Hard to kill plants for new plant parents
Have you been on the fence about becoming a #newplantparent? Not exactly sure where to start? Here at Good Dirt, we are telling you this is your sign you should dive into the world of plants and go for it!
Let’s develop that green thumb together.
What are beginner plants?
Beginner houseplants are low maintenance plants that are easy to grow. They thrive in tons of different places and can withstand some neglect, uneven temperatures, inconsistent or poor lighting, and the occasional missed watering day.
Each plant will require specific watering and lighting needs that are required for them to live their best life… but these undemanding, beginner friendly houseplants are a great start!
Beginner Plants: Pros and Cons
Sansevieria Plant
also known as Snake Plant or Mother-In-Law’s- Tongue
Pros
- Extremely adaptable
- Can grow in low light conditions, even surviving in fluorescent lighting, which makes them versatile to be placed really anywhere
- Alright with irregular watering patterns
- Clean and filter indoor air by removing toxins
- Doesn’t grow very tall
Cons
- Doesn’t do well in direct sunlight
- Easily overwatered
- Toxic to pets if ingested
ZZ Plants
Pros
- Prefers indirect light
- Can survive low light conditions
- Withstands lack of water: water once a month during the winter and once every three weeks during the summer
- Purifies air
Cons
- May irritate skin, so make sure to wash hands after contact
- Only a few ZZ plant varieties to choose from
Pothos Plant
Pros
- Many beautiful color varieties from shades of green to blue
- Does well in almost any light, but best in low to bright indirect light conditions
- Rarely has issue of root rot
Cons
- Sunburnt in direct light
- Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
Ivy Plant
Pros
- Bright light is best for this plant
- Easy to grow
- Purifies air
Cons
- Burns in direct sunlight
- Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
Rubber Tree
Pros
- Purifies air
- Low-risk of contradicting disease
- Many varieties
- If you’re looking for height it grows up to ten feet tall
Cons
- Sap is toxic to humans and pets if ingested, and can cause skin irritation
- Temperamental with temperature changes
- Grows between six to ten feet tall
Cacti/Succulent
Pros
- Drought resistant, thrives in dry conditions
- Requires little attention
- So many unique varieties
- Versatile and can be placed relatively anywhere
Cons
- Easily overwatered
- Requires at least eight hours of bright light a day
- Needs well-drained soil
You may have noticed, but many of the cons are “easily overwatered,” as it is a common mistake with most plants. By using the Good Dirt Indoor Potting mix, you achieve the optimal balance of moisture and aeration for the ideal drainage. We always recommend planting in pot with drainage holes. Good Dirt Potting mixes have excellent nutrient holding capabilities. We recommend feeding the plants regularly with the Good Dirt Plant Food because there is no need need to water through as our plant food is low in soluble salts and will not burn the roots. The #1 reason plants die is overwatering. We recommend you err on the side of the dry vs. overwatering, because it’s easier to revive a dehydrated plant than to salvage an overwatered one that may be damaged by root rot. You can read more about water and how it affects the plant in Everything you Need to Know about Watering Plants.
Now that you are knowledgeable on these beginner plant types, it’s time to officially become a happy #newplantparent, and welcome your new plant-baby home!
