The most common house plants and how to care for them


I am a huge fan of indoor house plants. I have shelves specifically to hold cute indoor plants above my kitchen table. It was the perfect spot for sunlight and my plants are thriving in that spot.

For me, they bring me joy within my home. I enjoy seeing them especially during the winter months here in Illinois when everything is dead outside. On top of that, house pants are especially good at keeping the air clean. That’s why I have snake plants all over my home! Indoor plants can sometimes be tricky and die on you, trust me I’ve gone through so many indoor plants haha! But finding the right water schedule and finding the perfect spot for light-they’ll thrive.
Before I get into it, feel free to check out my Etsy account as well. I have a cute 40 page printable coloring book on house plants!  Just click here to go to my listing.

So, I am going to go through some of the most common house plants and I will go through how to care for them and also where you can get them too.

 

Snake Plant

I will start with one of my personal favorites, the snake plant. Personally I’ve never killed one of these, they are very hardy! The snake plant, scientifically known as Sansevieria trifasciata, is a popular indoor plant valued for its striking appearance and ease of care. Characterized by its long, upright leaves with distinctive patterns and markings, the snake plant adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space. Native to West Africa, snake plants are well-suited to indoor environments due to their tolerance of low light conditions and neglect. They are relatively low-maintenance and can go for extended periods without water, making them ideal for busy households or those new to indoor gardening. Additionally, snake plants are known for their air-purifying qualities, making them an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality.
To care for your snake plant, place it in a location with bright, indirect light, though it can tolerate low light conditions. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Snake plants prefer well-draining soil.Make sure to dust the leaves regularly and repot every few years to keep the plant healthy and vibrant. With minimal effort, your snake plant will thrive and add beauty to your indoor space.

 

Peace Lily

The peace lily plant, scientifically known as Spathiphyllum, is a popular indoor plant cherished for its elegant white flowers and glossy, dark green leaves. Native to tropical regions of the Americas and southeastern Asia, peace lilies are well-suited to indoor environments due to their ability to thrive in low light conditions. They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels, making them adaptable to various indoor settings. Peace lilies are relatively low-maintenance and require consistently moist soil, though they can tolerate occasional drying out between waterings. They also benefit from occasional misting to increase humidity. Peace lilies are not true lilies and are non-toxic to pets, making them a popular choice for households with furry friends. With their graceful appearance and air-purifying qualities, peace lilies make a beautiful addition to any indoor space.

To care for a peace lily plant, place it in a location with bright, indirect light, although it can tolerate lower light conditions. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Peace lilies benefit from occasional misting to increase humidity, especially in dry indoor environments. Remove any yellow or brown leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and health. With minimal effort, your peace lily will thrive and produce its elegant white flowers, adding beauty and freshness to your indoor space.


Spider Plant

The spider plant, scientifically known as Chlorophytum comosum, is a popular indoor plant cherished for its arching leaves and easy care requirements. Originating from South Africa, spider plants have long, narrow leaves that often feature white or cream stripes, giving them a distinctive appearance. With its graceful foliage and air-purifying qualities, the spider plant is a popular choice for adding greenery to homes and offices alike.
To care for a spider plant, place it in a location with bright, indirect light, although it can tolerate lower light conditions. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Spider plants prefer well-draining soil and benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season. Remove any yellow or brown leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and health. Spider plants are resilient and can tolerate some neglect, making them an ideal choice for beginners or busy households. With minimal effort, your spider plant will thrive and produce its signature arching leaves and dangling “spiderettes,” adding beauty and greenery to your indoor space.

 

Bamboo

A bamboo house plant typically refers to varieties of bamboo cultivated and grown indoors for ornamental purposes. While traditional outdoor bamboos can grow quite large and spread rapidly, indoor bamboo plants are smaller and more compact, making them suitable for pots or containers. Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is a popular choice, featuring slender green stalks often grown in water or soil, believed to bring good luck in Feng Shui practices. These plants generally prefer bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil, but they can adapt to lower light conditions and are relatively easy to care for. With their graceful appearance and symbolism, bamboo house plants add a touch of greenery and serenity to indoor spaces.

To care for house bamboo, place it in a location with bright, indirect light, though it can tolerate lower light conditions. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, allowing excess water to drain away to prevent root rot. Lucky bamboo, one common variety, can be grown in water or soil, but it’s essential to change the water regularly to prevent stagnation. Trim any yellowing or dead leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and health. With minimal effort, your house bamboo will thrive and bring a touch of elegance to your indoor space.

 

Monstera Plant

The Monstera plant, scientifically known as Monstera deliciosa, is a popular tropical houseplant prized for its large, glossy, and uniquely perforated leaves. Native to the rainforests of Central America, the Monstera is characterized by its striking foliage and vining growth habit. It is often grown indoors as a decorative plant, adding a touch of tropical elegance to any space. Monstera plants are relatively easy to care for, thriving in bright, indirect light and requiring regular watering, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. With their impressive size and distinctive appearance, Monstera plants have become a favorite among indoor gardeners, adding a bold and lush aesthetic to homes, offices, and other indoor environments.

