Plants that don't need frequent watering
Avoid the guilt of forgetting to water by growing these drought-resistant indoor plants that don't require frequent watering. These easy-care houseplants can tolerate a little neglect (and many prefer to keep them on the dry side). So, enjoy their green beauty without the stress of watering them.
1. Snake plant
The sword-like, dark green leaves of snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata) provide a bold look often enhanced by silver, cream, white, or yellow variations. Even better, these plants that don't need water can go weeks without a drizzle of moisture, making them perfect for forgetful gardeners. Snake plants tolerate low to bright light and grow up to four feet tall.
2. Ponytail Palm
Thanks to its thick, stem-like stem, the ponytail palm (Beaucornia recurvata) can store moisture for long periods, so it can easily survive a missed watering or two. It gets its name from the long, narrow leaves that grow from the tip of its single stem, which looks like a peppy, layered ponytail. This drought-tolerant indoor plant may need a drink every two weeks during the warmer months, but in the winter, you can only water every three or four weeks. Ponytail palms tolerate low to bright light and can eventually reach 10 feet tall (but you can limit their growth by keeping them in a small pot).
3. Aloe
A spiky succulent with puffy, toothed leaves, Aloe (Caucasian) is famous for its ability to heal burns. These easy-care indoor plants don't require frequent watering, so you can let the soil dry out between waterings. The cactus grows slowly, like most succulents, but it can patiently reach three feet tall and wide. Place it in bright light, but don't place it in direct sunlight, or your plant will end up with its own sunburn.
4. Burro’s Tail
One look at Burrow's Tail (Sedum morganianum) and you can see how this grey-green succulent got its name. A member of the Sedum genus, Burrow's Tail has evergreen, almost jelly bean-shaped leaves that overlap on trailing stems. Small leaves fall off easily; Pot them up to start new plants if you like. Water this houseplant like any other succulent (let the soil dry out before overwatering), and place it in bright light. With proper care, a burro's tail can eventually reach two feet in length.
5. Sago palm
The slow-growing sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is a popular, durable houseplant that is easy to maintain and adds a touch of the tropics to any room. On a mature plant, the leathery, dark green leaves can stretch up to three feet in length. Sago palms like well-drained soil, so if you forget to water this plant, it won't kill and overwater it. Give your palm a drink when it's about to dry out, and keep it in medium to bright light—eventually, it will grow up to five feet tall.
6. Pothos
A popular choice for homes and offices, Pothos (Ephipremnum aureum) is a hardy, drought-resistant houseplant with attractive, glossy foliage. Its vines can spread eight feet or more, and you'll find varieties with variegated (look at 'Marble Queen') and bright green leaves (like 'Neon'). Pothos owes its fame to being practically indestructible - it tolerates low bright light and drying out between waterings. Starting new plants from cuttings is very easy.
7. Hawardia
Commonly known as the zebra plant because of its white-striped foliage, Haworthia fasciata is excellent for decorating a window. One of the easiest houseplants that doesn't require much water, it grows with minimal maintenance. It's less than a foot tall and wide, and it's usually much more compact than that. Like most succulents, the zebra plant does best in bright light and prefers its potted soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Due to its unique spikes and striped color, it is a favorite for modern decor.
Comments
Post a Comment