Have you ever noticed how certain indoor plants seem to thrive no matter what? Whether you forget to water them or they receive less-than-ideal light, these plants continue to flourish. This blog post will delve into the world of the most resilient indoor plants... the hard-to-kill plants! Perfect for both newbies and seasoned green thumbs looking for easy care options.
In This Article:
- What Makes an Indoor Plant Resilient?
- Why Choose Resilient Indoor Plants?
- The 8 Most Resilient Indoor Plants
- How To Care For Resilient Indoor Plants
- Resilient Indoor Plant Propagation
- Can Owning Resilient Indoor Plants Contribute To Your Well-being?
- Resilient Indoor Plant Lighting
- Resilient Plants As A Part Of Your Indoor Garden Oasis
What Makes an Indoor Plant Resilient?
Resilience in plants refers to their ability to withstand varying conditions, such as changes in light, temperature, and water availability. Several factors contribute to a plant's resilience:
- Adaptability: Some plants can adjust to different light levels and humidity conditions, making them more resilient than their more finicky counterparts.
- Drought tolerance: Plants with thick, waxy, or succulent leaves are often better at retaining moisture and can go longer without water.
- Pest resistance: Some plants have natural defenses against pests, like tough leaves or toxic substances.
Why Choose Resilient Indoor Plants?
Choosing resilient indoor plants comes with a host of benefits. They are:
- Easy to care for: Less time worrying about watering schedules or perfect light conditions.
- Adaptable: They can thrive in a variety of indoor environments.
- Long-lasting: With proper care, these plants can be a part of your home for many years.
- Aesthetic appeal: Many resilient plants are also quite beautiful, adding a touch of greenery to your indoor spaces.
What Are The Most Resilient Indoor Plants?
Let's dive into a list of some of the most resilient indoor plants that you can add to your home.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The Snake Plant, also known as the "Mother-in-Law's Tongue," is one of the most resilient indoor plants around. It's drought-tolerant, adapts well to low light, and can withstand a range of temperatures. Plus, its striking upright leaves add a modern touch to any room.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is another champion of resilience. It's drought-tolerant, thrives in low light, and is resistant to most pests. Its glossy, feather-like leaves give it a unique appeal. If you need more information on caring for ZZ Plants, check out our ZZ Plant Growing Guide!
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, or "Devil's Ivy," or "the cockroach of plants", (because it is so difficult to kill), is a hardy vine that can adapt to various light conditions and withstand neglect. Its trailing growth habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets or as a climbing plant.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is not only resilient but also a great air purifying plant. It's highly adaptable, resistant to pests, and can handle occasional over or under-watering.
5. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade Plants are succulents, meaning they store water in their leaves and can handle periods of drought. They also tolerate a range of light conditions, though they prefer bright, indirect light. Check out our succulent grow guide for more info on other cacti and succulents similar to the intriguing Jade.
6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is a popular houseplant known for its beautiful white blooms and dark green foliage. It's very forgiving and can withstand occasional neglect. The Peace Lily can adapt to lower light conditions, though it does prefer bright, indirect light, such as that from an indoor plant light. It also signals when it needs water by drooping its leaves, making it easy even for beginners to understand its needs!
7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
This climbing vine is a robust and adaptable plant that can thrive in a variety of indoor conditions. It prefers cooler temperatures and can handle both low and bright indirect light. English Ivy is also an excellent air purifier, making it a healthy addition to your indoor space.
8. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
As the name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant is known for its toughness. It can survive in low light conditions and is highly tolerant of neglect, making it an excellent choice for those who may not have a lot of time for plant care. Its large, dark green leaves add a lush touch to any space.
Remember, even resilient plants can benefit from optimal care. Consider investing in quality grow-lights, to provide your indoor plants with the light they need, especially in rooms with inadequate natural light. Shop our best indoor plant light collection!
How to Care for Resilient Indoor Plants
Despite their hardiness, resilient indoor plants will thrive best with some attention and care. Here are some general care tips:
Watering:
Most resilient indoor plants are drought-tolerant, meaning they prefer to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a common plant killer. A good rule of thumb is to stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it's dry, it's time to water.
Light:
While many resilient plants can tolerate low light, they'll usually do best in bright, indirect light. If your home doesn't get a lot of natural light, consider supplementing with a grow light. Our Vita grow light bulb is a great option. It can be attached to any lamp, offering flexibility in where you can place your plants.
