Everyday Cheapskate: 7 houseplants that are really hard to kill – Coos Bay World

I love houseplants, and I do have some beauties! The truth is I don't have a green thumb; I just know a few tricks and tips that I will gladly share with you. Healthy, beautiful houseplants are an economical way to bring instant warmth and beauty to a home, condo, apartment, dorm room, recreational vehicle -- or wherever else you call home.

I have friends who, I swear, were born with a green thumb. These talented people effortlessly grow lush, beautiful, exotic plants indoors. Then, there are the rest of us.

Here's my best-kept horticultural secret: I only consider plants in what I call the "thrivus neglectus" family, which comes from the Latin root meaning "really cheap and thrives even under the harshest conditions of poor light and owner neglect."

KNOW YOUR VARIETIES

If growing beautiful houseplants in your home or office isn't your forte, I have good news. It is possible to have lovely plants if you pick the right variety -- those that are hard to kill.

Peace lily: The indoor plant spathiphyllum, with its graceful nickname "peace lily," is an easy-care, low-light houseplant. It's beautiful, lush and fast-growing. Can you see a peace lily in every room?

Cast-iron plant: Aspidistra is also known as the "cast-iron plant," and for good reason. This baby can survive any condition, including low light and a dry environment. It has earned its nickname because it can survive in deep shade and does not like direct sun or extreme cold.

Devil's ivy: Epipremnum aureum, commonly called "pothos" or "devil's ivy," comes in many varieties that tolerate poor light and actually enjoy being left alone. Nearly fuss-free, this lush, leafy evergreen pothos plant will tolerate a range of indoor growing conditions, including heat, aridity and dry shade.

Rubber plant: Ficus elastica, or "rubber plant," likes a cool, dimly lit space. But if you should happen to set it in a sunny area, watch out. It will grow like crazy, and you'll be searching on the internet for how to prune the darned thing!

Spider plant: Also known as chlorophytum comosum, "spider plant" is tough and does well in low light. It sends out these really cool trailing vines that develop tiny dangling baby "spiders" instead of flowers. Really cool!

Corn plant: Dracaena, or "corn plant," is a great choice for hot, dry apartments. This plant is a popular ornamental houseplant, grown both indoors and outdoors in subtropical climates. Bright indirect light is best for corn plant. Too much light can cause the leaves to burn. It reaches a height of about 3 feet indoors and has a bushy tree type of look. A corn plant's glossy leaves can grow up to 1 foot long and a couple of inches wide.

Mother-in-law's tongue: The ever-popular sansevieria trifasciata, nicknamed "snake plant" or "mother-in-law's tongue" (best nickname ever), likes full sun to low light source and even moisture. It will survive even under the most severely neglectful conditions. Sansevieria trifasciata is prized for its stiff, upright leaves that range from 1 to 8 feet tall, depending on the variety.

KNOW WHERE TO BUY

I'm a huge fan of the Walmart and Target garden departments. Home improvement centers like Home Depot and Lowe's are excellent sources as well. Just look for the bargain table and you'll run right into the plants on my list above.

KNOW WHEN TO WATER

Unlike silk and plastic, live houseplants do require water, and watering weekly is good. Pick a day, any day -- and then water your plants on the same day every week. Don't overdo it.

KNOW YOUR MAINTENANCE

Keep the leaves of your plants clean. Dust plugs the pores and prevents plants from taking in the carbon dioxide from the air. A damp cloth once every few weeks will do the trick.

Live plants are an inexpensive way to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in any living space. As a bonus, they improve indoor air quality.

Select plants that require little or no care, and you'll save yourself both time and money.

Would you like more information? Go to EverydayCheapskate.com for links and resources for recommended products and services in this column. Mary invites questions, comments and tips at EverydayCheapskate.com, "Ask Mary." This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a lifestyle blog, and the author of the book "Debt-Proof Living."

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Everyday Cheapskate: 7 houseplants that are really hard to kill - Coos Bay World