What plant you should have and should avoid if you don’t have much time to water it?

Incorporating plants into your home or office can greatly enhance the ambience and improve air quality. Caring for indoor plants can also be a rewarding and educational family activity, bringing everyone together for a shared purpose.

However, not everyone has the time or energy to devote to the meticulous care that some plants require. Whether you’re a busy professional, a frequent traveller, or simply someone who tends to forget about their greenery, choosing the right plants can make all the difference.

This guide will help you identify which plants are best suited for your lifestyle if you don’t have much time to water them and which ones to avoid if you can’t dedicate much care to them.

What plant should I have if I don’t have much time to water it?

If you don’t have much time to water your plants, don’t worry! There are plenty of low-maintenance plants that can thrive even if you occasionally forget to water them. Here’s a guide to some of the best options:

1. Succulents

Succulents are one of the top choices for busy people. These plants store water in their leaves, so they can go for long periods without being watered. Popular succulents include:

• Aloe Vera: Not only is it easy to care for, but it also has medicinal properties.
• Echeveria: Known for its beautiful rosette shape.
• Jade Plant: This plant is believed to bring good luck.

2. Cacti

Cacti are desert plants, so they are accustomed to going long stretches without water. They come in various shapes and sizes, making them interesting additions to your home. Some popular cacti include:

• Saguaro Cactus: The classic tall cactus with arms.
• Christmas Cactus: Blooms with beautiful flowers during the holiday season.
• Barrel Cactus: Round and covered with spines.

3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Snake plants are incredibly tough and can tolerate low light and infrequent watering. They have tall, stiff leaves that look striking in any room. Plus, they are known to improve indoor air quality by removing toxins.

4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant is another excellent choice for those who don’t have much time to care for their plants. It can survive in low light conditions and only needs watering every few weeks. The glossy, dark green leaves add a touch of elegance to any space.

5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are very forgiving and can tolerate irregular watering. They are also known for their air-purifying qualities. These plants produce “babies” or offshoots that can be easily propagated to grow new plants.

6. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a popular houseplant because it’s nearly indestructible. It can thrive in various lighting conditions and doesn’t need frequent watering. Its trailing vines make it perfect for hanging baskets or shelves.

7. Philodendron

Philodendrons are low-maintenance and can adapt to different lighting conditions. They have beautiful, heart-shaped leaves and only need watering once the soil is completely dry.

8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Rubber plants are robust and can go for long periods without water. They prefer bright, indirect light and have large, glossy leaves that add a touch of greenery to any room.

9. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are known for their resilience and beautiful white flowers. They can tolerate low light and only need watering about once a week. They also help to purify the air.

10. Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

True to its name, the cast-iron plant is nearly indestructible. It can handle low light, infrequent watering, and temperature fluctuations. Its broad, dark green leaves add a lush look to any room.

Tips for Low-Maintenance Plant Care

• Use well-draining soil: This helps prevent root rot by allowing excess water to escape.
• Choose the right pot: Pots with drainage holes are essential for preventing overwatering.
• Group plants with similar needs: This makes it easier to care for them.
• Consider self-watering pots: These pots have a reservoir that provides a steady supply of water to the plant, reducing the need for frequent watering.

Looking for low-maintenance plants? Get the greenery without the hassle of constant watering. No matter if you’re super busy, always on the go, or just tend to forget about your plants, these tough options will thrive with minimal care.

What plant should I not have if I don’t have much time to take care of it?

If you don’t have much time to take care of your plants, there are certain varieties you should avoid. These plants typically require more frequent watering, specific humidity levels, or meticulous care. Here are some plants that might not be suitable for a busy lifestyle:

1. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Fiddle-leaf figs are known for their beautiful, large leaves and impressive size, but they are also notoriously finicky. They require consistent watering, bright but indirect light, and high humidity. They are prone to dropping leaves if their environment changes even slightly.

2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston ferns are lush and attractive, but they need a lot of attention. They require high humidity, frequent watering, and regular misting. If the air is too dry, their fronds can quickly turn brown and crispy.

3. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

Gardenias are beautiful plants with fragrant white flowers, but they are quite demanding. They need bright, indirect light, high humidity, and consistently moist soil. They are also susceptible to pests and diseases, requiring vigilant care.

4. Calathea

Calatheas are known for their stunning, patterned leaves, but they can be quite challenging to maintain. They require high humidity, regular watering with distilled or rainwater, and consistent temperatures. Their leaves can curl or develop brown edges if their needs aren’t met.

5. Orchids

Orchids, particularly Phalaenopsis orchids, are popular for their exotic flowers, but they require specific care. They need bright, indirect light, high humidity, and careful watering to avoid root rot. They also need a specific orchid mix and regular feeding with orchid fertilizer.

6. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)

Maidenhair ferns have delicate, lacy fronds that require constant attention. They need high humidity, consistent moisture, and indirect light. Their fronds can quickly turn brown if their environment is too dry or if they miss a watering.

7. Azalea

Indoor azaleas are known for their beautiful blooms, but they are quite demanding. They require bright, indirect light, high humidity, and consistently moist soil. They are also prone to pests and diseases, requiring regular attention.

8. Bonsai Trees

Bonsai trees are miniature trees that need careful pruning, regular watering, and specific lighting conditions. They also need to be repotted and have their roots trimmed periodically. They require a high level of commitment and attention to detail.

9. Hibiscus

Hibiscus plants have stunning flowers, but they require a lot of care. They need bright light, regular watering, high humidity, and frequent feeding. They are also susceptible to pests like aphids and spider mites.

10. Carnivorous Plants (e.g., Venus Flytrap)

Carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps and pitcher plants are fascinating but require specific care. They need distilled or rainwater, high humidity, and bright, indirect light. They also need a specific type of soil and should not be fertilized.

Tips for High-Maintenance Plant Care

If you still want to try your hand at caring for these high-maintenance plants despite your busy schedule, here are some tips:

• Invest in a humidifier: This can help maintain the high humidity levels required by some plants.
• Use a moisture meter: This tool can help you determine when to water your plants, preventing over- or under-watering.
• Create a care schedule: Set reminders on your phone or calendar to water, mist, and feed your plants regularly.
• Group plants together: Grouping plants with similar care needs can create a micro-environment that makes it easier to maintain the right conditions.

While these high-maintenance plants can be rewarding, they require a level of dedication that might be challenging for someone with a busy lifestyle. Opting for more low-maintenance plants can help you enjoy the benefits of indoor greenery without the stress of constant care.

Conclusion

Choosing the right plants to fit your lifestyle is key to a thriving indoor garden. If you’re short on time, go for low-maintenance options like succulents, cacti, and snake plants that don’t need much fuss.

But if you’re up for the challenge, fiddle leaf figs, Boston ferns, and orchids will keep you busy with their need for more care. Knowing what each plant needs helps you build a sustainable indoor oasis that adds joy without adding to your to-do list. Plus, getting your family involved in plant care can be a fun way to learn and bond together.