Black thumb instead of green? Read this (part two)

There is hope for those of us who consider ourselves to possess black thumbs as opposed to the traditional green ones, as it turns out. I have never been great with houseplants, and because I figure there are plenty of other people in the world who, like me, unintentionally murder plants (I sincerely hope so, anyways), I thought I would dedicate a few posts to the topic of houseplants that can take an absolute beating.

I don’t mean a literal beating, because that likely would annihilate any sort of plant. Rather, I mean these plants can handle neglect far better than others, making them an excellent choice for those of us who are hosting a plant graveyard in our backyards.

Again, this information comes from figarosgarden.ca.

“4. Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)

“The ZZ plant’s waxy, deep green leaves are nearly indestructible. It tolerates low light, infrequent watering, and even a bit of overwatering thanks to its rhizomatous roots that store moisture. It’s a slow grower, but a steady and reliable one.

Good for: Low-light apartments and anyone who travels or forgets their watering can.

Challenge & Fix: Yellowing leaves usually mean too much water—let the soil dry thoroughly before watering again.

“5. Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant)

“Few plants are as forgiving as the spider plant. It tolerates a range of light levels, occasional neglect, and recovers quickly after underwatering. Its long, arching leaves and offshoot ‘spiderettes’ add movement and whimsy. Offshoots can be rooted in water or by placing directly in moist soil.

Good for: Bright kitchens, offices, and pet owners who want a carefree plant.

Challenge & Fix: Brown leaf tips are common though not a threat to plant health. They may indicate underwatering.

“6. Aspidistra elatior (Cast Iron Plant)

“True to its name, the cast iron plant can withstand low light, inconsistent watering, and dry indoor air. Its broad, deep green leaves make it a good choice for dim corners or north-facing rooms.

Good for: Low-light rooms and anyone seeking a slow-growing, unflappable houseplant.

Challenge & Fix: Yellow leaves usually mean too much water—let soil dry out between waterings,” the web page states.

Check back tomorrow for more information regarding highly durable plants.

Photo by feey on Unsplash


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