Do you have a green thumb or know somebody who does?

Question

I am looking for a houseplant. Well several houseplants. I love them but I have a hard time keeping them alive. Can you tell me of some houseplants in the Eastern United States that is inexpensive, easy to find, and easy to grow. NO CACTI PLEASE.

Answer 1

All of the following should fit your criteria:

Better in a basket:
asparagus fern
German ivy
Swedish ivy
spider plant
pothos

Better in a pot:
aralia
pepperomia
snake plant
jade plant
philodendron

These are all tolerant of low light and thrive on benign neglect. Most want to be kept evenly moist. Most house plants die from kindness. Better to withhold water until they are on the verge of wilting than to overwater. Once a week is enough, and be sure they can drain thoroughly too. Never let them sit with water in the saucer. Good luck!

Answer 2

Try a coleus they come in many colors and different hues. Look the best way to get a green thumb is to do your research. Look the plant up online or in a plant book. Be very cautious of plant food as it is toxic to the plant if too much is given or too often given. I suggest the soil that is made by Miracle Gro. and that their website is extremely helpful. Plants from jungle areas need deep( read dark) soil and plants from hot and arid places need sandier(read lighter) soil. Another fun plant that is hardy and tolerates some mishandling is the spider plant. Dont plant that one in a big pot put in small and it will have "babies" and then you can have as many as you want for free. Good luck with plants.

Answer 3

1) SANSIVERIA (a.k.a. snake plant, Mother-In-Law’s Tongue)
Not only graphically eye-catching, but practically NO maintenance. It is from the succulent (cactus) family, and may want to occasionally step outside for shady sunbathing. Otherwise, stick it in a bright corner and ignore it. Really. Water once a month, or every six weeks, never when the soil is moist. Overwatering and freezing temps can kill it.

2) SPLIT-LEAF PHILODENDRON ( a.k.a. Swiss cheese plant)
Has a fabulous retro look that you’ve probably seen often in vintage mags and books, often replicated in plastic versions. Treat them well, and they will tower over you! They tolerate shade, but are happier in bright indirect light. Enjoys moist soil in winter, occasional dryer soil in summer. They’ll climb and trail, and may need support with a wood post or an attractive bamboo stake. In heated or dry rooms, mist occasionally and enjoy.

Answer 4

I definitely don't have a green thumb, I even killed a cactus. Fake but realistic looking plants are the way to go, just dust them off once in a while and they will never die.

Answer 5

Any type of ivy like the golden pathos, are very easy to grow, cheap because you can buy it small, and great because they clean the air. Check out this site with healthy living tips.
http://www.recipes-for-a-healthy-home.com/healthyair.html

Answer 6

Ferns and spider plants are easy to care for and inexpensive...real is better, for air quality.