Ever-Green House Plants: A Guide to Long-Lasting Companions
Long-Lasting Houseplants: Nine Species With Exceptional Longevity
If you're a green thumb, you know the heartache of a wilting plant. But don't let one}_plant setback discourage you! Check out these resilient, long-living plants that experts agree can adorn your home for years, if not decades.
🐍 Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
Don't shy away from welcoming a snake plant into your home, even if you're a nomad at heart! These adaptable plants can endure various lighting conditions, making them perfect for travelers or busy families. Just make sure to keep them away from pets, as they're toxic to cats and dogs. Your snake plant could grow up to four feet indoors and eight feet outdoors, with a lifespan of 20 years or more!
Although they can withstand drought, they're not frost-tolerant. Position your snake plant near a window, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Water every two to four weeks and let it dry out between sessions—overwatering is the biggest mistake to avoid. Be sure to repot every two to three years with a well-draining soil and remember, drainage holes are crucial to prevent root rot!
💐 Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora)
Peonies often come to mind when considering perennials, thanks to their brilliant colors and lush foliage. These resilient plants can grow up to three feet wide and tall, thriving in well-drained soil in both full sun and part shade. So, if you're seeking a colorful and fragrant addition to your garden that lasts for years, peonies are the way to go!
🌱 Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)
Brighten up your space with the graceful, easy-to-care-for parlor palm, which can live for 50 years or more! As an added bonus, these palms are safe around pets. Indoors, they can grow up to six feet tall but typically stay around three feet wide. Remember to keep your palm out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorching and avoid heating vents and AC units.
Parlor palms love humidity! Maintain the ideal temperature between 65°F and 80°F. Mist daily to promote that tropical feel and use your moments to practice gratitude—these plants are incredibly forgiving even when you skip a watering session or two! Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent moisture buildup and water once a week from the bottom up.
🍀 Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
Say hello to the tough, long-lasting, and easy-to-care-for jade plant, famed for its ability to store water in its leaves and withstand periods of neglect. These plants prefer bright light and only require moderate watering after letting the topsoil dry out between sessions.
Indoors, the jade plant can grow up 2-3 feet tall. Outdoor growth will vary depending on the conditions but can surpass indoor heights with proper care.
🥕 Asparagus (Asparagus Officinalis)
Looking for a delicious long-term investment? Plant asparagus! These perennials return year after year, providing a delightful culinary delight. They remain dormant over winter and can withstand freezing temperatures, snow, and heavy rain.
Choose a sunny spot for your asparagus bed and plant 1-year-old dormant roots with at least 12-18 inches between rows. With proper care, feeding, and a little love, an asparagus patch can last for decades!
🌻 Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Want to add some vibrant colors to your garden? Daylilies are a fantastic, drought- and heat-resistant choice that can endure neglect in high-traffic landscapes. They bloom in a wide range of colors and thrive in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Remember to divide your daylilies every few years to promote new growth and keep them healthy!
🎄 Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
Ah, the Christmas spirit! Bring a touch of holiday cheer to your home with the Christmas cactus, which blooms once a year and takes six to eight weeks for buds to appear. To encourage flowering in time for Christmas, the plant needs 14 hours of darkness at night and bright light during the day.
Your Christmas cactus prefers bright, indirect light indoors, and direct sunlight outdoors. Water every two to three weeks, allowing the top third of the soil to dry out between sessions. Don't forget to prune your cactus to stimulate new growth and keep it looking lush!
🌺 Bearded or Siberian Iris (Iris x Hybrid or Iris Sibirica)
Longing for a plant that's adaptable to various soil conditions? Opt for the bearded or Siberian iris! These plants can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and tolerate a range of soils from loamy mixtures to clay, as long as the location is well-drained. Keep your garden vibrant with these versatile and beautiful flowers!
🌾 Karl Foerster Grass (Calamagrostis x Acutiflora)
Embrace the outdoors! The Karl Foerster grass is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that can endure well over 10 years. It brings movement and a wispy texture to your garden.Apply fresh mulch yearly around the base, but keep in mind that truly no special care is needed!
- The snake plant, Sansevieria Trifasciata, is a long-living and adaptable house plant that can endure various lighting conditions, making it suitable for travelers or busy families.
- With a lifespan of 50 years or more, the parlor palm (Chamaedorea Elegans) is a graceful and easy-to-care-for indoor plant that can grow up to six feet tall.
- The jade plant (Crassula Ovata) is a long-lasting and easy-to-care-for plant, known for its ability to store water in its leaves and withstand periods of neglect, making it ideal for those with busy schedules.
- Asparagus (Asparagus Officinalis) is a delicious long-term investment, as these perennials can provide a culinary delight year after year, with proper care and a sunny spot in the garden.
