Many people these days are surrounded by the concrete jungle and urbanisation – with more high-rise apartments, smaller blocks of land, and smaller gardens. As well as this, with most people spending about 90% of their lives indoors (particularly with lockdowns and isolation), our exposure to greenery and nature has been reduced drastically. Unfortunately – this isn’t the best for our health!
However studies have shown that there is a universal appeal of houseplants (particularly with younger adults) is that they provide “a tangible way of connecting with nature that is absent from an increasingly screen-based world”. They’ve also been linked to promoting positive mental well-being and productivity, reducing stress and promoting better air filtering in the home and workplace. Plus, there’s lots of different houseplants and cute pots to put them into!
Want to get started with houseplants but worried about being a plant killer? Here are some easy care, beginner-friendly house plants for your home to get started with!
Pothos
Common types: Golden Pothos, Satin Pothos, Marble Queen, Neon Pothos
Light: Can tolerate bright, indirect light, and can handle a dark corner
Water: Approximately every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Water more in brighter light/warmer months, less often in lower light/colder months.
Zanzibar Gem (ZZ Plant)
Light: Can tolerate bright, indirect light, and can handle a dark corner
Water: Approximately every 2-3 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Water more in brighter light/warmer months, less often in lower light/colder months.
Peace Lily
Light: Can tolerate bright, indirect light, and can handle a dark corner. More light will give it more flowers.
Water: Approximately every 1-2 weeks, keeping the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater. You can tell when it needs a water when the leaves drop! Water more in brighter light/warmer months, less often in lower light/colder months.
Snake Plant
Light: Can tolerate bright, indirect light, and can handle a dark corner
Water: Approximately every 2-3 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Water more in brighter light/warmer months, less often in lower light/colder months.
Monstera Deliciosa
Light: Bright to medium indirect light
Water: Approximately every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Water more in brighter light/warmer months, less often in lower light/colder months.
Cast Iron Plant
Light: Can tolerate bright, indirect light, and can handle a dark corner
Water: Approximately every 2-3 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Water more in brighter light/warmer months, less often in lower light/colder months.
Syngonium
Common types: Syngonium Neon, Syngonium Marble, Syngonium Snow White
Light: Can tolerate bright, indirect light, and can handle a dark corner. More light will give it more vibrant colouring and markings.
Water: Approximately every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out partially between waterings. Water more in brighter light/warmer months, less often in lower light/colder months.
Succulents
Common types: Aloe, Cactus, Crassula and Echeveria
Light: Suited to bright light and direct sun
Water: Approximately every 2-3 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings but water deeply. Water more in brighter light/warmer months, less often in lower light/colder months.
