Indoor Plant Care
Spider plants are the champion indoor plant for fast growing, catchy looks and long life with little care. The leaf colors range from solid deep green to green and white stripes. Plants with all green leaves are the fastest growers. A small plant fills out in four months. Hang it in a north window (flowers form faster in low light). Keep the soil damp and fertilize once a month.
Self-watering planters can tend your indoor garden while you are on vacation or simply save you time in regular maintenance. Based on the principle of capillary action, these nonmechanical pots come in a variety of sizes, shapes and finishes. They can be bought at garden centers or florist shops. Foliage plants with modest demands will stay sufficiently moist for as long as three months. Names to look for are Akvamatic, Grosfillex and Natural Spring.
Here is a list of ten foolproof houseplants. These hardy species will survive almost anywhere and are a good choice for timid beginners who don’t have a lot of sunny windows.
1. Aspidistra (cast-iron plant). This Victorian favorite, known as “The Spittoon Plant” survived the implied indignity in many a tavern.
2. Rubber plant. Like a dim, cool interior (like a hallway). If given sun, it grows like crazy.
3. Century (Kentia) palm. A long-lived, slow growing plant that needs uniform moisture. Give it an occasional shower to dust it.
4. Philodendrons. They like medium to low light and even moisture but will tolerate dryness and poor light.
5. Dumb cane. Tolerates a dry interior and low light but responds to better conditions. Don’t chew the foliage or your tongue will swell.
6. Bromeliads. Exotic and slow-growing, they like frequent misting but are practically immune to neglect and will flower even in subdued light.
7. Corn plant (dracaena). Good for hot, dry apartments.
8. Snake plant. Will survive almost anything.
9. Spider plant. A tough, low-light plant that makes a great trailer and endures neglect.
10. Nephthytis. Will flourish in poor light and survive the forgetful waterer.