This plant, familiar to many from childhood, is considered more useful than decorative. But in vain: in addition to the familiar tree-like aloe, there are several dozen more species of this plant, some of which look very interesting. Aloe tolerates both direct sunlight and insufficient lighting, dry air and high humidity, temperature changes and infrequent watering. In winter, it is enough to water the plant once a month, and in summer - once a week.
If you want aloe not only to feel good, but to feel good, replant it once every two years in soil for succulents, do not expose it to the scorching sun and water it when the soil in the pot dries out.
Another ornamental medicinal plant that can survive the carelessness of its owner. Kalanchoe does not like strong humidity, so if you forget to water it, it will not be offended by you. Also, nothing will happen to this plant if the room temperature drops to +5 °C. Kalanchoe loves light, but it is still better not to expose it to the afternoon sun. There is no need to spray it either.
3. Echeveria (echeveria)
Like all succulents, echeveria does not need special care. It is enough to plant it in soil for succulents and water it occasionally (in summer, once a week is enough, in spring and autumn - once a month, and in winter, you can generally water it 1-2 times). Echeveria will be happy with any room temperature above +5 °C.
4. Howea Forstera (kentia)
This palm tree is amazingly unpretentious. She doesn’t care about life in a dark corner of the room and dry air. You need to water the howea more often in the summer months, preventing the soil in the pot from drying out, and in winter - less often, when the soil begins to dry out. To keep the plant feeling good, you can spray it from time to time or wash the leaves with warm water in the shower.
This plant also does not need anything special, except dim lighting, spraying and regular watering. It is also not recommended to leave it in the cold for a long time. Ideally, the temperature in the room where the syngonium grows should not fall below +17 °C. But since in residential premises it usually does not fall lower, you should like the syngonium.
This is a very unusual plant whose leaves resemble peas. The ragwort accumulates moisture in them, so it needs to be watered quite rarely. Plant the groundsel in soil for succulents, and place the pot in a well-lit place, but not in direct sunlight. However, lack of light, like dry air and cool room temperature, will not kill it.
Loach, which loves plenty of watering and spraying, is ideal for beginning gardeners. It is almost impossible to destroy it: in unfavorable conditions, the epipremnum will shed its leaves and grow poorly, but as soon as access to water and light is restored, it will instantly resurrect.
This is a nice compact plant with striped leaves, reminiscent of the color. In other types of peperomia (and there are more than a thousand of them), the shape and color of the leaves are different, so you can choose exactly the one you like. All that peperomia needs is room temperature, diffused light or partial shade, and moderate watering when the soil in the pot begins to dry out. Like other plants, it is watered less often in winter than in summer. It is also advisable to spray peperomia in the summer months.
This funny little succulent with a predatory color is very hardy and unpretentious. He is accustomed to droughts, so he will not notice if you forget to water him. In winter, you can practically not water it at all - this should be done only if the leaves begin to lose their elasticity. Haworthia loves bright, diffused light, but it is still not worth exposing it to the scorching sun. But the coolness does not threaten her.
The best place for chlorophytum is on the window - it loves bright, non-burning sunlight. But even if you deprive him of this joy and push him into a dark corner, with regular watering he will survive there. In summer you can water chlorophytum once every three days, and in winter - less often and little by little. He doesn't need more.
Gasteria is a shade-tolerant plant, but diffused light will not hurt it. At the same time, gasteria has nothing against dry air and temperature drops to +6 °C. This plant needs to be watered when the soil in the pot dries out. In winter, one or two waterings per month are enough. Gasteria loves fresh air, but without drafts.
12. Graptopetalum paraguayan (stone rose)
This is a heat-loving and light-loving plant, which nevertheless survives at low temperatures above zero. It needs to be watered rarely, and in winter you don’t need to water it at all.
13. Crassula (money tree)
Whether this plant really promotes the growth of its host is unknown to science, but it certainly enlivens the interior of even the most unlucky gardeners. It is enough just to water it once a week in summer and once a month in winter, wipe the leaves from dust and ventilate the room from time to time. Crassula loves sunlight, but on especially hot days it is better not to let it fry in the sun for a long time - the leaves may burn.
14. Sedum Morgana
Another plant with an unusual appearance that will surely appeal to succulent lovers. Morgan's sedum takes root well on windowsills and loves fresh air. It should be watered very sparingly, as the thick leaves accumulate moisture. The humidity in the room is not particularly important. The main thing is not to poke your fingers into the plant, as its leaves easily break off and nothing grows in their place.
Our grandmothers loved this plant not only for its bright flowers, but also for its amazing unpretentiousness. Geranium tolerates cold weather, bright sunlight, dry air and lack of transplants. Geranium does not need to be sprayed, but it is advisable to water it frequently and abundantly.
This is a hanging plant that is best planted in a hanging pot. It grows quickly, tolerates temperature changes and infrequent watering, and is tolerant of direct sunlight and lack of lighting. Ceropegia should be planted in a cactus substrate with mandatory drainage at the bottom of the pot.
It is recommended to keep the ficus where it receives a sufficient amount of diffused light. However, even in the shade he feels quite well. Ficus loves warmth, but cool room temperature does not threaten it. As for watering, keep an eye on the soil in the pot: as soon as the top layer dries, you can water it. As a rule, once a week is enough. To keep the leaves shiny, wipe them with a damp sponge a couple of times a month.
18. Araucaria variegated (Norfolk pine)
55548967@N03/flickr.com This plant is ideal for those who dream of having a Christmas tree at home. Unlike other conifers, araucaria takes root at home. Ideally, it should be kept in a cool room and exposed to fresh air in the summer. Araucaria loves bright light, but also tolerates shade. It needs to be watered regularly, and in winter the soil in the pot should have time to dry out between waterings. If the room is hot or dry, spray the tree with water.
