Photo: © ScottShanks - Adobe Stock
The houseplants of the 1970s are making a comeback. You can see them hanging in macramé planters from the ceilings of the hippest homes. Their large, dark green leaves make the perfect decorating statement. As an added benefit, they purify the air while giving you more oxygen to breathe in your home.
If you don't have a green thumb, this new trend might make you somewhat nervous. Don't worry. If you choose wisely, you too could successfully raise a plethora of houseplants.
Here are some favorite houseplants that don't mind if you have a brown thumb:
Snake Plant
With its sturdy, thick leaves pointing skyward, the snake plant is one of the easiest to maintain. It thrives on neglect and does well in low-light situations. It is at the top of NASA's list of plants that cleanse the air.
Pothos
The pothos is another excellent air purifier. This plant grows long, trailing stems that hang lazily over the edges of pots, down bookcases, and along walls. If you forget to water it, it will do just fine. It can live under low or higher lighting. It can even live under fluorescent light, making it perfect for the office. Pothos leaves come in a variety of colors from bright green to darker green to variegated.
Spider Plant
If you're dying for a plant to put in your bathroom, this is the perfect one. The spider plant loves humidity and is not a fan of direct sunlight. Its thin leaves shoot from the ground like a fountain. A healthy spider plant is easy to propagate: remove the young shoots growing at the end of its leaves and place them in separate pots of soil.
Areca Palm
This palm, with its green fronds that add height to your space, is the perfect statement for any room. It also prefers indirect light and will tolerate drought.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is most suitable for the person who has a brown thumb because it thrives on neglect. Not only can it go for long periods without getting water, but it also can survive in extremely low-light situations. Forest-green, oval leaves grow along the length of this plant's stems.
If you start your greenery collection with these easy-to-care-for houseplants, you're destined to become a success. Before you know it, you'll be posting pictures of your favorites on Instagram.
