While many of us have tried to spice up our interior with a plant scattered here and there, not all of us are naturally greenfingered. I must admit, I have killed many a plant in my time! In hindsight I should have chosen a plant which not only suited my interior but suited my personality… something easy to grow and easy to maintain.

Here is a guide to some different plants that work well in the home. Which one is meant for you?

Cactus

For people who have no gardening experience or little success, the cactus is a go-to house plant. Needing relatively little water compared to other species of plant, it is important that cacti get a sufficient amout of sun. So placing them near a window is ideal.

Two of the biggest mistakes people make with cacti is 1. overwatering them, because the pot they are in is too big andthe soil is too loose and 2. Suffocating their growth by never repotting into slightly bigger pots. Avoid these and they should turn out to be a very easy to maintain house plant.

Aloe Vera

As part of the succulent family, the aloe vera plant retains water very efficiently – meaning that waterings can be fairly few and far between. But just like cacti, it needs a great deal of light, so be sure to keep it near the window.

The gel that can be found within the leaves relieves insect bites, burns and cuts – so it is a very useful plant to have around!

Lavender

Originally to be found in Mediterranean & desert areas, lavender is not only resilient but it also enjoys the warm temperatures of a home setting and being next to a window for light. This plant’s wonderful perfume is a great way of introducing a natural scent into your home as well as a bit of colour. Furthermore, lavender has a far more dainty and feminine charm to it than cacti.

Orchid

Now, here’s a tricky one! I have to admit, I have not been able to successfully keep an orchid alive as yet. It is one of my goals this year! When I was at university my mum gave me a beautiful magenta orchid and I had to ask my flatmate to look after it. He managed to keep it beautiful and healthy!

Here are some of his tips:

• Water once a week during winter and twice once it turns warmer in spring and summer
• It is best to water them early in the day, so that they are drier by night time
• Even if the soil looks try, tip a pencil an inch into the soil – if it is moist, do not water until drier

Peperomia

The Peperomia comes in a variety of different shapes and colours. My favourite is the variegated green and white leaves of the example pictured above, with the beetroot edges! In terms of decor, it definitely adds a splash of colour as well as being more unique in appearance than your average green plant. It can grow to about 1 foot tall and it should be noted that this plant can be poisonous when chewed by animals.

Ideal conditions for a Peperomia are low to medium light a temperature of around 15-25 °C. and you should allow the soil surface to dry between waterings.

Dracaena

Like the Peperomia, the Dracaena has beautiful variegated green and yellow leaves. I love the shape of it with its single stalk – it looks a bit like corn! The Dracaena flourishes in medium to bright light, temperatures of 15-25 °C. It is also very important to allow the soil surface to dry between waterings! But this was named one of the easiers house plants to grow by Better Homes.

Snake Plant

Formally known as the Sansevieria species, the snake plant is an ingenious way to add different heights and levels to your interior and it is my personal favourite. It is one of the hardest plants to kill and is therefore ideal for people like me! You only need to water it every 7-10 days, so you can just relax and put your feet up, rather than constantly scurrying around with a watering can in tow.

Images via 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Are there any plants that I’m missing?

❤ Trisha

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