This cute tree will not cause you much trouble if you provide it with diffused light, a temperature of at least +14 °C, protection from direct sunlight and moist soil. To do this, water the plant 1–2 times a week in summer and 1–2 times every two weeks in winter. And to make your myrsine completely comfortable, spray it and sometimes take it out into the shade and into the fresh air.
81918877@N00/flickr.com This colorful plant loves light and fresh air, but does not tolerate direct sunlight. It is recommended to keep the tolmia in a room with humid air and regularly water it with a small amount of water, preventing the soil in the pot from drying out. There is no need to spray it, and no other care is required.
Indoor plants decorate the house and make the life of a modern city dweller more joyful. And even if a city apartment is not always sunny and spacious. There are many - large and compact, bright and modest, shade-loving, decorative deciduous and flowering - that can decorate any home, even a dark hallway. For example, those that do not need bright lighting.
In urban dwellings, there is often a shortage of well-lit, sunny places. Therefore, shade-loving ones are especially valued. Sciophytes - “shade plants” - is the name given to representatives of the flora that prefer shaded areas. They are also known as heliophobes - those who are afraid of the sun.
Bright light if not destructive, then definitely not useful. The ancestral home is the gloomy deciduous forests of various parts of the world. Under their canopy, the leaves acquire an exotic color; only here is flowering possible.
Many shade-tolerant inhabitants of the lower tiers of tropical and subtropical forests have settled in city apartments. And now the best place for them has become the northern and western home window sills, the shaded corners of the rooms, where only diffused light falls.
Among them are those that do not bloom or have very modest inflorescences, but have extremely decorative leaves of various colors. Others feature colorful flowers.
Some shade-loving plants are luxurious and large, many are graceful and airy, unpretentious plants. Each one needs proper placement and special tender, loving care.
Blooming
A small part of shade-loving plants can boast luxurious flowers. However, even among them there are spectacular species that can make up an exquisite collection.
Anthurium - a flower that prefers shade
For good health, this exotic plant needs partial shade from spring to autumn and diffused light in the cold season. Blooms from mid-spring to late summer. The inflorescence spadix is framed by a bright “waxy” blanket.
Regular but not excessive watering, air humidification, and temperature control (constant temperature of about 15 degrees) are required.
Clivia
Good lighting is required, but indirect sunlight. Annual flowering will provide winter rest, during which the flower should be moved to a cool room (with a temperature below 12 degrees), watering should be reduced and fertilizing should be stopped. The rest of the time it should not be moved, replanted, or over-watered.
Occasionally you need to wipe the leaves with a damp soft cloth.
Bell-shaped red, yellow or orange flowers, collected in an inflorescence on a high peduncle, look bright and very impressive.
A striking representative of the “atmospheric” bromeliads. The 70 cm inflorescence with bright bracts makes it memorable. For luxurious flowering you need a stable temperature in the range of 19-28 degrees, and constant moistening of the rosette.
Sempolia or Uzambara violet
Although this flower needs enough light, does not tolerate direct sunlight well: burn spots appear on the leaves, their color fades, and there is no flowering. The best placement option is light partial shade, diffused light.
Violet is a very popular flower Decorative foliage
The main advantage of decorative deciduous plants is spectacular coloring of their leaves. The flowers may be small and inconspicuous.
This plant of “strict lines” is called “mother-in-law’s tongue” and “pike tail” by amateur gardeners. Many varieties have been bred with different combinations of colors in the color of leathery leaves.
In partial shade the contrast of color spots becomes brighter. In favorable conditions it blooms, throwing out long “candles” of white and yellowish inflorescences.
Ferns - love dark places
Among the many types, you can choose for both home and office, large or compact types. For example, broad-leaved Asplenium or delicate thin-leaved Adiantum (Venus hair).
All of them prefers shade or partial shade, moist air and soil.
Crassula (money tree)
Does not tolerate shadows well, but feels comfortable in dim lighting. Abundant watering is not required.
Compact ampelous and dwarf species need partial shade, they bright light is contraindicated. Moderate watering, air humidification, and temperatures above 12 degrees are required.
It takes root well in a bright room, but at some distance from the window. Frequent spraying of leaves and maintaining a temperature of 12 to 20 degrees is required. Compact and large species have been bred.
Palm trees and large trees for home growing in partial shade
Such plants will decorate a spacious room, office or winter garden.
Dracaena
A tree-like plant with contrasting colors of narrow long leaves. Depending on the size, it grows from 70 cm to 3 m in height. To preserve decorativeness it is necessary sufficient but not bright lighting, moderate hydration.
Cordilina
Height from 0.5 to 2 meters. Often grown in tubs. It is distinguished not only by its varied color, but also by the shape of its leaves: they can be very narrow, long, lanceolate, or wide, round. Cordyline is often confused with dracaena.
Doesn't tolerate bright lighting at all. He loves “water procedures” - wiping and polishing leaves, spraying, abundant watering in summer and moderate watering in winter.
This name combines various species that have one feature: a single growth point at the top of the stem. Most palms grown indoors are love partial shade, abundant watering in summer and less intense in winter, humid air.
Everyone cannot stand drafts and transplants.
Climbing shade-tolerant
Climbing plants and vines are used to decorate walls and create three-dimensional compositions.
Does not tolerate direct sunlight and strong shade. Best Accommodation – in bright but diffuse light or in partial shade. Moisturizing is weak in winter, frequent and abundant in summer.
