Effortless Greenery: A Guide to Growing Easy Minimalist Plants
In the quest for a green thumb, some houseplants stand out as ideal choices for first-time plant owners. These plants require minimal care, thrive in low to medium indirect light, and are effective at filtering indoor air toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and VOCs.
One such plant is the Snake Plant (Sansevieria), known for being nearly indestructible. It requires watering only every 2–4 weeks depending on humidity, tolerates low light, and effectively filters formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air.
Another low-maintenance option is the Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen). Very low maintenance, it can go without water for up to three weeks, thrives in low light and artificial fluorescent light, and improves air quality.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Money Plants, are hardy and forgiving. They filter formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene, require watering about once a week, and do well in dim light. Interestingly, Money plants can be grown in both water and soil, and are perfect for adding a touch of prosperity and wealth to your home.
The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) purifies air by absorbing mold spores, formaldehyde, and VOCs. It tolerates low light and needs watering roughly once a week.
Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are easy and fun, requiring minimal care, and improve air quality. They thrive in moderate indirect light and with occasional watering.
Parlor Palms (Chamaedorea elegans) are low-maintenance, watering every 1–2 weeks, and survive in low to medium light. They improve air quality though they prefer humidity.
Additional notes for plant care: Avoid overwatering by letting the top soil dry out before watering. Some plants like English ivy and lucky bamboo can be toxic to pets, so consider pet safety when selecting. Cacti and succulents are very low maintenance regarding watering but require bright, direct sunlight, which may not be ideal for all indoor locations.
Other noteworthy low-maintenance plants include Zamia or ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), virtually indestructible and requiring minimal care. Their bright leaves effectively absorb air pollutants like xylene, toluene, benzene, etc. The Red Aglaonema produces red-and-green foliage and thrives in bright to low light conditions, requiring little water.
Lastly, ZZ plants are known as eternal plants and are long-lasting and super hardy. They are also known to revive and flourish positive energy in the house, making them an excellent choice for a lively and clean home environment.
- The Snake Plant (Sansevieria) is a nearly indestructible plant that filters formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, thriving in low light conditions and requiring watering only every 2–4 weeks.
- Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) is a very low-maintenance option that improves air quality and thrives in low light, even artificial fluorescent light, and can go without water for up to three weeks.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Money Plants, require watering about once a week, filter formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene, and do well in dim light while offering a touch of prosperity and wealth to your home.
- The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) can purify air by absorbing mold spores, formaldehyde, and VOCs, tolerating low light and needing watering roughly once a week.
- Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are easy to care for, require minimal watering, thrive in moderate indirect light, and improve air quality.
- Parlor Palms (Chamaedorea elegans) are low-maintenance plants that water every 1–2 weeks and thrive in low to medium light, improving air quality, although they prefer humidity.