Temperature and Humidity:
Most indoor plants prefer temperatures between 60-75°F and humidity levels of 40-60%. While resilient plants can usually tolerate conditions outside these ranges, they'll be happiest within them.
Fertilizing:
Most indoor plants benefit from regular feeding during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, and follow the package instructions.
Potting Mix and Pot:
A well-draining potting mix is crucial to prevent waterlogged roots. Many resilient plants also prefer to be somewhat root-bound and do well in smaller pots. It's important to understand the specific soil requirements of each plant you bring into your home.
Different plants have unique needs when it comes to soil composition. Therefore, we encourage you to investigate the ideal soil mix for each of your houseplants. If you're interested, try creating your own tailored soil mix for your indoor plants.
Can You Propagate Resilient Indoor Plants?
Yes, indeed! One of the many joys of resilient indoor plants is their ease of propagation. Not only can you expand your own plant collection, but these little cuttings make for excellent gifts. Here's a simple propagation method that works for many resilient plants:
- Take a cutting from a healthy plant. For most resilient plants, a 4-6 inch stem cutting with a few leaves will do.
- Remove the bottom leaves, leaving a few at the top of the cutting.
- Place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the cut end is submerged but the remaining leaves are not.
- Place the glass in a bright, warm location and wait for roots to grow. This can take anywhere from a week to a few months, depending on the plant.
- Once roots are well-developed, plant your new baby plant in a pot with well-draining soil.
If you're interested in propagation, we recommend our blog post on how to grow plants with aeroponics. Aeroponics is a soil-less growing method that can be used for propagation. If you’d like to simply propagate your houseplants but would like a bit more direction, we recommend checking out this helpful blog post from ourhouseplants.com on How To Propagate Houseplants.
How Do Resilient Indoor Plants Contribute to Your Well-being?
More than just adding a pretty face to your home, there are a host of health benefits from indoor plants, including:
- Improved air quality: Plants absorb toxins from the air, improving its quality. NASA's Clean Air Study found that some resilient plants, like the Snake Plant, are particularly good at this.
- Increased humidity: Plants release moisture into the air, which can be beneficial in dry climates or during winter when indoor air tends to be dry.
- Reduced stress: Being around plants has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood.
Where Can I Buy Resilient Indoor Plants?
Resilient indoor plants are popular and widely available. You can find them at local nurseries, garden centers, and even some grocery stores. Online shopping is also a convenient option. Websites like Etsy, The Sill, and Bloomscape offer a wide variety of indoor plants, delivered right to your doorstep.
When buying plants, look for signs of good health: vibrant, blemish-free leaves, no visible plant pests, and a well-established root system (if you can see it).
Resilient indoor plants are a wonderful addition to any home. They bring a touch of nature indoors, improve air quality, and can even boost your mood. Plus, their hardiness makes them a joy to care for, whether you're a novice plant parent or a seasoned horticulturist.
Beyond Resilience: Other Factors to Consider
While resilience is a key factor to consider, especially if you're new to indoor gardening or have a busy schedule, it's not the only thing to keep in mind when choosing plants. Here are a few other considerations:
- Size: Make sure you have adequate space for the plant as it grows. Some plants, like the Monstera deliciosa, can get quite large.
- Pet Safety: Some plants can be toxic to pets. If you have furry friends at home, make sure to choose plants that are safe for them. We have a blog post on 20 pet-friendly plants for those that need it.
- Personal Preference: Choose plants that you love! Whether it's the shape of the leaves, the color of the flowers, or the overall vibe of the plant, make sure it's something that brings you joy.
The Impact of Light on Resilient Indoor Plants
Even the most resilient indoor plants need light to survive. However, not all homes or offices have ample natural light. This is where LED grow lights can come in handy. Grow lights can provide the necessary light for photosynthesis, helping your plants thrive.
There's a common misconception that grow lights have to be big, bulky, and purple. However, Soltech makes aesthetically pleasing grow lights that emit a warm light that complements any decor. This means you can place your plants anywhere in your home, regardless of natural light availability. They're especially useful for those darker corners where natural light is minimal.
Resilient Indoor Plants and Your Indoor Garden Oasis
Resilient indoor plants can form the backbone of your indoor garden. Their hardiness and adaptability mean you can enjoy a lush, green space in your home with less worry about plant casualties. They're a great starting point for beginners and a staple for experienced indoor gardeners.
As you curate your indoor garden, consider factors like light, watering needs, and the overall look you're aiming for. And remember, while plants have their preferences, they're also adaptable. Don't be afraid to experiment and learn as you go. That's part of the joy of gardening, after all!