There are a huge number of species of this hanging plant with varied leaf colors. To preserve its decorativeness partial shade required or indirect bright light.
An excellent option for decorating large surfaces. There is a lot of imagination given by the variety of varieties - the leaves can be large leathery and small delicate, whole and dissected. It grows quickly, becomes attractive and decorates the room.
Features of shade-loving flowers
All shade-loving plants are characterized by properties that distinguish them from others:
- decorative qualities are most clearly manifested, if the flower is located in the shade or partial shade most of the day;
- under intense lighting, development is inhibited, growth slows down, leaf color fades, flowering may not occur; in direct sunlight, the plant may get burned;
- need sufficient soil and air moisture;
- temperature conditions must be observed;
- usually shade-loving cannot tolerate frequent transplants.
Shade-loving plants are beautiful in their diversity. From them you can create exquisite, bright, stylish, light or respectable compositions that will become the main decoration of any room.
For beginner gardeners, or people who travel frequently, the most unpretentious indoor plants, a list of which we have provided below, are perfect.
Surely many have encountered the problem of dried flowers in a pot. And it’s not always the gardener’s fault. Frequent travel or work situations do not allow time to add water or fertilize the plant.
On hot days, many indoor flowers need regular spraying, which is sometimes quite difficult to do; some varieties are sprayed 2-3 times a day, while others are very demanding of sunlight and need to be constantly shaded at lunchtime.
Office workers simply don’t have time for this, but they want beautiful blooms, especially to purify the air in places where computer equipment and working personnel are concentrated. When leaving for the weekend, the office closes, and there is simply no one to care for the plants.
Even in their own home, not everyone has enough time to constantly take care of green space, not to mention traveling for a week.
Lovers of home green gardens begin to independently select and grow one flower after another until they find suitable species.
In this article we will try to speed up and simplify your efforts and provide the most unpretentious indoor plants, as well as abundantly flowering varieties.
Basic requirements for unpretentious plants: rare watering, sometimes fertilize, not water regularly, not necessary spraying and not demanding on humidity and special temperature parameters, and most importantly, maximum flowering and decorativeness.
Many thought that such indoor plants did not exist, alas, among the many species, we have selected the top 20 of which you can choose to your liking.
Dracaena
Dracaena is an unpretentious plant of the agave family. There are variegated and solid green leaves. Variegated varieties require increased lighting, unlike solid green varieties that grow in the shade.
Approximate watering 1-2 times a week. If you forget to water, dracaena will tolerate dry climates just fine for 7-10 days. Kept for decorative foliage. Provide moderate temperatures and indirect light and the plant will grow happily for a long time. Does not require regular transplantation.
One of the disadvantages is the strong smell; sometimes people cannot stand it and they have to put the pot in the open air. The temperature of the content is 10-27 degrees.
Ficus
Tall ornamental plant. Ficus is easy to care for, but depending on the variety there are a number of difficulties. There are tall species up to 3 m in height and completely dwarf species not exceeding 15-20 cm. At home they are kept for the decorative purposes of leaves and air purification. The flowering is small and not valuable. Ficus leaves are medicinal and are used to treat skin diseases.
Water as the top layer of soil dries, 1-2 times a week. With the onset of winter, watering is significantly reduced. From time to time the leaves are wiped from dust.
There are some care difficulties described in the ficus section, but dealing with them does not bring much trouble.
There are many varieties and each has its own characteristics and differences.
Aloe
One of the popular indoor plants due to the medicinal juice of the leaves. Powerful stem leaves are capable of storing a large amount of moisture, like other succulents.
In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is easy to care for and does not require spraying or frequent watering. In summer they water once a week, in winter once a month. Replanted approximately once every 3 years. Grows well in dry climates.
One of the disadvantages is that it is afraid of direct sunlight. Aloe can grow both on the windowsill and in the middle of the room.
Only one variety of Aloe vera is used in medicine. Average height. In winter the minimum temperature is 10 degrees, in summer it can withstand up to 27 degrees.
Crassula
Crassula is often called the “money tree”, a very popular plant among gardeners. It grows well on a windowsill and can withstand direct sun. There is another name - “crassula”, because it is from the Crassula family. Growth is slow, therefore, the tree is replanted as needed if the pot is too small.
Blooms with small white flowers. Fertilize once a month in summer. Tolerates dry air well and does not require spraying. If you forgot to water, don’t worry, the fleshy leaves contain enough moisture to last your entire vacation.
Among the disadvantages: it is afraid of abundant and frequent watering and requires properly selected soil from sand, perlite and vermiculite, which allows moisture to pass through and is breathable.
Monstera
Monstera is a perennial ornamental plant with large feathery leaves. There are species with monochromatic leaves and variegated ones. A fairly unpretentious plant, except for shading from direct sunlight. Monstera grows quite slowly and is replanted no more than once every 4 years. The leaves reach a length of 1 m, with slits in the middle, for the sake of which they contain a green beauty.
Flowering is practically absent.
But it’s a little picky about watering and temperature. At temperatures below 12 degrees, growth stops. The optimal mode is 20-22 degrees. Water infrequently, after the top layer of the substrate has dried, but insufficient watering has a negative effect on the plant. In winter, with the onset of cold weather, the monstera is watered no more than once a week, and sometimes 2 times a month.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a family of asparagus. An unpretentious plant and suitable for a novice gardener. The flowers are small and inconspicuous; the plant is kept for the decorative purposes of its leaves. There are many varieties and forms that are radically different from each other.
Water moderately, after the top layer of soil has dried, if you forgot to water, it’s okay, the plant will have a sufficient supply of moisture.
