IN PHOTOS: 10 convenient indoor plants for beginners
We are all probably drooling over that green-thumbed friend, who's close to turning her home into an aesthetic jungle, and frustrated at the same time that we can't even pick a plant to start with. Envy no more because we asked expert, Pido Villanueva, owner of PGD Botanique, to help us in rounding up a list of 10 indoor plants best suited to finally draw that Pinterest-inspired room decoration into a reality.
Mini Monstera or Tetrasperma
Sometimes called mini monstrera, the Raphidophora Tetrasperma, is a fast growing vining houseplant. It is visually artistic and rare as well as manageable, making it apt especially for first-time plant parents. It's best placed at table tops or shelves as it becomes more calming to look at, once it starts growing new leaves.
While this plant will surely thrive in any environment, because it can grow anywhere in your home, it is not advisable to be left in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to burn. Keeping it moist but not overly watered is another key to keep it thriving onto those walls.
Monstera deliciosa
Every plant lover will surely recognize this dramatically-holed indoor plant. Also known as Swiss-cheese plant (because of the holes in its leaves), it is the most sought houseplant after the modern retro cultivation. It usually occupies a large interior space, and is best placed as a statement-making centerpiece in the living room.
This plant needs balance in order to bloom. Putting it in an indirect sun is better as placing it under direct sunlight will cause its leaves to turn into yellow.
Panama Hat Palm
The Carludivoca plamata which came from the canopy family, is a palm-like plant that takes its appeal from its electric pleat design. This is ideal for travelers as it can withstand drought and is very low-maintenance. It is best placed in corners of the room or in high ceiling areas.
It's flexible and durable fibers are also used to weave the infamous Panama hats.
Chinese evergreens
Also coined as “La Suerte,” this tropical plant is tolerant of growing conditions, which makes it easier for novice gardeners to propagate it. Edged in red, La Suerte has been propagated and bred through generations which makes its variety redder every year. The is most commonly placed on tabletops.
Known to be durable, it can withstand dry air and drought, but is best grown in average indoor temperatures and medium to low light conditions.
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Fiddle leaf fig
Despite usually recognized as high-maintenance and a moody houseplant, the fiddle leaf fig is still dominating the plant-parent feeds. It is also wittingly mocked for throwing tantrums as it loses its leaves and usually turns yellow. This plant is best situated on sides and corners of the house, and usually outgrows when sheltered in a happy spot.
The fiddle fig loves ample light, as it eventually starts leaning towards the sun, which makes it best to rotate the tree every once in a while, to keep it straight and balanced.
Pothos plant
Also called as Devil's ivy, for its superb lifespan making it almost impossible to kill, this marble-patterned plant stays alive even when kept in low light or dark spaces. Coined to be a money plant too, it is usually rested on bookshelves or edges to make its cascading habit more appreciated. This is friendly especially to first-time growers considering its low-maintainability.
Also noted as the taro vine, this plant is a light feeder and propagates in bright light but is also best when fed with fertilizer every month.
Peace lily
Famously popular in offices and homes, the peace lily or fondly called 'closet' plant brightens up any living space with its lovely façade. These plants are attributed with green leaves and white leaf commonly mistaken as its flowers.
The most common mistake in propagating peace lilies is overwatering it as it thrives more in medium and low lights. Whether you want your lilies to bloom white spathes or look like a normal foliage plant, will depend on the light it feeds.
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Philodendron
Catering a mainstay in the interior garden setup, the philodendron's life sustainability will depend on your keen observation of its needs. Even inexperienced gardeners can breed this houseplant notable for its adaptability. This is best set in window sides, just close enough to the rays of the sun but not directly touching its foliage.
Proper watering schedule is advised to maintain this foliage plant. It includes allowing the soil to dry out between watering. Monthly misting of fertilizer is also recommended to keep its balance.
Snake plants
One of the front runners in the most tolerant indoor houseplant is the snake plant which can resist low light levels and even insect problems. It's strappy leaves and architectural shape can be kept fresh even if neglected with care at some point. This low-tolerating houseplant thrives perfectly in window panes where there is sufficient amount of light.
Unlike most plants, this tropical evergreen is best when let dried out between watering. Its sword-like leaves can adapt to a wide range of growing conditions.
