Plants are a great way to add some life to your home, and indoor plants are a great way to purify the air in your house. But if you’re not used to caring for plants or are a beginner, it can be tough to know which plants to avoid.
No one likes a plant that’s continuously dying, dropping its leaves, or attracting pests. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant to spruce up your indoor space, steer clear of these thirteen species.
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Fiddle Leaf Fig
If you’re new to indoor plants, the fiddle leaf fig might not be the best place to start. These finicky plants are notoriously difficult to care for, and they often don’t do well in homes. It’s because they require a very specific environment: high humidity, bright indirect sunlight, and temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t meet these conditions, the fiddle leaf fig will likely suffer.
Bromeliads
Bromeliads are a wide-ranging plant family that includes popular houseplants like Tillandsias (air plants) and Guzmanias. While they’re relatively easy to care for, bromeliads can be toxic to pets if ingested. So, if you have cats or dogs, it’s best to steer clear of these plants.
Cacti
While cacti are often thought of as low-maintenance plants, they require quite a bit of care. They need bright light, well-drained soil, and occasional watering to grow well. If you don’t think you can provide those conditions, it’s best to stay away from cacti altogether. Additionally, they can be quite prickly, so if you have small children or pets, it’s best to avoid them.
Begonias
Begonias are beautiful flowering plants, but they can be high-maintenance when it comes to indoor growing conditions. They require high humidity and lots of light, which can be difficult to provide in most homes.
Snake Plants
Snake plants are often touted as being nearly indestructible, but that doesn’t mean they don’t require any care. These plants need bright sunny conditions and well-drained soil to thrive, and they should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. If you’re not sure you can offer those conditions, it’s best to steer clear of snake plants.
Red Emerald Plants
Red emeralds are beautiful houseplants, but they can be difficult to care for. They need bright light and humidity to thrive, and they’re susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. If you cannot provide those conditions, it’s best to avoid red emeralds.
African Violets
African violets are popular houseplants, but they can be difficult to care for. They need a lot of sun, damp conditions, and well-drained soil to thrive. If you’re not sure you can provide those conditions, it’s best to choose another low-maintenance plant.
Ivy
Ivy is a beautiful plant, but it can be very destructive indoors. It’s known for growing quickly and aggressively, and it can quickly take over a space if left unchecked. If you decide to grow ivy indoors, be sure to keep a close eye on it and trim it regularly to keep it under control.
Peace Lily Plants
Peace lilies are beautiful houseplants, but they can be difficult to care for. They need a lot of sun, humidity, and well-irrigated soil to survive. If you’re unable to deliver those conditions, it’s best to steer clear of peace lilies.
Orchids
Orchids are gorgeous houseplants, but growing them can be very hard. They need sunny conditions and moisture. If you cannot provide those conditions, it’s best to steer clear of orchids.
Jade Plants
Jade plants are popular houseplants, but they can be difficult to care for. They need bright light, well-drained soil, and sporadic watering to flourish. If you’re unsure if you can provide those requirements, it’s best to avoid jade plants.
Palm Trees
Palm trees can grow up to 20 feet tall, making them one of the tallest indoor plants. They also require high humidity and lots of light, which can be difficult to provide in most homes.
Bonsai Trees
Bonsai trees are stunning, but they require a lot of care and attention. They need to be trimmed and shaped regularly, and they need just the right amount of water and sunlight. If you’re not willing to put in the time and effort required to care for a bonsai tree, it’s best to avoid growing one indoors.
In Summary
Well, there you have it – thirteen plants to avoid if you’re looking for a low-maintenance houseplant. Do you have any tips or tricks? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to share this post with your friends – they may appreciate knowing which plants to avoid when they’re shopping for their next indoor plant friend.