But there are still disadvantages: you will have to replant once a year. It does not require mandatory spraying, but it really loves it, especially on hot days. Prefers bright, diffused light, but can grow in semi-shade, but direct sunlight should be avoided.
Fertilizer is applied once a week in summer; in winter, once a month is sufficient.
Aspidistra
Aspidistra is another unpretentious indoor plant that is often found in offices and greenhouses.
Temperature indicators do not matter, the main thing is that the temperature does not drop below 3-5 degrees. Water about once a week. There is no flowering at home; it is kept for the sake of decorative greenery. Transplantation is carried out if necessary, and given the slow growth, no more than once every 3-5 years.
The height does not exceed 70 cm and grows well on window sills, but with the condition of shading in the summer from direct rays of the sun.
Some varieties grow well in the shade.
One condition - do not over-moisten the substrate and the plant will grow for a long time.
Nolina Bocarnea
Nolina Bocarnea is a family of agave, also called the “bottle palm” due to the shape of the crown. Leaves are lanceolate, drooping. Nolina tolerates dry climates and temperature changes well. But palm trees like high humidity; the soil must always be moist, otherwise the tips of the leaves will begin to dry out. The powerful root system accumulates enough moisture to ensure normal plant growth during periods of drought.
Direct sunlight is not harmful, but in the shade of Nolin, bocarney does not grow readily.
They are replanted once every 4 years, but fertilizers are applied regularly 2 times a month.
The main difficulties with watering: overwatering or underwatering lead to negative consequences.
Sansevieria
Sansevieria - popularly called (mother-in-law's tongue, pike tail.) The height reaches up to 1 m.
The main disadvantage is that it dies when overwatered. Replant only if possible when the roots fill the entire pot. Water once a week, in winter once every 3 weeks. A peduncle appears next to the rosette, on which small white flowers bloom. But the main advantage of the flower is its beautiful belt-shaped leaves with different variegated colors like snake skin. The average annual temperature is 18-28 degrees. In winter, not lower than 13 degrees.
The plant is not whimsical and can grow in partial shade or partially tolerate direct rays of the sun. Air humidity does not matter, and fertilizer is applied only once a month in the summer.
Chlorophytum
Chlorophytum is an unpretentious plant for air purification. Looks great in the kitchen. Variegated varieties need more lighting. But they can grow in the shade. Grows well as a hanging plant.
In insufficient light, the flower stretches and may shed its leaves. Does not require special care. Water once or twice a week. Replant as the root system grows. Fertilize once a month.
Disadvantages: drafts and waterlogging of the soil. Water after the top layer dries.
Aglaonema
Aglaonema - Grows in shade or partial shade, but is afraid of direct sunlight.
At home, variegated species are often used, which are valued for the decorative properties of their leaves. There are also unique hybrid forms, such as crit, with a red-pink color.
Water rarely, once a week; in winter, watering is reduced by 3 times. There are no special requirements for humidity and temperature. Replanted every 4-5 years due to its slow growth.
The plant purifies indoor air by absorbing toxins and emissions from various synthetic materials.
The main condition is not to over-moisten the soil, otherwise the roots will begin to rot.
Zamioculcas
Zamioculcas- a herbaceous plant with a thick tuber that accumulates a lot of moisture. Can grow in shade and partial shade, but does well under diffused light. Tolerates dry climates, but may lose leaves if not watered sufficiently. Excessive watering has a negative effect on the flower. Water 2 times a week, in winter once a week.
There are no special requirements for the soil; choose a water-permeable and breathable lightweight substrate. In summer, the pot is moved to the open air; Zamioculcos is not afraid of temperature changes and drafts. It is considered one of the unpretentious plants.
Among the disadvantages: poisonous juice, which is contained in the leaves and stems. After leaving, wash your hands thoroughly, and in an apartment where there are pets or small children, it is better not to plant the plant, or place it in an inaccessible place.
Scindapsus
Scindapsus is a vine similar to wax ivy. At home, they are kept for the decorative effect of the leaves. They come in plain or variegated colors. In its natural environment, the plant blooms with small, scanty flowers. In indoor conditions, it is almost impossible to achieve flowering. But keeping them at home is not difficult. Temperatures can drop to -12 degrees below zero and over 27 degrees above zero. The plant can exist both in the shade and in diffuse sun. The main thing is not to over-moisten the soil. Allow the substrate to dry out between waterings, otherwise the roots will begin to rot.
Golden mustache
Golden mustache is a perennial plant with waxy leaves. The growing leaves partially overlap each other, thereby creating the illusion of a rosette. In addition to being decorative, the plant is grown for medicinal purposes.
Goldenwhisker tolerates hot and dry climates, but can grow in cold weather. The main thing is that the temperature should not fall below 0 degrees. In summer, water abundantly, but do not over-moisten the soil. Propagates easily in several ways. The plant thrives in the shade and in the sun. During the growing season, mineral fertilizers are applied once every 2 weeks and, if possible, sprayed.
Tradescantia
Tradescantia is a highly decorative indoor plant with colorful leaves. Depending on the variety, the shoots are erect or curly. Flowering lasts for 3 months, although each individual flower lives for 1 day.
At home, Tradescantia is kept for decorative leaves and air purification.
The flower needs to be provided with bright, diffused light; its lack affects the color, especially for variegated varieties. In summer, water abundantly, but drainage in the pot is required to allow excess moisture to escape. In winter, allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings.
Tradescantia is not demanding of humidity, but on hot days it is recommended to spray the surface.
