Welcome to the ultimate plant guide for beginners, novices or even if you’re just simply plant curious (we’ve all been there!). We know you have a lot to juggle and maybe plants are the last thing on your mind. We totally understand that keeping plants alive can seem like a daunting task when you’re also keeping actual tiny humans alive, at the same time.
Throw in the fact that plants can lend to a really serene decor and several true wellness benefits, maybe keeping a plant alive isn’t so hard after all. So, if you’ve secretly been hoping to develop a green thumb but don’t know where to start, The Cool Mom Co. has you covered! We’ve broken down the best plants for beginners and the best schedule to help care for them. Before you know it, you may actually be wearing an “I’m a Plant Mom” t-shirt!
Why Houseplants?
Houseplants might seem like a purely decorative element for your space, but they actually offer a variety of benefits. Most notably, filling your space with plants may help to increase the air quality in your home. Through a process called phytoremediation plants help remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air, which can have negative effects on your physical health.Additionally, research has shown that tending to houseplants can have a positive effect on mental health as well. Similar to how spending time outside can lower cortisol levels, bringing a touch of nature indoors can help reduce stress levels.
What You’ll Need:
Unlike other hobbies, caring for houseplants does not require much fancy equipment. You only need a few things to get you started on your journey.
Perhaps the most important factor is to invest in a good quality pot. There are tons of adorable pots available at a variety of stores. However, not all pots are created equal. To give your plants the best shot at a healthy long life, look for a pot that has a drainage hole at the bottom to prevent water from building up and causing root rot. If you are planning to have the pot sitting on the floor, consider investing in a pot that comes with a matching dish to stop any water from ruining your hardwood.
You will also want to make sure you have potting soil on hand. You can speak with the experts at your local gardening store to find the brand that will help your plants thrive.
Lastly, you’ll want a small spade to help you move plants into their new homes.
Where To Shop:
We always recommend shopping local and supporting your community. If your local gardening store doesn’t quite have what you are looking for, though, we are huge fans of The Sill! The Sill is a woman-owned, online plant store. With just a few clicks, you can select your preferred house plant in a planter style that you can customize to suit your particular aesthetic. Bloomscape is another great option for newbie home gardeners. Their easy to use filter system helps you find a plant that will thrive in any climate, room, or environment.
Best Houseplants for Beginners:
Pothos
Considered by many to be the ultimate houseplant for beginners, Pothos is very easy to care for. Also known as the Devil’s Ivy, it is a hearty plant for the newbie. One of the reasons it is so easy to grow indoors is that it can survive with very little sun exposure. This makes it a great plant to help spruce up a windowless bathroom, or basement room. That being said, pothos can grow in sunnier spaces as well, although we suggest avoiding exposing them to direct light.
One of the best parts of pothos plants is that they are so easy to propagate. Propagation is the process of taking a cutting of a plant and re-growing it into its very own independent plant. Pothos cuttings can be placed in a jar of water, and within time will form its own roots. It can then be replanted in soil, and taken care of as usual.
Snake Plant
Snake plants are tougher than you are. It’s just true. If you don’t drink enough water, BAM here come the foot cramps and skin problems. The snake plant? Just fine. If you sit out in the sun too long? Hello, sunburn. The snake plant laughs in your general direction.
If you are too busy to maintain a consistent care schedule for your plants, a snake plant is the houseplant for you. Notoriously hearty, snake plants actually thrive on a watering schedule that allows them to dry out in between. Additionally, they can survive in a wide variety of light conditions, including low-light areas.
Like pothos, snake plants are fairly easy to propagate. Instead of growing in water, divide your original plant up into sections, and simply repot each section in fresh soil.
Aloe Vera
There’s nothing better than having a houseplant that is both beautiful and useful. Aloe Vera ticks both boxes!
You might be more familiar with aloe vera as the greenish gel you can buy from the drugstore to treat sunburns. With your own aloe vera plant, you’ll be able to soothe skin from the comfort of your home, no artificial green dye required! When aloe leaves are split open, they reveal a thick cooling gel that can be used in a variety of ways.
Aloe also happens to be a perfect plant for those of us who are still developing our green thumbs! As part of the succulent family, aloe vera loves lots of sun. It will thrive in a room with lots of light, or by a windowsill. The key to success with aloe vera is making sure to buy a well-draining potting mix, as opposed to the typical potting soil you might use with the other plants. This allows aloe vera’s roots to dry out completely between waterings, which is just what it likes!
Monstera
Monstera is one of the most easily recognizable houseplants. Also known as a ‘Swiss Cheese Plant,’ you might have seen its’ distinctive leaves patterned on tropical clothing. And with good reason too. These are beautiful plants that can add ambiance to any room.
While they may look fancy, monsteras are actually very easy to care for. Monsteras only need to be watered every 1-2 weeks and do best in a room with medium light exposure. Like aloe vera, though, it is best to use a well-draining potting mix to avoid root rot.
With just a little practice, you’re well on your way to being Green Thumb Royalty in your friend circle. A word of caution though; once you start buying houseplants and seeing the benefits we don’t think you’ll be able to stop! Take our word for it.
Are you a seasoned indoor gardener? What are your favorite tips for newbies? Share in the comments below!