The Brown Thumb Gardener: The Easiest Plants To Take Care Of

By Author: Danny Ang
Total Articles: 77
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I admit it, I am a serial killer. I have slain every African violet that has had the misfortune to be carried over my door step. I have lain waste to a multitude of potted plants, heck, I have even killed a cactus. Yet, I have a baker's rack filled with fairly healthy plants, and okay, one pitiful looking ficus- (nobody is perfect). So, which would be good plants to take care of if you are a confirmed herbicidal maniac?

First up, the sanseviera (snake plant). This plant is known by many names, including the mother-in-law's tongue because of its upright, sword shaped leaves. It can handle low light areas, and will disregard any abuse you heap on it. If this plant will not survive under your care, then consider plastic.

Next, the dieffenbachia. This is a pretty plant and when it is happy can become quite sizable. It usually has streaked leaves, but some varieties are more solidly green. The only thing this tough plant does not really like is over-watering, but otherwise you cannot harm it.

Philodendron is a climbing or trailing vine which has well over 300 varieties in its family. As long as ...
... its soil doesn't get too dry it will handle nearly any lighting condition. Give it something to grow on, and it will cover up any ugly corner that you want to hide.

Pothos is similar to the philodendron but its leaves are more heart shaped and it prefers slightly less light. Otherwise its care is the same as its trailing, climbing cousin.

Kalanchoe- these are members of the succulent family and are among the few truly easy to grow flowering plants. It will tolerate a little neglect without up and dying, in most cases. Never fails, this is one of the "un-killable" plants that I manage to kill off every time.

And of course, there is the cactus. Cacti come in many varieties, some with sharp spines and others without. Consider location, number of curious children or pets and your own sense of grace and balance before moving a prickly plant into your home. If you have the room for one, a cactus will only require bright sunlight and dry soil.

Keep your new plants healthy and happy by starting with specimen that are in good condition from the start. Know your plant types and what a healthy plant of that type looks like before you even consider shopping for them. Try to avoid spur of the moment plants that are thrown in your cart as an afterthought in the grocery store. The staff there are usually not as well informed about the plants they are caring for as say nursery staff would be, so consider carefully. If you purchase an unhealthy plant, will it infect those that you already have in your home? Think about the size of each plant at maturity- that information will usually be found on the hang tag that should accompany each plant.
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