CONFESSIONS OF A CRAZY PLANT LADY: HOUSEPLANTS FOR BEGINNERS

My junior year of college I moved into my first apartment. That same year I purchased my first houseplant and I was hooked. Since then, I will be the first to admit that I’ve become rather obsessed with plants. I love having them around my house and taking care of them. I worry about them when I’m away from home, the whole bit. But you know, of all the obsessions you can have I’d like to think this is a fairly heathy one.

In the past month, my plants have essentially taken over part of my sunroom. They range from a large hybrid tomato plant, to my little bonsai tree. I have succulents, plants from Peru, even herbs, and I love them all the same.

If you’re looking to bring some life into your home but you’re afraid of purchasing something you’re going to kill, do I have the plants for you.

While I wouldn’t suggest starting out with something like a bonsai tree, there are plenty of interesting and beautiful plants out there perfect for beginners. Here are five lovely, easy houseplants that will bring a little joy to any home:

1. Kalanchoe Plant (blooming succulent)

Kalanchoes are beautiful plants that need basically no attention. They flower form spring to late fall, and unlike most plants the flowers last for months. They come in many varieties and vibrant colors, but mine is light pink.

These blooming succulents like lots of sunlight, and need to be watered about once every two weeks. Very easy and very pretty.

2. African Violet

This was the first house plant I had. Mine is a couple years old and still going strong. They are easy to care for and flower beautifully in the spring. Mine is not blooming right now, so this picture is from earlier in the year.

They like bright light, and need to be watered only when the soil is dry. The only slightly tricky things about this plant is that they don’t like to be too hot or too cold (which is typically not a problem inside a home) and they don’t like it when their leaves get wet. Just be careful when watering.

3. Basil or Mint

These common herbs grow like weeds, are very hard to kill, and they’re delicious.

Mint likes a little bit of shade while basil likes direct sunlight. They need to be watered every day or every other day, but they’re easily revived and very difficult to mess up.

4. Fittonia Argyroneura (nerve plant or mosaic plant)

These plants (mine is of the white variety) are great for their beautiful and easy foliage.

They like bright indirect light. They’re also fine with sun or shade, or whatever you have, but they do prefer a warmer environment (the chill dude of the plant world). These plants should only be watered when the soil gets dry, or about every two weeks.

5. Tillandsias (air plant)

These little guys are a such a fun plant. They’re perfect if you’re looking for something interesting and decorative. They’re evergreen perennials native to northern Mexico and the South-East that don’t need any soil at all—a living growing plant with no roots and no dirt. All the water and nutrients they need they can get through their leaves.

They like filtered, direct sunlight, and all you need to do is let them float in a cup of water for about 10 minutes a couple of times per week. I have mine in a little suction cup on my sunroom window, and it’s just too cute. These are perfect for decorating, easy to take care of, and of course quite adorable.

Houseplants are a great way to bring some life into your home and can be much easier than a lot of people seem to think.

Plus sometimes, they’re pretty relatable.

On that note, I’d love to hear about your plant experiences, or if you try any of these guys!