done carefully, ideally using soft water.
Cacti are great for sunny spots. At home, placing them on a windowsill where they can access sunlight for most of the day is a good idea. These plants also do not require special fertilizers—a well-draining soil, preferably a special mix for cacti available in garden stores, is sufficient.
Aloe is a plant known for its medicinal properties, but it is also a beautiful interior decoration. It is very easy to care for and requires minimal attention.
Aloe grows best in bright, sunny places with direct light. It requires watering only when the soil is dry—usually every few weeks. Avoid overwatering because aloe is prone to root rot.
This plant is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a great choice for the forgetful. Moreover, aloe has many home uses—the gel from its leaves can be used for burns and cuts and as a natural cosmetic for skin and hair.
Pothos is a plant that performs excellently in homes and offices. It is exceptionally easy to grow and can cleanse the air of toxins. With its fast growth, pothos can quickly become a green accent in any space.
This plant grows best in semi-shaded places, avoiding direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn. It requires watering when the top layer of soil is dry. Pothos tolerates pruning well, allowing you to control its growth and shape.
Placing pothos in a hanging pot is an excellent idea. It allows its long stems to hang freely and creates an impressive cascade of greenery. This plant is recommended for both forgetful and beginner gardeners.
What to remember when choosing potted plants?
Choosing the right plants for a home or office can significantly improve the air quality and aesthetics of the interior. Plants like the Zanzibar gem, Snake plant, cacti, aloe, and pothos withstand occasional neglect and enhance the environment with their greenery for a long time. Just remember a few basic care principles to enjoy beautiful and healthy plants.
