Ask Mr. Kate: what are the most difficult houseplants to kill?

Question:

Stacia writes, “Dear Mr. Kate, I want to incorporate plants into my living space but they always die, I forget to water them, and I don’t know which ones are best for indoors…do you have any suggestions? Thanks!!”

Answer:

Hi Stacia! I kill plants too! It’s true, it’s sad, but I’ve found a couple types of plants that haven’t died…yet. If you’re like me, and your thumb is less than green, you should try one of these very forgiving plants.

Indoor plants aren’t just pleasing to the eyes, they purify the air and help filter out pollutants…bonus! I also love decorating with plants because they had an organic quality and a softness to any room. They’re also great for camouflaging and flaws on the walls or bringing height to a space. I love plants! I don’t want them to die!

The few plants I’ve found that thrive and survive (can all be found at your local garden center or Lowes, Home Depot, etc.):

Succulents: you only have to water these suckers once a month in the winter and once every two weeks in the summer! For more tips on how to care for succulents, read my previous post on my momma’s succulent garden. You can DIY a coffee pot succulent terrarium, or get one sticking out of a troll‘s head…why not!?

This is our office vine and she is thriving! We’ve had her for over 6 months and she’s quickly turning into Rapunzel with her long tendrils.

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum, also called “devil’s ivy” in the chart below): I love how the vines cascade down and you can wrap the vines around things or just let them fall like a plant waterfall! (add even more greenery with a DIY moss picture frame…and that’s our 2013 lookbook right next to it). These plants do well in bright, indirect light…so basically anywhere where there is enough light for you to read a book.

Golden Pothos is also what I used to fill this vintage birdcage for one of my clients – more photos here.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): blooms consistently even in minimal light. These are great because you get a little flower with your plant, that droops when in need of water, but then bounces right back.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior): gets its name from withstanding any kind of indoor light and conditions…it’s almost indestructible!

Other ideas for plants:

Use an upcycled tire pot for a rustic and rough feel.
Think outside the box by putting plants in birdcages.
I previously blogged about hanging plants which add architectural interest.

Display your plants on an old wooden ladder!

For those that happen to have an old bathtub laying around…mmmmkay

For more tips on caring for house plants see my guest blog post “tips for our house plants” on lolomag.com

One more important tip: make sure you research which plants are toxic for cats and dogs before placing them within your pet’s reach! You can view a list of toxic and non-toxic plants right here.