Top 5 Indoor Plants: Lovely and Low-Maintenance

Adding greenery to a space can completely change the feel of the room. It gives it an organic feature and livens the space completely. However, if you are anything like me, keeping a plant alive outside where mother nature does half the work is hard enough, indoor plants barely stand a chance with me novice green thumb. 

So to help all of us out, I found the top 5 plants that survive well indoors, are easy to maintain yet pack a punch with their presence and enhance any space. 

1. Dwarf Umbrella Tree

Hunker

Ruby Leaf Co

I may be drawn to this one given that I'm from Seattle and the name is a cute nostalgic nod to my upbringing. Also known as Hawaiian schefflera, this fast-growing guy is easy to contain in size by clipping the top leaves, which also makes it a great contender for a lively indoor bonsai. 

To Care: 

To water correctly, wait until the soil in the pot dries out and then thoroughly soak the soil when you water. Often, people will over water their umbrella tree and this will eventually kill it.

2. Philodendron

jes.fields.home

monsteramomma

My favorite part about these guys is the multi-colored, heart-shaped leaves. This is another fast-growing houseplant that would look great draping gently over the top of a bookshelf or try the split-leaf variety for some tropical flair. 

To Care:

The plants grow best in medium or bright-light spots, but tolerate low light exceedingly well. Water philodendrons enough when the soil surface dries. They're tough enough plants they don't mind if you forget to water them now and again. Just take care not to overwater your philodendrons. They will rot if they're kept too wet.
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3. Peace Lily

Deavita

Bakker

These full but delicate plants would make the perfect compliment to an office or bathroom. They are one of the most low maintenance plants out there and are great for filling space with the added interest of the flower peaking out. 

To Care:

They don't need direct sun, preferring bright, indirect light from a nearby window.. Give them evenly moist, well-drained soil. If you don't like white pollen showered all over the leaves, cut off the spikes several days after they appear, and allow the beautiful spathes to remain on display.

4. Fiddle-Leaf Fig

oak.hill.farms

B. Morrow Interiors

The Fiddle-leaf fig is full, leafy and tall. It's great in the corner of a room to add height and dimension along with that organic touch. Think of it for a living room, bedroom or entryway. 

To Care:

Plant in rich, well-drained peaty soil. Plan on re-potting about once a year for roots to have space. Water only when soil is dry to the touch. Then water thoroughly (until the water drains into the saucer) and allow to dry out again.

5. Dumb Canes

Kocohutceramics

plant_log

The bright variegated leaves of Dumb Canes bring a certain happiness to a room. They prefer low-light areas so are perfect for growing indoors. I love these for a nursery or kitchen. 

To Care:

Plant the dumb cane in a well-draining soil and water lightly, keeping the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Check the soil to make sure it is dry an inch down before watering

Bonus: Branches

Eucalyptus

West Elm

I love the uniform leaves of eucalyptus for an organized leafy look. 

Olive 

Magnolia

Olive branches have a beautiful curve to them that allows them to gently bend over a vase and create a gentle but full look. 

Faux Florals

Pier 1

To add a bit more color, consider faux floral branches like these cherry blossoms from Pier 1. There a great collection to choose from to highlight your room. 

To Care:

Best part, no care needed! If you have a tree in your yard, prune them back occasionally and add these leaves to a vase for a table or countertop in any room (bookshelves and bathroom counters are always winners) No tree? There are tons of outlets on Etsy and mainstream vendors to get some from and they last a long time!