Croton
Croton is one of the most beautiful foliage plants. Only one species is grown at home: variegated croton. Today there are a large number of hybrid forms of this species. In addition to decorative leaves, croton is kept in the house as a talisman.
The flowers are small and inconspicuous cream color.
Caring for a bush is not difficult, but there are some rules. In summer you need to spray the leaves regularly. Water moderately with water at room temperature. The plant grows well at room temperatures. In summer it can be taken out into the open air; it prefers a lot of light and direct sunlight is not a problem for it.
Among the disadvantages: the juice is poisonous, and keeping it at home if there are children or pets in the house is not recommended.
Coleus
Coleus is unpretentious in care and the high decorativeness of its variegated forms allows it to compete with croton.
Often, gardeners grow it for its amazing leaf color, but there are flowering hybrid varieties.
The plant is easy to propagate by seeds with a high probability of germination. During hot periods, fertilize once a week and water abundantly. In winter, fertilizers are applied once a month, moist air and moderate watering are provided. In summer, coleus (optional) but spray the surface with soft water. There are no special requirements for the soil; the main thing is to choose a light and permeable substrate.
The most unpretentious flowering indoor plants
Hoya
Hoya or wax ivy is a beautiful trailing herbaceous plant with white, fragrant blooms. During the flowering period, hoya is distinguished by a strong aroma and a large amount of nectar dripping from the flowers, due to which wax ivy is called a weeping vine.
The flower is easy to care for; in summer it is watered abundantly; in winter, watering is reduced to once a week. Grows well in dry and humid climates and is resistant to temperature changes.
There are several types of ivy with different flowering colors ranging from white to red and different flower shapes.
In summer, at high temperatures, watering is increased. Lack of moisture affects flowering and leaves.
If you forget to water, the hoya will still feel good for some time, which is why it is often kept in offices.
Among the disadvantages: the strong aroma of flowering may cause intolerance in some people.
Kalanchoe
Is Kalanchoe a flowering plant with a fleshy stem and leaves? refers to succulents.
In addition to its beautiful flowering, Kalanchoe is known for its medicinal properties. The juice is used to prepare various medicines. Flowering lasts throughout the summer, blooms with lush red flowers.
The plant prefers diffused sunlight, tolerates temperatures above 27 degrees and overwinters at 12-14 degrees. In summer they water 2 times a week, in winter watering is reduced to once.
The average growth rate allows replanting no more than once every 3 years. There are over 200 species.
Low humidity and dry climate do not significantly interfere with active growth. It is enough to apply mineral or cacti fertilizers twice a month.
Geranium
Geranium is a flowering plant for windowsills. The height of the flower reaches 60 cm. Suitable for the busiest people. In summer the temperature can reach 30 degrees, in winter it does not fall below 12 degrees. Geranium blooms beautifully in sufficient light and partially tolerates direct sunlight.
Lack of light has a significant impact on flowering. The flowers are small and pale. It does not need spraying and grows quite well in dry climates. But the bush is regularly pruned for lush flowering all year round.
In summer they water abundantly, but after the soil dries out, in winter watering is practically stopped. From the many varieties, you will always choose the right geranium for yourself.
Cactus
Cactus - succulents, are considered one of the unpretentious plants and can exist for a long time without watering. The cactus grows well in open, direct sun, but in the shade they stretch out and may die. In summer it is watered moderately once a week, in winter it practically does not need watering, once a month the soil is slightly moistened.
Cacti occupy the main place among succulents. This species is capable of accumulating moisture.
Cacti are small in size and grow slowly, requiring virtually no care, therefore, they are perfect for apartments and offices.
All succulents are resistant to dry climates and high temperatures.
Among the disadvantages - all succulents are afraid of excessive watering, especially with cold water.
In the cacti and succulents section, the main types and varieties of unpretentious plants are provided.
Spurge
Euphorbia (millie) - prefers a bright place with diffused light. Water rarely once a week. Fertilizer is applied once a month. Due to its slow growth, it is replanted at least once every 3-4 years.
Among the disadvantages, during the dormant period (1-2 months) it sheds its leaves and does not look very attractive.
Blooms with beautiful pink flowers. Small thorns will prevent children or pets from destroying the flower.
Saintpaulia
Saintpaulia, or another name (Uzambara violet). Thanks to its abundant flowering throughout the year and its small growth, Saintpaulia is found among many gardeners. Thanks to the many varieties, there is a wide palette of flowers and forms. Some hybrid forms simply fascinate with their beauty. Humidity is set high, similar to the natural environment. At low humidity, the violet is not sprayed, but the room is additionally moistened.
In summer, water generously with warm water 2 times a week; in winter, watering is significantly reduced.
A transplant is carried out every year; Saintpaulia needs a transplant when absolutely necessary.
Phalaenopsis orchid
Phalaenopsis orchid is one of the popular and unpretentious flowering indoor plants. Thanks to its epiphytic aerial roots, the orchid needs to be watered 2 times a week and provided with sufficient lighting. Gradually accustomed to the sun, phalaenopsis can grow in direct sunlight, and also blooms beautifully in partial shade.
If there is insufficient lighting, there will be no flowering. One of the disadvantages is that the orchid needs high humidity. Now a large number of hybrid forms with different flowering have appeared. If the phalaenopsis blooms, the flowering is long and abundant. The flowers bloom alternately, which prolongs the flowering period even longer.
Water abundantly on hot days, gradually reducing watering closer to winter.
After each flowering, the orchid needs pruning.
Heliotrope
Heliotrope is a perennial flowering plant with a pronounced aroma of flowers. Heliotrope is used in cosmetology as a flavoring agent. Depending on the variety, flowering lasts from spring to September. There is white and lilac flowering with various shades. At home it is unpretentious, but demanding of lighting.
