Don't have the best luck when it comes to keeping indoor plants alive? We've hunted down some of the most indestructible, low-maintenance indoor plants that you'd actually have to try to kill.
These little gems will stay alive and thrive no matter how much neglect you throw at them, they will also do you a favour by purifying the air in your home while bringing your interiors to life.
1. BROMELIADS
Yes, low-maintenance flowering plants are a thing. Guzmania bromeliads like shade and being watered through their leaves (not flowers) once a week.
2. LADY PALM
A lush Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) will create a tropical vibe in your home and requires very little attention. They thrive in average indoor temperatures out of direct sunlight and only require watering every 2-3 days.
3. YUCCAS
Because of their towering size, Yuccas make great indoor focal features. They like part-shade or full-sun, and only need a cup of water every 10 days.
4. ORCHIDS
Surprisingly, orchids are one of the most low-maintenance flowering plants out there. All they needs is 2-3 tbsp of water every two weeks. Overdo it and you've got a couple of dead sticks in a pot.
5. DRACAENA
If you're looking for a large indoor plant, you really can't go wrong with a dracaena in your living room. These tall and spindly guys are happy with a drink once a week and as long as the soil dries between watering, you're looking at one super-chilled plant.
6. PEACE LILY
The peace lily is one of the best air-purifying plants you can get. A sunny spot, weekly watering and light, mid-week spray-bottle spritzes makes them happy.
7. RUBBER TREE (FICUS ELASTIC)
Much like their large, waxy leaves, rubber trees are super tough and require very little maintenance at all. Because rubber trees can also be grown outside, they can tolerate sunlight and can survive with little water. We suggest watering once a week and wiping down their leaves down with a damp cloth to get rid of dust, keep them moist and to help your plant absorb more sunlight.
8. TILLANDSIAS
Tillandsias - also known as air plants - are like cacti in disguise. Water them once a month only; they are extremely tough - both in and out.
9. SNAKE PLANTS
Sansevierias (or snake plants) are all over the place. There is probably one at the cafe with the cute barista you frequent. Bond over their dislike of water; they only need a spray a week.
COMMON INDOOR PLANT MISTAKES
According to Bunnings' expert Sharyn Petrzela, these are some of the most common mistakes that people (like us) make:
- Overwatering: This is likely to rot many common varieties.
- Not fertilising: Applying a liquid fertiliser once a year really helps.
- Not understanding its light requirements: Popping them in the shade when they need the sun and vice versa will do more damage than not watering it at all.
- Getting a bonsai, wax begonia or cobra lily: These guys are pretty, but as high-maintenance as indoor plants get. Be warned.
Source - Homes to Love