To care for a Monstera plant, place it in a location with bright, indirect light, although it can tolerate lower light conditions. Monstera plants prefer well-draining soil and benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Provide support for the plant to climb if desired, as Monstera plants are natural climbers and can grow quite large. Remove any yellow or brown leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and health. With proper care, your Monstera plant will thrive and produce its signature fenestrated leaves, adding beauty and tropical flair to your indoor space.

 

Pothos Plant

The Pothos plant, scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum, is a popular and versatile houseplant appreciated for its attractive foliage and ease of care. Native to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, Pothos plants are characterized by their heart-shaped leaves that come in various shades of green and variegated patterns. Pothos plants are known for their trailing growth habit, making them ideal for hanging baskets or cascading over shelves and furniture. With their adaptability and aesthetic appeal, Pothos plants are popular choices for adding greenery to homes, offices, and other indoor spaces.

To care for a Pothos plant, place it in a location with bright, indirect light, although it can tolerate lower light conditions. Water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. Pothos plants prefer well-draining soil and benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Regularly prune the plant to encourage bushier growth and remove any leggy or yellowing stems. With minimal effort, your Pothos plant will thrive and produce its signature trailing vines, adding beauty and greenery to your indoor space.

 

Aloe

The Aloe Vera plant is a succulent species renowned for its medicinal properties and distinctive appearance. Native to arid regions of North Africa, Aloe Vera is characterized by its thick, fleshy leaves arranged in rosettes. These leaves contain a gel-like substance rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, known for its soothing and healing properties, particularly for skin ailments such as burns, cuts, and sunburns. Aloe Vera plants are commonly grown indoors as houseplants due to their easy care requirements and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions. With its practical benefits and striking appearance, the Aloe Vera plant is a popular choice for both medicinal and decorative purposes in homes and gardens worldwide.

To care for an aloe plant, place it in a location with bright, indirect light, though it can tolerate some direct sunlight. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Aloe plants prefer well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogged roots. During the growing season, fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength. Regularly remove any dead or dried leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and health. With minimal effort, your aloe plant will thrive, producing its gel-filled leaves that can be used for various medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

 

Air Plant

An air plant, scientifically known as Tillandsia, is a unique type of plant that belongs to the Bromeliaceae family. Unlike traditional plants, air plants do not require soil to grow. Instead, they absorb moisture and nutrients through their specialized leaves from the air and rain. Air plants are typically found in tropical climates, often clinging to trees or rocks. They come in various shapes and sizes, with some producing colorful flowers when in bloom. Air plants are popular as decorative elements in homes and offices, as they can be displayed in creative ways such as mounted on driftwood or placed in glass terrariums. With minimal care and maintenance, air plants can thrive and bring a touch of natural beauty to any indoor space.

Caring for an air plant is relatively simple. These unique plants don’t require soil to grow and instead absorb nutrients and moisture through their leaves. To care for an air plant, soak it in room temperature distilled water for about 20-30 minutes once a week, then shake off any excess water and allow it to dry thoroughly before returning it to its display. Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth, though air plants can tolerate lower light conditions. Mist the plant occasionally between soakings to increase humidity, especially in drier environments. With proper care, air plants can thrive and add a touch of natural beauty to your indoor space.

 

Money Tree

The money tree, or Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant known for its braided trunk and vibrant, palmate leaves. Originating from Central and South America, it is often associated with good luck and prosperity in some cultures. With proper care, the money tree can make a beautiful and auspicious addition to any indoor space.

To care for a money tree houseplant, place it in a location with bright, indirect light, although it can tolerate lower light conditions. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain away to prevent root rot. Money trees prefer well-draining soil and benefit from occasional misting to increase humidity, especially in dry indoor environments. Rotate the plant occasionally to ensure even growth, and prune as needed to maintain its shape. With proper care, your money tree will thrive and bring a touch of prosperity to your home or office space.

 

ZZ Plant

 

The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a popular houseplant known for its glossy, dark green leaves and resilience. It thrives in low light conditions and can tolerate periods of drought, making it ideal for busy plant owners or those with less-than-ideal lighting situations. Its upright growth habit and attractive foliage make it a versatile addition to any indoor space, adding a touch of greenery without requiring much maintenance.
Caring for a ZZ plant is relatively easy. Provide it with indirect light, though it can tolerate low light conditions. Water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. ZZ plants are drought-tolerant, so it’s better to underwater than overwater. Use well-draining soil and avoid letting the plant sit in water to prevent root rot. Fertilize lightly during the growing season, spring through summer, using a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength. Keep the plant clean by wiping its glossy leaves to remove dust. With minimal care, your ZZ plant will thrive indoors.

 

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