Houseplants That You Positively Cannot Kill

by Marjorie Dorfman | More from this Blogger

30 Oct 2006 10:51 AM

If you are one of those people with a black, brown or other wise green thumb, it's hard not to develop a complex of some sort when all of your plants wither and die before your very own helpless eyes. Some plants, like people are easier to maintain than others. The following six houseplants get along well with people who don't understand them and all can be nurtured in indirect lighting and like the same indoor temperature as most people (55-75 degrees F).

1.Cast Iron Plant (aspidistra elatior)

Can you guess how this green thing got its name? Think of cast-iron stomachs, skillets and the like. This plant can and does grow under the worst of conditions, although it prefers low light. It grows in a clump and the leaves are sword-like (en gardé!) If you are not careful, flowers can occasionally be seen.

2. Christmas Cactus (Zygocactus or Schlumbergera)

A member of the cactus family, this plant produces deep pink/ red flowers in early winter. The more you ignore it, the better it will do. It can grow in low light, but if you want flowers it will need bright light. Prune to keep it in a bushy state.

3. Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata and Lucky Bamboo)

Resembling a small palm tree, the Dragon Tree can reach a height of ten feet if you don't give it too much attention. It has a thin stem that can be trained to bend or spiral. This plant grows best in bright light and when allowed to dry out between waterings. It will tolerate low light and even if it wilts, it will spring back after watering. In short, it is always too young to die.

4. Mother-in-law's Tongue or Snake plant. The long, sharp pointed leaves on this plant and the fact that it will never leave you once you bring it home are the reasons for its name. They are very easy to care for, need very little water and are tolerant of low light.

5. Pothos (Epipremnum) This plant is really impossible to kill. It trails, just keeps growing and is not recommended for owners with paranoid tendencies. If you prune them, they will grow even fuller and if you root each cutting, it can result in more and more plants, almost like an invasion, if you are not careful. Very tolerant of all kind of lighting, this plant likes to dry out between waterings.

6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) Spider plants do not believe in birth control and it is rare to see one without many babies attached. Their roots are large and tend to fill a pot, so repotting may be necessary every few years. (Too bad we can't do the same with our brains). When dangling babies start to root, they can be cut off and planted on their own.

Besides insect pests and too much watering, these plants fare very well in almost any house. They will give you confidence. Go buy some today and turn your black thumb into different shades of green before waiting for St. Patrick's Day!

Related Reading: "Flowers In The Home: An Old Thought"

http://forums.families.com/kitchen-baths-amp-bedrooms,f392

Learn more about Marjorie Dorfman

Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York.

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