Insufficient lighting leads to elongated shoots, limp leaves and small flowers. In summer they are kept at 24-26 degrees, in winter the temperature is reduced to 5-7 degrees.
It does not require mandatory spraying, but on hot days it will not hurt. In summer, water abundantly, and as the temperature drops, reduce watering.
Bromeliad
Bromeliad is a beautiful flowering plant with long lanceolate leaves. A powerful erect peduncle grows from a rosette. It is considered an unpretentious plant and is well suited for offices and apartments.
There are many species with different blooms. Abundant flowering lasts throughout the summer. There are no special temperature requirements, but the humidity will have to be maintained high.
Water after the top layer of the substrate has dried. At lunchtime, shade from direct rays of the sun. Fertilizer is applied during the period of active growth 2 times a month. No mandatory transplant is required.
Begonia
Begonia is a beautiful flowering plant that is easy to care for and can grow both in open ground and in pots. At home, they are kept for the flowers and foliage, depending on the variety.
For abundant flowering, sufficient diffused light is necessary. Direct rays may cause burns.
In summer and winter, begonia is kept at normal room temperature.
During the period of active growth, water abundantly; in winter, watering is halved. Excessive watering is dangerous for the flower. They are fed rarely once a day of the week and only from spring to early autumn. If you follow simple rules, flowering is long and abundant.
Clivia
Clivia is a flowering ornamental plant with powerful leaves at the base collected in a rosette. The flower prefers bright, diffused light. Direct rays may cause burns on the surface. In summer they are kept at a temperature of 24-26 degrees, in winter they are reduced to 16 degrees. The plant tolerates dry air normally, but the flowers will be small and the lifespan will be reduced.
The vigorous leaves contain enough moisture if you accidentally forget to water the clivia. Water with soft water after the top layer of soil has dried. In winter, during the dormant period, the plant can exist without watering at all. From spring to early autumn, mineral fertilizers are applied 2 times a month. Since the flower is painful to transplant, this procedure is done only when necessary.
Clivia grows well in offices and apartments on window sills.
Schlumberger (Decembrist)
Schlumbergera (Decembrist) is one of the representatives of cacti. The peculiarity of this zygo cactus is that it blooms at Christmas, when most plants are dormant.
The flowering is beautiful, with numerous pink, white, red, purple and other flowers.
Adult plants are replanted every 5 years. The cactus can tolerate direct sunlight, but it must be gradually accustomed to this.
Among the disadvantages: in the summer they are kept at low temperatures, this is the key to abundant flowering in the winter. In winter, normal room temperature is fine. For cactus, it is necessary to provide high humidity and spray throughout the year.
In summer, water generously, allowing the top layer to dry out, but it will tolerate dry climates just fine if you forget to water it.
Eco-friendly home: There are quite a lot of such low-maintenance indoor plants; it’s easy to choose a hanging or beautifully flowering one, large or miniature...
Plants for the lazy person
Beautiful, well-groomed green plants decorate the house, saturate the air with phytoncides, absorb harmful substances and create an atmosphere of comfort. But in order for store-bought potted flowers to grow and develop safely in your apartment, you need to take care of them.
Some capricious green creatures need to be sprayed with water mist 3-4 times a day, others need shading from the bright sun at noon and lighting in the evening. People who work outside the home and often go on vacation or on business trips cannot provide such plants with normal care.
So, can we do without greens entirely? No, you just need to choose the most unpretentious indoor plants for landscaping your home. Those that can withstand 1-2 weeks without watering, grow well in the dry air of a heated apartment, feel normal both in the heat and in a cold draft, and do not require frequent feeding and replanting.
1. It is probably difficult to find a more unpretentious indoor plant than Sansevieria (mother-in-law's tongue, pike tail) . It grows well both on a south window and in a semi-dark corner, but on a sunny window the leaves will be brighter.
You can replant it every few years when it doesn’t fit in the pot. No need to feed.
Sansevieria does not suffer from the dry air of the apartment in winter; it does not need to be sprayed. It is necessary to water rarely - the dense leathery leaves retain a supply of moisture, in winter you don’t have to water it at all - growth will stop, and it will rest until spring.
Cold drafts of sansevieria are not scary; it often decorates cold foyers and halls.
2. Another exceptionally persistent hanging plant - Hoya carnosa or "wax ivy". It grows well on the south window, and it won’t go to waste in the north room either. Its thick waxy leaves accumulate moisture, and it can easily survive several months without watering.
If you managed to completely dry out your hoya and it has lost all its leaves and roots, cut the stalk from the stem and place it in water - in a couple of weeks the plant will sprout roots again.
Wax ivy is replanted very rarely, when there is absolutely no room in the pot. You can also do without fertilizing. And under good maintenance conditions, the unpretentious hoya will delight you with abundant and lush flowering.
3. Indoor plant is very popular crassula oval , better known as Crassula or "money tree" . It needs to be watered rarely - the fleshy leaves retain a lot of moisture. Dry apartment air does not harm the fat woman. It practically does not need fertilizing and replanting.
The money tree can grow on the south window and on the north. Can be kept in a cool room in winter at temperatures up to 10 degrees.
You just need to follow two simple rules for caring for your money tree: the pot is small so that the soil has time to dry between waterings, and add more sand, perlite or vermiculite to the soil mixture.
It reproduces easily - just stick a leaf into the ground or water.
4. Graceful green or white-green narrow leaves chlorophytum seem tender and brittle. But this plant is one of the most undemanding and easy to care for. Its underground part has thickenings that accumulate water and nutrients.
