Five Houseplants You Can’t Kill

We all have that one friend who has the ultimate green thumb, and both their garden and their home are FILLED with luscious greenery and fragrant blooms. We also have that OTHER friend who can’t keep anything alive, no matter how hard they try. Maybe that friend is you.

But fear not!

There is hope, and it comes in the form of plants that are beyond hearty, and can not only take, but even thrive on neglect and terrible growing conditions. Below we explore five house plants perfect for brightening up a room, that even those with the brownest thumbs among us can manage to keep alive.

1-Pothos or “Devil’s Ivy”

This is the perfect plant for someone who may not have the greatest amount of natural light, or likes to keep the curtains drawn (we’re looking at you dungeon dwellers). This ivy actually prefers not being in the sun, and is so versatile it can either be kept in water, or very dry soil. While it does require an occasional watering, it will continue to grow and live on, even if you forget about it from time to time.

2- Sansevieria or “Snake Plant”

You know this one. You’ve probably seen on at the doctors office, the lobby of your building, and even massive versions at the local mall. This popular plant is beloved for not only its preference of dry conditions, but the architectural nature of its leaves. These are the PERFECT addition to a corner for that visual “pop” you’ve been looking for, and since they grow tall and not wide, they don’t need much horizontal space. They also vary wildly in size, so whatever space you’re trying to fill, this plant is perfect for the job.

3- Ficus Elastica or “Rubber Plant”

If you’re looking for something on the larger side of indoor plants, the rubber plant is a perfect option. These plants were once a staple ingredient of, yep, rubber, but have risen to take their place as a common household sight. With the ability to grow as high as 50 feet, these plants are great additions to vast spaces. But, by keeping the plant in a smaller pot you’re in control how large it gets. Unlike the previous two entires, this one likes sunlight, so be sure to place it in an area that offers an abundance of sun for those big waxy leaves to soak up, and keep it in a well-draining soil so it doesn’t sit in a pool of water.

4- Crassula Ovata of “Jade”

This is a personal favorite at LiveTheDMV. The gorgeous plants can easily live 70 to 100 years if they’re well-cared for, and since they require minimal care, they can easily become a plant that lasts a lifetime. During their growth period in the spring, summer, and early fall, jades should be watered once a week. Ensure the water is easily drained, so as not to gather in the bottom of the container and cause root rot. During the cooler months when the plants are in their dormant phase, reduce watering to about once a month. Like the rubber plant, jades prefer lots of sunlight, so be sure to put them near a window.

5- Schlumbergera Bridgessii or “Christmas Cactus”

For a plant that not only offers glistening greenery, but also fragrant flowers, the Christmas cactus is an ideal contender. This popular cactus is not only easy to take care of, but easily propagates, so it’s a perfect option for holiday giving. This plant can easily adapt to living in a more shaded area of the house, but if the colorful blooms are your goal, you’ll want to keep it somewhere it receives at least moderate sunlight. During the growing months, it’s best to keep the soil moist at all times. Once all the blooms have fallen, but back on the watering and move to a more shaded area for dormancy. When you begin to understand the nature of the plant, you will likely be able to achieve multiple blooming periods each year.

Remember to shop local; For the region’s best selection of everything related to plant’s be sure to visit Merrifield Garden Center, in Falls Church, Fairfax, or Gainesville. If you need somewhere more accessible downtown, stop by Little Leaf at 14th and S NW. For more gardening tips, head over to the blog InvincibleHouseplants.com.

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