Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Adulting

7 Houseplants For Beginner Plant Parents

Time to embrace your green thumb!

melanie mcbride

Sep 17, 2020

Texas A&M University

378

7 Houseplants For Beginner Plant Parents

Photo by Huy Phan on Unsplash

Before starting college, I was not a plant person. I was absolutely convinced I was thoroughly incapable of keeping any sort of plant alive, and any greenery I would collect would be of the plastic variety. However, upon meeting people who had acquired a collection of plants, I started to have a change of heart. Then, I watched my mom begin her own plant family.

What started as me helping my mom water her plants soon turned into a fascination, and thus my love for plants began. I realized taking care of plants isn't as daunting as it seems!

Here are some plants that I have acquired over the past few months that not only been super fun to take care of, but stress-free as well!

1. Pothos

green plant on white ceramic vasePhoto by Kelsey Brown on Unsplash

Also known as Golden Pothos and Devil's Ivy, Pothos plants are the perfect beginner houseplant. They only require watering about once a week, and they are super adaptable to any amount of light. One of my favorite things about my Pothos is I can see it grow before my very eyes! I love taking weekly progress pictures to see how much it has grown.

2. Snake Plant

green snake plant on white potPhoto by Jake Goossen on Unsplash

Snake plants thrive on neglect. Also referred to as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, this plant requires little attention and maintenance. Just like Pothos, Snake plants only require watering once a week (or until the soil is dry), and can tolerate low levels of light.

3. ZZ Plant

black flat screen computer monitor beside white and blue ceramic mugPhoto by Pino Nguyen on Unsplash

The ZZ plant is the next plant on my list! While I personally don't own one, I've heard how easy it is to maintain and care for. Its dark green leaves are absolutely gorgeous and will add some depth and color to any space. These plants love low to indirect light, and they can go a long time without needing any water.

4. Bamboo

green-leafed plantPhoto by Elton Sipp on Unsplash

Said to bring good luck and happiness, Bamboo plants are perfect for any space in your home. I water my bamboo plants once a week, and I don't have to worry about whether they're getting enough light since they're so adaptable!

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera in white potPhoto by Stephanie Harvey on Unsplash

Usually, I'm not too crazy about succulents or cacti, but for Aloe Vera plants I'll make an exception. I remember getting wicked sunburns when I used to be too stubborn to use SPF, and my mom would simply take a piece of out aloe vera plant, and rub its juices on my burn. I love the functionality of aloe vera, and they're so cute! They come in all shapes and sizes, and they're available at practically any garden center. They do prefer brighter light, but they can go for long periods of time without water.

6. African Spear

green plant on white backgroundPhoto by Severin Candrian on Unsplash

African Spear plants, also known as Sansevieria cylindricas, are very similar to Snake plants because of their adaptability to virtually any environment in your home. Its name is very fitting, as these plants look like long spears shooting out of their soil. In some garden centers, some of these plants are braided together, giving a unique look to the plant as a whole. Again, these plants are very adaptable and can go long amounts of time without needing watering.

7. Dumbcane

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Costa-Farms-Dieffenbachia-in-6-in-Grower-Pot-6EX/202676716?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&mtc=Shopping-B-F_D28O-G-D28O-28_8_LIVE_GOODS-MULTI-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-BASE_SHP_Tropical_HousePlants&cm_mmc=Shopping-B-F_D28O-G-D28O-28_8_LIVE_GOODS-MULTI-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-BASE_SHP_Tropical_HousePlants-71700000045863799-58700004688900806-92700039701483530&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4POkltjv6wIVEb7ACh25MQ8tEAQYBSABEgLeMPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

The last plant on our list is Dumbcane! Also known as Mother-in-law plant or Dieffenbachia, this plant loves bright indirect light, and doesn't need a lot of maintenance. Only needing a good watering once a week, Dumbcane is a great addition to your plant collection. I have one just small enough to sit on my desk, but this plant comes in a variety of sizes.

Now, get out there and start a plant family of your own!

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Entertainment

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

SUNY Binghamton

31727

Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less

best beatles lyrics

Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College

95371

college students waiting in a long line in the hallway

StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

waitlisted

Recommended for you

7 Houseplants For Beginner Plant Parents

Time to embrace your green thumb!

1. Pothos

2. Snake Plant

3. ZZ Plant

4. Bamboo

5. Aloe Vera

6. African Spear

7. Dumbcane

Subscribe to our Newsletter

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Adulting

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter