Easy Care Houseplants

Houseplants make the long dark period between outdoor growing seasons bearable. Sure, going through seed catalogues is pleasurable and reviewing my journal and making plans for next year keeps me stimulated but I need something live to appreciate and care for and that is where the houseplants come in. like outdoors, I prefer my indoor plants to be easy to care for and definitely not demanding.

Put them in a place where they get the light they need, water them when they need a drink and keep them out of cold drafts, I can readily do all this.

The African violet is number one on my list; it may not be the easiest but it does not take that much of my time and the flowers and leaves add texture, colour and life to the living room.

It is important to keep African violets out of the direct sunlight.  Let the plant guide you to its needs. The appearance of a plant will indicate whether light levels are too high, too low or just right. If light is too low, leaves are usually thin and deep green, and appear to reach up for light. The plants may grow, but will flower poorly or not at all. In such instances, supplemental artificial light will help promote flowering.

Next on the easy care list is Mother-in-Law's Tongue or Snake Plant (Sansevieria). This plant likes it dry but do not let it get too dry. The Snake plant is a great beginner’s houseplant but its sword like shape provides and interesting design element that can please even the seasoned gardener.

The Spider plant or (Chlorophytum comosum) looks great in a hanging basket and requires only minor attention. It does like it bright but indirect light is best. If this one gets the right combination of light and water it will thrive for quite a few years and is easy enough to propagate.

The fourth choice is the Chinese Evergreen or (Aglaonema commutatum). This is a durable plant that makes very few demands; if you have little time and only want one houseplant, this one may be your best bet.

These four plants are perfect for the beginner; they will bring life to the room or rooms they are in and will ask little of you in return. They are also great plants for the person who already has a large houseplant collection as they take little time and can enhance foliage that is already in place.

Houseplants bridge the gap between the seasons, now is a good time to begin your indoor garden.