Chlorophytum is not afraid of drought and excess moisture, heat and cold drafts; it can grow in the sun and in the shade. It can live in one pot for many years (it’s better, of course, to replant it on time, but it won’t go away without replanting and fertilizing).
Chlorophytum is considered one of the best absorbers of harmful substances from the air. Perhaps the reason the plant is able to survive without proper care is that it can obtain and process the substances it needs from the air.
5. Aspidistra also does not require special care. This plant in England is called the "cast iron plant" for its ability to withstand heat and cold, lack of light and moisture. Its other name is “friendly family” because of the large number of leaves on long petioles growing from a small pot.
This plant is ideal:
- for northern rooms,
- for decorating rooms with insufficient daylight,
- for landscaping offices with artificial lighting.
Aspidistra grows normally in dry and humid air, is not afraid of drafts or heat, and does not suffer from either excess or lack of moisture. It needs to be replanted rarely, when the rhizome begins to occupy almost the entire pot.
6. Exotic doesn’t need special care either. zamioculcas. Tolerates poor lighting and interruptions in soil watering. Zamiakulkas does not suffer from bright sun, does not require frequent replanting and fertilizing, and grows well in a small pot.
If you do not water for a long time, it will shed all the leaf blades and lose its decorative appearance, but new complex leaves will quickly grow from the tuber (thickened stem under the surface of the soil) after watering.
The only requirement– the soil should not be too nutritious and dense. It is better to mix ready-made soil for violets or cacti with sand.
7. An ideal plant for people who often leave their home for 1-2 weeks - nolina (bocarnea) . This desert dweller with a bottle-shaped trunk looks original in any interior and requires very little care and attention. And to form a caudex (thickening on the trunk), it needs to be watered rarely, but abundantly, so that it is saturated with water during the “drought” period.
The only requirement– plant bokarnia correctly: the soil should be loose, low in nutrition, the pot should be small. After a good watering, all excess moisture should drain out of the pot. This plant will rot in wet soil.
8. Scindapsus aureus - an unpretentious hanging plant with heart-shaped or rounded leaves of bright green color with yellowish-white spots. The plant can reach one and a half meters in length and is used for vertical gardening.
Scindapsus is quite shade-tolerant and can grow in the back of the room., where the sun only occasionally hits, or even gets by with only artificial lighting. True, leaves in the shade lose their light spots and become completely green.
Plant care is minimal. Scindapsus effectively purifies the air of harmful substances. Feels very good in the kitchen, where there are constant changes in temperature and humidity. Its dense leaves and stems retain moisture well. It grows quickly, so it is advisable to fertilize it periodically.
9. Some types Kalanchoe have long been known as a medicinal houseplant that does not require any care. Recently, many beautifully flowering Kalanchoe hybrids have appeared.
The plant can be watered rarely; its dense, succulent leaves and stems contain a lot of moisture. Grows well on windows of any orientation.
Kalanchoe is a shade-tolerant flower, It tolerates sudden temperature changes without problems and blooms for a long time. It grows quite slowly and does not need frequent replanting.
10. Spathiphyllum - an unpretentious plant that blooms throughout the year. In summer it grows well on western, eastern and northern windows; in winter it is better to move it to the southern one.
It tolerates a lack of moisture well. If the leaves become too dry, they droop, but after watering they come back to life. Does not require frequent transplants. Fertilizers are useful, but without them they will not be lost.
For spathiphyllum, it is important to choose the right place - it does not like the cold. Place it away from drafts and windows that open in winter for ventilation, and there will be no problems with the plant.
There are quite a lot of such low-maintenance indoor plants; it’s easy to choose a hanging or beautifully flowering one, large or miniature. Minimal care does not mean that a flower can be left in a corner for six months without watering. Each indoor plant requires attention; it responds to care with new shoots and the appearance of buds.
Unpretentious, easy-to-maintain home flowers are perfect for beginning gardeners.
In the apartment, especially in winter, when hot radiators dry out the air, the atmosphere is created like in the desert. Indoors become hot and dry during the cold season; the relative air humidity in apartments averages 30%. Most indoor plants lose their decorative properties due to too dry air, the leaves wither, turn yellow, brown dry spots appear on them along the edges and the tips dry out, the buds fall off, and the flowers quickly fade. On weakened plants, a pest often appears - the spider mite; it can be detected by the cobwebs on the back of the leaves; these tiny insects mainly reproduce in low humidity.
To maintain the beautiful appearance of home flowers, you have to constantly spray them and install various humidifiers, but not everyone has time for such troubles. Cacti and succulent plants are adapted to grow in a hot and dry atmosphere, but they do not particularly add greenery to the interior and their thorns do not add coziness to the home. For those who want to green their home with beautiful indoor plants with luxurious leaves and flowers, but without spending a lot of time and effort on caring for them, We recommend choosing unpretentious species from the selection below.
This list with names and photos contains all indoor plants that are resistant to dry air. , they do not need to be specially sprayed, and they will look and grow like tropical crops. Other care for these unpretentious species is the simplest.
Zamioculcas or dollar tree perfectly greens and refreshes the interior of a home or office. This unpretentious plant looks spectacular thanks to its complex leaves - curved branches with a thick base are covered with paired shiny leaves. Zamioculcas quickly grows into a lush bush, the shiny emerald leaves are not afraid of dry air, heat or draft, they only need to be wiped from dust from time to time so that they shine again. Zamioculcas develops tubers in the ground, the plant stores moisture in them, so if you forget to water the flower, it will not suffer. Zamioculcas needs to be watered after the soil in the pot dries out; with frequent watering in a constantly humid environment, the tubers may rot and the flower will die. Place this large outdoor plant on a stand so that the cold floor does not cool the soil in the pot. This plant comes from Africa and loves warmth.
