House Plants 101
Houseplants and succulents have exploded in popularity over the past year as people spend more time at home. Initially loved for their aesthetics, they’re also great as air filters and can help lift spirits in the middle of a Minnesotan winter.
This all sounds great, but if you’re anything like me, you may be concerned about your ability to keep plants alive and thriving. Not to worry, though - read on for a list of plants that even the worst gardener can’t hurt and where to buy them.
Snake plants
A snake plant is fantastic for beginner plant parents as it handles low, medium, or bright light well. It also thrives in moderately dry soil, requiring water only once every 2 weeks (or once a month during the winter). Photo by Sarah Bronske on Unsplash
Cast iron plants
Cast iron plants are known for their ability to thrive indoors. They love low light and room temperatures. They also only need watering once a week at most. Photo from Yates.
Pothos plants
Pothos plants are common houseplants that have lovely trailing vines that can be styled in many ways. They tolerate any amount of light, and only need to be watered when the soil is completely dry – if overwatered, the roots will rot. Photo by Severin Candrian on Unsplash
ZZ Plants
ZZ plants are known for their unique, rubbery leaves. They grow fastest in bright light, but handle low to medium light well too. Water once a week for the best results. Photo by Kadarius Seegars on Unsplash
English ivy plants
Similar to pothos plants, English ivy has green vines that grow fast. It doesn’t require much sunlight or water - water once a week. It also acts as a great air filter for your home. Photo from My Garden Forest.
Local stores to buy from:
The Greenery is an Ojibwe- and woman-owned plant shop that supplies tropical foliage. They also offer re-potting services, in-home advising, and information on biophilia (aka our instinct as humans to connect with nature).
Mother Co., Plants describe themselves as the “only dedicated home for houseplants in the Twin Cities.” They carry a variety of indoor plants and cacti, and can make special orders for large plants.
Mother Earth Gardens specializes in organic gardening, sustainability, and eco-friendly products. They also have the largest selection of native plants among Twin Cities garden centers. You’ll be able to find both houseplants and outdoor flowers here.
The Plant Corner Minneapolis is a free plant rescue pop-up project. It’s currently on hiatus until 2022, but be sure to give them a follow on Instagram for updates as they get started up again to find free plants sustainably and responsibly.