So, you want to spruce up your apartment with a couple of house plants, but with midterms coming up, you don’t really have the time to commit to high-maintenance foliage.
The process of choosing a green friend that’s both appealing and stress-free is sometimes difficult. Here’s a list of the easiest plants to sustain so you can manage both a stylish apartment and hectic life.
1. Pothos
In the world of botany, Pothos is arguably the easiest houseplant. The only way you could kill the plant is by overwatering it, so plant care only needs to be done every 7-10 days. Another plus side of this particular plant is its air purifying qualities. Its leaves absorb toxins from the air and furniture in your home. No need to spend $400 on an air purifier. WARNING: The leafy vines of the Pothos can grow up to 40 feet, so to avoid turning your apartment into the Amazon, make sure to trim it every once in a while.
2. Hoya Plant
With star-shaped pink flowers on top of a white-flowered waxy backdrop, the Hoya plant is diverse in its appearance and texture. It is sometimes referred to as the “Hindu rope plant” since it is native to India. Not only is its appearance unique; the plant is also famous for its sweet and fresh aroma, so it doubles as an air freshener. If you’re looking for something flashy yet tasteful to decorate your apartment, the Hoya plant is a perfect selection.
3. Kalanchoe
Originally found in Madagascar, Kalanchoe flowers can be found in a variety of vibrant colors. Its colors are usually so bright that the plant has been dubbed the “Flaming Katy.” During wintry months, the flowers continue to shine brightly, making them a great mood lifter in bleak weather. Like the Pothos plant, these luscious flowers rarely need to be watered and require little to no maintenance.
4. Jade Plant
The Jade plant is widely considered to be a lucky plant. People have called it the “money tree,” “lucky plant,” “friendship plant,” and “dollar plant.” The nicknames have generally derived from the plant’s round and vivacious green leaves, which resemble coins. In Chinese Taoism, there is a philosophy called “feng shui.” Feng shui is a system of finding harmony with oneself and the environment. For followers of Taoism, Jade plants are lucky because they help create that balance of humanity and nature.
5. Cactus
Cacti may seem basic, but you’ve probably only seen the two most popular kinds of cacti: the Prickly Pear and the Saguaro. According to Eduscapes.com, there are actually over 2,000 types of cacti. The Discocactus horstii is one of the most notable. With an array of white flowers resting in a pumpkin-shaped base, the cactus looks more like a wedding centerpiece than a desert plant.
Indoor plants don’t have to be stressful. If you pick the right leafy companion, the care routine won’t be overwhelming. Living on your own while juggling school and work are hard enough without having to exert time and energy turning your apartment into the pictures on your Pinterest board.
Happy planting!
About the author:
Kate Graham is a Sociology student attending Carroll Community College. In the spring, she plans on transferring to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she will major in Sociology and Spanish with a minor in English. She lives in Carroll County, Maryland, where she works at three different libraries. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing screenplays, performing at open mics, and posting on her YouTube channel
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