No green thumb needed for these indoor plants can flourish in unfavourable conditions.
Take a look at your Instagram feed and you’re bound to come across a plant-centric post. If you explore further down the hashtag rabbit hole such as #houseplantsclub and #plantsmakepeoplehappy, you will find a niche community that has managed to fill their homes and offices with indoor plants that look straight out of Jumanji.
Apart from being pretty to look at, there are lots of benefits to keeping houseplants. From cleaning the air around you to reducing stress levels and not to mention, a sense of fulfilment as you’re taking care of a living thing.
But before you jump into plant parenthood, taking care of plants can be quite a challenge especially if you are not gifted with a green thumb. However, there are plenty of indoor plants that thrive in less-than-ideal circumstances. These 10 houseplants are perfect for beginners as they require minimal attention.
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa aka Swiss cheese plant is a common houseplant that can inject some life into your indoor spaces. This “holey” plant (thus the cheesy nickname) is able to thrive under low light. Plus, you only need to water them once a week or when you notice if the soil is dry – perfect for newbies.
Snake Plant
If you can’t keep a plant alive even if your life depended on it, then the snake plant is your best bet. They can survive harsh conditions like drought (and negligence) so if you end up forgetting to water it, they are well-equipped to flourish and slither its way through your house. One thing to take note – it’s toxic to certain pets.
Succulent
Like its name, their leaves are thick, juicy and for a lack of a better word, succulent. With over 100 species, this versatile plant can either be placed on windowsills or on your office desk as a statement piece. Similar to cacti, succulents can hold water in their leaves, giving them the juicy appearance so you don’t have to worry about watering them frequently. The popular indoor choice would be the ones that are green in colour as they don’t need much sunlight.
Orchids
If you’re looking to zhoosh up your home with a splash of colour, then the Lion City’s national flower is for you. Not only are they low maintenance but orchids also thrive in humid conditions – maybe that’s why it’s Singapore’s national flower.
Tillandsia
If space is an issue or you’re not a huge fan of dirt, you will get along with tillandsia aka air plants. The only thing you have to do is soak them in room temperature water once every two weeks – yes, not much commitment is needed. Also super chic AF to have them cascading down from the ceiling.
Oxalis Triangularis
Yes, what a mouthful and interestingly enough, you can actually eat it (farm-to-table grub, anyone?). Also known as the purple shamrock, its triangular leaves open up in the day to absorb as much sunlight as possible and close once dusk approaches. Let it do its thing by placing it near the window but water the plant at least once every three weeks.
Aloe Vera
Yes, we all know the health and beauty benefits of aloe vera but did you know that it’s actually a perfect indoor plant? Place it at the sunniest spot of the house and wait till the soil is dried out before you water it. Soon, you will get offshoots. You could also extract its gel and apply on minor cuts – it’s like a first-aid kit in a pot.
Fittonias
Fittonias is best suited for busy individuals who want something more interesting than a plain green houseplant. Veiny in appearance, it gets its nickname of nerve plant. Place it in your shower room as they blossom in places with indirect sunlight and humid conditions – now you have an excuse to take those piping hot showers.
Pothos
Also known as Devil’s Ivy, this green devil is really hard to kill. It can go without water for weeks and doesn’t need much light. It doesn’t need pruning either, so just sit back and watch it grow.
Schefflera
Resembling a mini forest, this umbrella-looking plant doesn’t demand much. Indirect sunlight works best and it also doesn’t require frequent watering – only when the soil is completely dry.