In recent years, it has been fashionable to give potted flowers - the most popular Kalancho e Brossfeld various varieties. A blooming Kalanchoe looks like a bouquet in a pot, the thick fleshy stem is covered with waxy dark green leaves at the bottom, and a dense corymbose inflorescence forms at the top. The flowering of Kalanchoe stimulates the reduction of daylight hours, so the plant buds appear at the beginning of winter. Dry air does not affect the growth of Kalanchoe in any way, and this flower loves bright sun on a southern window. Water the Kalanchoe after the soil in the pot dries. A gifted Kalanchoe flower will delight you with bright flowers for a long time, since new buds are formed after the faded flowers, and the inflorescence becomes slightly elongated. Kalanchoe Brossfeld is usually used as a disposable crop and after flowering is over, the plant is thrown away.
Pelargonium zonalis blooms brightly , lush and at the same time practically does not require special care, only good sunlight. From the numerous varieties of pelargonium, you can choose pelargonium with flowers of any shape and color. Pelargonium flowers are collected in lush umbrella inflorescences; they rise like bright caps above the rounded velvety green leaves. Pelagonia greens have a specific smell; they secrete essential oils that kill pathogenic bacteria in the air. Water pelargonium in winter after the soil in the pot has dried, and in summer moderately, when only the top layer of soil in the pot has dried. If the flower gets enough sunlight, then pelargonium will bloom all year round. Form shoots by pinching, replant the flower annually and, if necessary, rejuvenate by rooting cuttings.
Ferns are quite demanding plants; at low humidity, their main decoration - the original fan leaves - dry out. Centipede fern or polypodium fern is resistant to dry air. . This plant develops “hairy legs”; these shoots are covered with brown hairs; they are necessary for the plant to grow wider, as they root along the entire length and form new leaves. The leaves of this fern are lamellar with deep cuts; the older the plant, the more segments there are in the leaf. The fern does not like direct sunlight, grows well in partial shade, and likes regular watering.
indoor ivy popularly called gossip, perhaps because of the long stems of the plant bearing recognizable triangular leaves. Ivy is used as an ampel plant or vertical, securing long stems to a support or wall. This wonderful gardening plant grows quickly at home with minimal care, without spraying and special temperature conditions; it only requires moderate watering and annual replanting in new soil. Indoor ivy with monochromatic green leaves is also shade-tolerant and can grow in the back of the room, but ivy with variegated leaves needs bright, diffused lighting, otherwise the varietal color of the leaves will be lost and become monochromatic green.
Sansevieria or piketail flower is one of the most low-maintenance houseplants with decorative leaves and the hardy qualities of succulents and cacti. In Sansevieria, depending on the type, the leaves with a pointed tip can be long, erect, like swords in a pot, or short, gathered into a rosette. In nature, pike tail grows in dry semi-desert areas, so the leaves of this plant are hard and perfectly retain moisture inside. This plant is very hardy, you can forget to water it, put it in the darkest corner, do not replant it for several years, do not feed it, place it in a cool or hot room with very dry air, the hard leaves will still stand in the pot like soldiers without reacting to bad conditions. But if you suddenly take care of the sansevieria, move it to a bright place, water it regularly, and replant it in new soil, then the new shoots will quickly fill the entire pot.
Scindapsus - indoor plant with climbing stems and alternate leaves with a pointed tip, despite its tropical origin, tolerates a dry atmosphere without damage. Plant scindapsus in nutritious, moisture-absorbing soil so that after abundant watering, the moisture will remain in the soil for a long time, since the plant does not like long periods of drying out. Scindapsus will forgive the owner for waterlogging; its roots are resistant to rotting in wet soil, unlike succulent plants. For stable growth of stems and leaves, fertilize every 2-3 weeks. Scindapsus stems will hang dramatically down from tall cabinets and shelves, creating green curtains.
The most common Crassula portulactica or money tree grows in almost every home. This plant can easily be formed into a miniature bonsai tree and looks original with a lush crown of rounded leaves that look like coins. The leaves of the fat plant are thick and juicy, but this does not mean that this plant is moisture-loving; on the contrary, it needs to be watered carefully and moderately. The fleshy leaves of the money tree contain a supply of moisture in case of drought, even if you go on vacation, forgetting to tell your neighbors to water their flowers, the fat plant will not die, but the leaves will gradually dry out from the crown of the tree and fall off, using the moisture from them for life. After establishing a moderate watering regime, new leaves on the crown will soon grow. Crassula has become widespread in indoor culture due to its unpretentiousness and easy propagation; this plant is perfectly adapted for dry and hot rooms, does not require spraying, and tolerates irregular watering and lack of lighting.
Ficus - tropical plants, naturally grow in a warm, humid atmosphere. Not all types of ficus feel good in winter, when heating devices are hot, their leaves begin to quickly dry out and fall off. For those who love ficuses, but do not have the opportunity to create a humid tropical atmosphere for them, we advise you to grow them at home or in the office ficus rubbery . This plant has plastic-like leaves, they are juicy green in color, regular oval in shape with a prominent central vein and have a soft shine. A ficus with large green leaves will be part of the decor, as it will definitely attract attention in the room. It is not necessary to spray the ficus leaves, but to make them look beautiful, clean them from dust with a cloth. The rest of the ficus care consists of regular watering, feeding during growth and replanting when the roots fill the entire volume of the pot.
