Are you looking to add a little life to your home, but don't have the time or patience to take care of a pet? Houseplants are a great way to bring some nature indoors while still keeping things low maintenance. However, not all plants are created equal -- some are harder care for than others.

If you're looking for inspiration, here are five common houseplants that are difficult to take care of, but totally worth it once you get the hang of it!

Boston Ferns

Hanging Boston Fern

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If you're looking for a bit of greenery to spruce up your home, you might be considering a Boston fern. These lush plants can brighten up a room but they're also notoriously difficult to take care of. Here's what you need to know before you get your own Boston fern.

Boston ferns need a lot of water. They prefer to be kept moist at all times, so you'll need to water them frequently -  sometimes even twice a day. If the leaves start to turn brown or wilt, that could mean they're not getting enough water.

Secondly, Boston ferns need high humidity. If your home is particularly dry, you might need to mist the leaves regularly or set the plant on a tray of pebbles and water. Again, if the leaves start to turn brown or wilt, that could mean your air is too dry.

Boston ferns need bright, indirect light. They won't do well in dark corners or rooms with only fluorescent lighting. If you can't provide bright indirect light, consider another type of plant.

With all that said, Boston ferns are beautiful, rewarding houseplants, as long as you're prepared to care for them properly. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your Boston fern healthy and happy for many years to come. Good luck!

Miniature Roses

Miniature Roses

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One of the most common houseplants that are difficult to take care of is the miniature rose. While they add a touch of elegance to table decor, they can be high maintenance. Here are some tips on how to care for your miniature rose:

Miniature roses need to be watered regularly, just make sure the soil dries out in between waterings.

Additionally, use a fertilizer made specifically for roses. Apply it every other week during the growing season (spring and summer). Stop fertilizing in the fall so the plants can go into winter dormancy.

Prune your miniature roses in the spring, before new growth begins. Cut back any dead flowers or diseased stems and trim back any long or straggly stems. This will help encourage new growth and promote a healthy plant.

Miniature roses need at least six hours of sunlight per day. If you live in a climate with long winters, you may need to supplement with grow lights.

By following these tips, you can help keep your miniature roses healthy and maybe they won't give you a hard time.

Carnivorous Plants

Venus Flytrap in a pot

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Carnivorous plants, such as Venus flytraps, are not your typical houseplants. While most houseplants are content to just sit there and look pretty, carnivorous plants are actively hunting for their food. This means that they can be difficult to take care of since they have specific needs that must be met in order to survive.

These plants have adapted in order to thrive on their own. Catching food, in terms of insects, may be hard to come by, but these carnivorous plants manage. Of course, there are other important things you need to do to ensure they live as long as possible.

For starters, carnivorous plants need a lot of sunlight, water, carbon dioxide (that they get from their surroundings), and nitrogen in order to photosynthesize and make their own food. If they're not getting enough of these elements, they will start to lose their leaves and eventually die.

Typically, carnivorous plants would need to be watered every two to three days in the hot summer months. However, in the winter months, they would need to be watered less frequently.

Another thing to keep in mind is that carnivorous plants are used to a very specific kind of soil. Since they live in wetlands, the soil needs to be able to hold a lot of water without draining too quickly. Additionally, regular garden or potting soil won’t do as they prefer acidic soil of 5.3 and below. It is best to use professional-grade peat moss for these finicky plants.

If you can provide your carnivorous plant with the right environment, then it will be happy and healthy. However, if you don't, then it will slowly start to die. So, if you're thinking about getting a carnivorous plant, make sure you do your research first and are prepared to give it the care it needs. Don't let it fend for itself.

Gardenias

Gardenia houseplant

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Gardenias are popular plants, but they can be difficult to take care of indoors. If you're thinking about adding a gardenia to your home, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Gardenias need bright, indirect sunlight, but can enjoy some direct sun for part of the day. If your gardenia isn't getting enough light, it will start to drop its leaves.

Gardenias also require somewhat humid conditions. If your home is too dry, your gardenia will start to drop its flowers. To increase the humidity around your plant, you can mist it regularly or put it on a pebble tray filled with water.

Finally, use a fertilizer specifically designed for gardenias and apply it according to the package directions.

If you can provide your gardenia with the right conditions, it will thrive. But if you're not up for the challenge, there are plenty of other houseplants that are easier to take care of.

Croton

Croton houseplant

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If you're thinking about getting a croton, there are a few things you should research first.

Croton plants are native to tropical regions, so they need plenty of warmth and humidity to thrive. If your home is on the dry side, you'll need to give your croton plant regular misting. It's important to keep them away from drafts and heat sources like radiators or fireplaces because these sources create hotspots. These conditions can cause the leaves to turn brown.

Different croton varieties have different light requirements, so make sure you learn about your plant's specific needs. If your croton starts to lose its vibrant leaf color, it's probably not getting enough light.

While crotons are reasonably drought tolerant, they'll look their best if you keep their soil moist. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, and don't let your plant sit in water. Fertilize your croton every few weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer formulated for houseplants.

Croton plants can be finicky about being moved, so it's best to leave them in one spot once you've found a place that suits them. They're also susceptible to pests like mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Check your plant regularly for signs of pests and treat them promptly if you see any.

With a little patience and care, crotons can make beautiful, low-maintenance houseplants. Just be prepared to set them up with the warm, humid conditions they need to thrive.

Take The Risk!

If you're feeling brave and up for the challenge, then add one of these plants to your home. Just be prepared for a little bit of extra work! Trust us, it will be worth it once you see them thriving in your living room.

Do you have any tips or tricks that have helped you take care of these challenging plants? Drop them in the comments below!