We have to admit, on days when we feel like we can barely take care of ourselves (let alone a needy indoor plant), it’s hard to get on board with indoor greenery. Don’t get us wrong, we LOVE a good pop of nature, but let’s face it—some greenery is just not meant to be grown indoors.
That being said, today we’re talking about the greenery options that are totally on our care-taking level. You know, the ones that look fabulous, even when you forget to water them for a few days (or weeks…) amidst your busy schedule? In case you missed it, a few weeks ago we wrote an entire piece on how to find the best faux plants on the market, but if going faux isn’t your thing then keep reading because we’re getting real with our greenery today. From fiddle leaf figs to kentia palms, these are the best plants and trees to grow indoors…
Photo by Lauren Pressey for Kate Lester Interiors
Fiddle-Leaf Fig
Water: Once a week (or more during winter months)
It’s a no-brainer that this one is at the top of our list! Fiddle leaf figs are not only super on-trend right now (yes, plant trends totally exist), but they are also perfect for growing indoors. However, it does require sunlight to thrive, so don’t throw it in your darkest corner.
Image via Amazon
Snake Plant
Water: Every 2-3 weeks (or every 6 weeks in winter)
Not only are snake plants super easy to care for, but their long vertical leaves reaching toward the sky perfectly complement modern and minimalistic interiors. There are about 70 difference species of snake plant, meaning their size ranges anywhere between 12 inches to 6+ feet tall (!!!). Did we mention they actually benefit from irregular watering and easily survive in low-light areas? Overwatering will be the #1 killer of a snake plant, so keep it minimal. Talk about an easy plant baby!
Image via Amazon
Jewel Orchid
Water: Only when soil is dry
Although jewel orchids don’t require regular watering per se, it is important to know that these plants prefer slightly damp conditions over a dry climate, since they originate from tropical forest floors. But don’t fret—this also means that they make the perfect plant for the powder room. They’ll thrive in low-light conditions (i.e. the light coming from that one little bathroom window), and the steam from regular showers will keep their living conditions just moist enough to stay happy (with a bit of watering when the soil becomes too dry).
Image via Lowe’s
Cast Iron Plant
Water : Every 2-3 weeks
For those of you who have busy schedules or are just generally forgetful about plant care (guilty!) the cast iron plant is the perfect solution to bringing greenery indoors, with minimal day-to-day effort. This plant has rich green leaves and will look lively in even the gloomiest conditions, so don’t worry too much about how much sun it gets. It can last for years, even with minimal watering, but try to give it at least a little bit of attention to help it reach its potential.
Bird of Paradise
Water : Once a week (and mist daily during winter)
While birds of paradise require a bit more care than the options listed above, they can make excellent house plants if you have a little extra time to dedicate to them. They crave direct sunlight, so make sure to give this one at least six hours of sunlight a day, and keep it watered regularly. With these tips, your plant will be thriving indoors and can grow to be a statement that’s several feet tall.
Kentia Palm
Water: Once a week
Kentia palms are great options for anyone looking for a tall beauty that is still easy to take care of. They can grow up to 10 feet tall with proper care, so clear out that corner in the living room and get shopping for that oversized pot! Just make sure this one gets enough light—medium to bright light is ideal.
Are you as greenery obsessed as we are right now?
We have to admit, this is one of our favorite ways to “go green”… ;)
Xx Team GM
Photos: (Header and Third) Lauren Pressey for Kate Lester Interiors, (Second and Seventh) GrayMalin.com