Houseplants are just another way to garden. Indoor gardening has been polar for centuries, and I think it’s a basic human need to want to nurture nature, even within our homes. Plus, houseplants are great decorating accents, and help clean the air within a home. However, I think killing houseplants is an all time top factor behind the term “black thumb”. There are houseplants, however, that are easy to grow, and hard to kill. Here are our top easy houseplants that any gardener can grow indoors. In addition, the plants we have chosen are great for families because they are all non-poisonous. Remember however, to always check with your poison control center with the Latin name from the tag on the plant you buy. Our featured photo plant (above) is the house plant Peperomia. Easy to find in any nursery, and tolerant of a wide range of conditions. Prefer well drained soil, bright light and only water when soil is dry on the surface.

Norfolk Pine – This is an upright plant that reminds me of Christmas. In fact, my Norfolk Pine started it’s life as a mini holiday tree during December vacation to the beaches of Oregon. Likes bright light, but not direct sun. Can grow up to ten feet tall with time. Loves moist air as well, so keep out of the draft of a heating vent. Water when soil surface is dry to the touch.

 

Spider Plant – Who doesn’t love a Spider Plant? Famous for their “babies”, or little plant lets that grow at the ends of stems, and their wonderful arching shape. You can root the “babies” in water easily and create more plants! I love the variegated foliage. Bright to medium light. Keep evenly moist. Leaves will lose color if they are thirsty, but they will bounce right back.

 

Umbrella Tree (Shefflera) – This larger upright plant has a fan of glossy dark green leaves attached to each stem. Can grow to eight feet tall. Will look leggy in too low of light. Water moderately.

 

Grape Ivy – Do not confuse this with English Ivy, which can be poisonous. Grape ivy is a wonderful hanging plant, and has glossy bright green leaves shaped like an oak leaf. Will tolerate lower light, but prefers moderate light. Water moderately.

 

Cast Iron Plant – This plant coms by it’s name honestly…its made like cast iron! Hard to kill… will even bounce back from a bad wilt from lack of water, will tolerate low light and neglect. That having been said, it’s stripy leaves (sometimes spotted with cream) look best in medium light, with evenly moist soil. Thats it! Doesn’t get easier!

Whether it’s because it’s the depths of winter and you want to see some green living things, or just because you enjoy having houseplants in your home, these easy houseplants are a great place for busy gardeners to start their “indoor garden”.