Plants I Have Managed to Keep Alive (and How)
I have killed a lot of plants. A truly embarrassing number of plants. Succulents, fiddle leaf figs, even a cactus once. I thought I just did not have a green thumb. Turns out I just had no idea what I was doing.
Now I have eight plants in my home and all of them are alive and actually thriving. Here is what actually made the difference.
Pothos (Start Here)
If you have killed every plant you have ever owned, start with a pothos. It trails beautifully on a shelf, tolerates low light, and only needs water when the soil is dry. I have mine in a high shelf in the living room and it hangs down beautifully. It has survived me forgetting it for two weeks. Shop pothos plants on Amazon.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is for people who tend to overwater. It stores water in its roots so it is very forgiving. It also tolerates lower light than most plants and looks incredibly architectural and modern. I keep mine in a corner that does not get much direct sun and it is gorgeous. ZZ plants on Amazon.
Snake Plant
Another nearly indestructible option. The snake plant (sansevieria) thrives on neglect, tolerates low light, and improves air quality. It looks great in a statement planter because its vertical lines are so clean and graphic. Snake plants on Amazon.
Monstera Deliciosa
This one is a little more high-maintenance but the payoff is huge. The big dramatic leaves make such a statement and it grows quickly once it is happy. Bright indirect light and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Get a good planter because it will become a focal point. I found a stunning pot through CB2 on ShopMy that I love it in. Large decorative planters on Amazon.
What Actually Keeps Them Alive
The biggest mistake I made for years was overwatering. Most houseplants want to dry out between waterings. Stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it is still damp, wait. Only water when it is dry at that depth. This single change saved most of my plants.
Good potting mix matters too. I use a quality indoor potting mix that drains well and add a little perlite for extra drainage. And every few months I give my plants a dose of liquid plant food during the growing season. Plant food on Amazon.
The Planter Makes the Plant
A plant in a sad plastic nursery pot looks like something from a greenhouse. The same plant in a beautiful ceramic or terracotta pot looks like intentional decor. Repot into something beautiful and suddenly your plant is also a decor moment. West Elm and CB2 have gorgeous options through ShopMy.
If you have given up on plants, please try a pothos or a snake plant. They really do want to live. Tell me in the comments which plants you have managed to keep alive.
xo, Pam
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