Top 3 Kill-proof, Starter Plants

There comes a time when most of us want to embrace our inner gardener and add a touch of green to our homes. These days it’s even more enticing, as TikTok and social media have everyone wanting to live their rainforest fantasy.

But many indoor plants require maintenance beyond occasional watering, which can be intimidating for beginners. For instance, orchids are notoriously difficult to manage at first. So, when it comes to plant care, it’s best to learn to walk before you can run.

Got a black thumb? Or maybe you’re intimidated by the long list of houseplant choices you have? That’s okay. Here are some easy starter plants that you’ll love!

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Snake plants, named for their serpent-like leaves, are incredibly resilient, making them excellent choices for newbies. They can be neglected for weeks before they start displaying signs like droopy leaves and discoloration. In addition, Snake plants can survive in low light levels, though they do prefer indirect light.

Arguably their most appealing feature is their ability to clear your air. Research has shown that Snake Plants are sufficiently capable of removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from your home.

Watering Your Snake Plant

Snake plants prefer to have some time to dry out a little before watering. We suggest that you push your thumb into the soil. The top should be relatively dry but increasingly moister below.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos plants are a staple in many people’s homes with their ivy-like leaves and cascading vines. You’ll find they’re not just easy to take care of but versatile. You can cut the leaves to frame things perfectly on shelves or even over doorways.

Native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Western Pacific islands, pothos plants prefer bright but indirect sunlight. As direct light can burn the leaves, opt for dim if no other options are available.

Caring for Your Pothos Plant

Moderate watering is also the way to go with the pothos. Drenching it can cause root rot. However, it’s easy to avoid by selecting a plant pot with a hole at the base. The water will drip into the dish below instead of accumulating at the bottom. Just be sure to empty the drainage.

ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

ZZ plants are our third pick for kill-proof starter plants. They’re visually appealing and add a touch of warmth to any home.

This tropical perennial is native to Eastern Africa but has found its way into our homes due to its adaptability. The array of green colors shifts as the plant ages, so you’ll never get bored with it sitting at the corner of your desk.

The ZZ also benefits from indirect light to avoid browning. You can leave it for two to three weeks between waterings. So, if you’re initially struggling to get into the routine, it’ll give you time.

Pro Tip for ZZ Plant Owners

This species can be prone to the odd pest from time to time. But, this is easily rectified with a weekly pesticide spray and regular wipe downs.

Do you have more questions about taking care of your plants? Give us a call at (503) 282-5824! We’d be happy to help.