Plant parents everywhere will love this month’s pick for House Plants for Healthy Living. Meet the easy-going crew of these 5 house plants, which thrive with little care. Clean the air this winter, and keep your family a little healthier too!

ZZ Plant

ZZ plants are as low maintenance as they come. With long stems and glossy leaves, these plants will dress up any office, dorm, and or hallway. 

Light: ZZ Plants will do great in any lighting condition and can even thrive in fluorescent lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, because the leaves can get sunburned. 

Water: ZZ Plants like to dry out between watering, and can even thrive if forgotten for a bit. When in doubt underwater. Overwatering this plant can cause root issues, and stems to turn yellow. 

Fertilize: During the growing season (April to August), fertilize with a liquid fertilizer once a month. 

Snake Plant

Snake Plant, Sansevieria or Mother-in-law’s Tongue, is another low-maintenance option for new or seasoned plant parents. Available in several varieties, Snake Plant is a must-have for any room of your home.  

Light: Snake Plants aren’t fussy about where their light comes from. They will do great with bright, in-direct sunlight, or within dimly lit hallways or offices. Just keep your snake plant away from direct sun as the leaves can get scorched. 

Water: Snake Plants can go a while between waterings, and prefer their soil to dry out. Watering regularly is great, but don’t overwater. It is best to underwater these plants to prevent the roots from getting waterlogged. 

Fertilize: A general, all-purpose plant food can be used once a month on your snake plant during the growing season which is April to August. 

Pothos

Pothos is a popular trailing house plant that is practically indestructible. They are great at cleaning the air and come in a variety of colors ranging from lime green to dark green with variegated leaves. 

Light: Pothos can survive in low lighting conditions but does best with bright indirect light. Lower lighting conditions may cause your plant to lose its variegation. 

Water: Water your pothos only when the soil is completely dry. These plants will start to droop when they need water. If the edges turn brown or they start to shrivel it means you need to water more often. Thoroughly soak the soil when it’s time to water. 

Fertilize: Use a water-soluble fertilizer on your pothos 2 to 3 times a year to make sure it’s getting proper nutrients. 

Philodendron

Philodendrons are another popular house plant that is easy to care for. These plants have great indicators to let you know what they need. 

Light: Philodendrons like bright, indirect light. They even do well with low or fluorescent lighting. If your plant gets leggy or has large gaps without leaves, it needs more light. If multiple leaves start yellowing, it means it’s getting too much light.  

Water: These plants like to dry out between waterings. Allow the top few inches of soil to be dry before giving the plant a thorough drink. The leaves will start to droop if it needs a drink. They should perk back up quickly once watered. 

Fertilizer: Use a liquid plant food 2 to 3 times a year to ensure your plant is getting the proper nutrients. Slow growth and small leaf size is a good indicator that you plant needs a food boost. 

Spider Plant

The Spider Plant is an adaptable houseplant. It can thrive in a number of lighting conditions and is low maintenance. 

Light: Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light, but can thrive in dimly lit areas. They do need more than fluorescent light, so having a mix of natural and fluorescent light is best. 

Water: Spider plants can go with a bit of neglect when it comes to watering. They prefer dry soil, and like a good watering after drying out for a bit first. Do not over water, or let them sit in water, this can cause root rot. 

Fertilizer: Use a liquid fertilizer 2 to 3 times a year. If your plant is producing Spiderettes (flowers that grow from the plant ends) you will need to fertilize once a month. 

Watch our videos House Plant Watering Tips and House Plant Care

For more information on caring for your plants, or help selecting the perfect plant for you visit any English Gardens location and talk to an associate. 

Join us on January 25 and 26 for our Adopt a House Plant event to become a Plant Parent, get paired with your perfect house plant, and get customized care tips.