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Which Potted Plants are Easy to Care for?

C. Ausbrooks
C. Ausbrooks

There are numerous potted plants available that require only minimal care. These low maintenance house plants are a good choice for anyone with limited time or space. The only necessity is meeting their basic needs.

Mother-in-law’s tongue, also known as snake plant, has long and sharp pointed leaves. It can thrive in low light conditions, and is one of the longest-lived potted plants. It requires only minimal watering, no more than twice during the winter months. Variegated and dwarf varieties are available, although they may require more light.

Aloe vera, which is known for producing a gel that can treat burns, is a one potted plant that is easy to care for.
Aloe vera, which is known for producing a gel that can treat burns, is a one potted plant that is easy to care for.

Aloe Vera, known for its ability to soothe burns, is one of the easiest potted plants to care for. It requires several hours of direct sunlight and watering only twice per month to thrive. It is tolerant of climate changes, but should not be allowed to drop below freezing. Re-potting may be necessary every few years as the plant grows.

African violet is a popular house plant, and needs only basic care to survive. It requires direct sunlight and watering once every three days. Water should never be allowed to sit on the leaves, as this can cause spotting or rot. Although African violet needs lots of light to grow, artificial sunlight can be substituted.

Many potted plants only require minimal care.
Many potted plants only require minimal care.

Spider plants are common potted plants in American homes. They require plenty of indirect sunlight and moist soil. Direct sunlight will burn spider plants, so take care to place them in an optimal position. Fertilizing in the spring and summer months may be necessary to increase growth.

Christmas cacti require watering only once every two weeks, similar to aloe vera. Moderate to bright light is needed, and artificial light can be substituted. Many other types of cacti also make easy to care for potted plants, as they need only infrequent watering.

Cast iron plants earned their name from growing under the most undesirable conditions. These potted plants can grow in deep shade, but they prefer low light. The leaves of the plant are sword-like and pointed. Occasionally, cast iron plants may flower indoors. Variegated versions are also available.

Lucky bamboo, which isn’t bamboo at all, is best suited to bright light conditions and should be allowed to dry out completely between watering. Even if the plant begins to wilt, it will regain its vitality after watering. It can tolerate low light, and can grow in nothing but water. However, once substantial roots have formed, it should be planted in soil.

Discussion Comments

OhDeDoh

@jelllies- Watering your indoor plants doesn’t have to be a hassle. You can use plastic pots for plants, and pick up some plastic trays designed for water to drain in to. Or, you can move your plant to the sink to water it, letting it drain completely before moving it back. I do this with some of my hanging plants.

The plastic pots are handy because you don’t have to worry about them corroding. If you happen to drop one, it’s not going to shatter. Hopefully you don’t drop a pot with a plant in it!

One note on watering: some of your plants may need something like gravel at the bottom of the pot for proper drainage. Just ask someone at the nursery or garden department when you buy your plants. Good luck!

jellies

What is the best way to go about watering potted plants indoors? I want to try to grow some of the plants listed here, but I really want to know how to make it as easy as possible.

OhDeDoh

I have every plant on this list with the exception of the cast iron plant. I have turned the dining area into a bit of an indoor jungle. The large windows and corner set up have allowed the perfect mix of direct and indirect sunlight. I even have some miniature African violets. These are my favorite small potted plants at the moment.

As for the large potted plants, I love, love, love my Christmas cactus. It has gotten so big! It blooms out with these gorgeous salmon pink blossoms. The bright pop of color in all the greenery is really pretty.

I would recommend any of these plants for someone looking for an easy plant to grow. They make a lovely addition to any room. The pay off is great, especially compared to the minimal work needed.

SalmonRiver

I love lucky bamboo potted plants. I bought one on a road trip about 6 years ago. It survived a two day drive that took me through Las Vegas in high temperatures.

I do not have a green thumb by any stretch of the imagination. I am always delighted that my plant has lasted so long. If I can take care of a lucky bamboo, I am pretty sure anyone can.

I don’t know how much luck it has brought me, but the plant sure is lucky to be surviving under my care!

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    • Aloe vera, which is known for producing a gel that can treat burns, is a one potted plant that is easy to care for.
      By: sassyphotos
      Aloe vera, which is known for producing a gel that can treat burns, is a one potted plant that is easy to care for.
    • Many potted plants only require minimal care.
      By: cameramatch
      Many potted plants only require minimal care.