Indoor plants for black thumbs
A client recently told me that she is capable of killing plastic plants. With her busy lifestyle and black thumb, she thought that there was absolutely no way she could have the ‘real deal’ in her home. Challenge accepted!
Not only do indoor plants look great, but they are also good for your health. reduce stress and impart great vibes. Considering that most people spend around 90% of their time outdoors (yes, really - I researched it) it makes sense to make sure that the air we are breathing in is clean.
CSIRO estimates that the health cost of poor indoor air quality is up to $12 billion annually(1). Ever heard of ‘sick building syndrome’? The main culprits are those pesky pollutants (and very harmful) chemicals called VOCs (or Volatile Organic Compounds) found in everyday items such as carpet, furniture, MDF, paint and the list goes on. BSID strives always to choose sustainable and healthy materials and products (see the ‘about’ section on my website), but it’s almost impossible to eliminate them entirely.
That’s where plants come into play - they significantly reduce both VOCs and carbon dioxide from the air - resulting in a healthier you! And just adding one plant can go a long way to help.
There’s dozens of options for decorating with indoor plants - even if you do have black thumbs. Here’s my top ten for those of us who tend to be somewhat ‘unkind’ to our potted green friends.
Snake Plant (aka as mother-in-law’s tongue - sorry to my lovely MiL). It’s harder to kill these than keep them alive and guess what? They’re right on trend now.
Philodendron - can survive in low light, but if you want the leaves to ‘split’, indirect sunlight works best.
Fiddle leaf fig - true story - my son and daughter in law bought me a baby fiddle leaf and told me it was a test to see whether or not I’d be fit to be a good grandma - I’m pleased to report that two years later it is thriving - even with a little neglect. I’ve even lopped the top off and replanted it (does that mean I’m now qualified to be a good a grandma?).
Spider plant - these look great draping over the edge of bookcases. Their stripey design is stunning (and btw - I’ve never seen any spiders on mine).
Ivy (it’s called a pothos vine, according to my mum) comes in different shapes and sizes - again great for draping down shelving. Tip: When it gets too long, just cut it off and stick the cutting in a vase of water. It grows roots super quick, and voila, you have another one.
6. Rubber plant - these look spectacular, are fast-growing, and again are right on-trend. No one can kill these except my son (who left one in a boiling hot house untended for weeks). They only need watering about 2-3 times a month BUT, don’t EVER plant these directly into the garden. I have a friend who had one spread its wings well over 40 metres and ended up under the house pad. Imagine what it could do to your pool :(
7. Succulents - one of the easiest, with my favourite being the Jade Plant. Who doesn’t love a succulent or two (or more)!
8. ZZ plant - looks incredible (I have mine in the same plant as my snake plant) with lush, tropical leaves. It only needs attention 2-3 times a month and will thrive in low to medium light. (That’s mine pictured right sitting in my bathroom).
9. Elephant’s Ear - this one is also enjoying a comeback in popularity thanks to shows such as #The Block’ and #House Rules. I’ve heard (no research done, though) that they can be poisonous if ingested - so best not to eat it..
10. Prayer Plant - perfect for your bathroom as it loves the humidity (water it on a Sunday!). It’s a cool plant in that the leaves lie ‘flat’ during the day and fold up like praying hands at night. A great one to show the kids.
So go on, give it a try!! Oh, and that client who kills plastic plants - her ZZ and snake plants are thriving!
1. Wood RA, Orwell RL, Tarran J, Torpy F, Burchett M. 2008. Indoor plants: improving the indoor environment for health, well-being and productivity. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 790: VIII International People-Plant Symposium on Exploring Therapeutic Powers of Flowers, Greenery and Nature, access from SGAonline.org.au, 13 March 2022.
- Janine Nairn
Creative Director