At the Eminence Certified Organic Farm, it’s no secret that we love plants of all shapes and sizes – but we also know that it can be tricky to get started. To help greenify your life, we’ve put together a list of eight plants that are hard to kill. These plants are known for being low-maintenance and are the perfect leafy additions for aspiring and experienced green thumbs alike.
Houseplants You Can’t Kill
Let’s start off with some options for indoors. Not only do houseplants add a beautiful decorative touch, but they also help reduce stress and improve air quality.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is an oft-cited hardy houseplant. Not just for sunburns, aloe vera is a beautiful succulent that loves life indoors. The secret to keeping aloe vera alive? Allow its soil to dry completely between waterings (you may only need to water every two to three weeks) and ensure your plant sits by a sunny window year long. If leaves are looking soggy and mushy, water your aloe vera less frequently. If leaves are looking wrinkled and puckered, water your aloe more frequently. Most importantly – do not fret if a leaf breaks off, a new one will grow back in no time.
Philodendron
With their beautiful tropical leaves, philodendrons have been a popular houseplant for decades. Philodendrons thrive with indirect sunlight and moderate watering with room temperature water. This robust plant is the perfect starter houseplant for even the most inexperienced of gardeners as it adapts easily to its conditions and surroundings. In fact, your philodendron will let you know exactly what it needs. Should there be multiple yellow leaves, your plant may need less sun. If your plant is more stem than leaves, it could use a little more sun. If leaves are turning brown, you may be under-watering; droopy, you may be over-watering. Rest assured, simply listen to your plant, adjust your care and your philodendron will perk right up.
Rubber Trees
No, no – we are not recommending a faux plant. Despite their names, rubber trees are a completely real – and striking – option that will last for years to come. Rubber trees can grow into large houseplants (several feet tall) if slowly repotted into a larger planter, or kept smaller by not re-potting. Rubber trees need plenty of indirect light, so placing your plant near a window with sheer curtains is ideal. When it comes to watering, rubber trees like lots of drainage. They have a growth spurt during the summer, requiring thorough watering more frequently, and are dormant in the winter, requiring lighter and less frequent watering. Don’t let this intimidate you, though! Rubber trees are very easy to care for. Simply ensure the soil is neither dried out nor muddy and your tree will thrive.
Plants That Can Live Indoors Or Outdoors
Many plants can do exceptionally well both indoors and outdoors. The two plants below also abound on the Eminence Certified Organic farm.
Succulents
Succulents are one of our favorite plants. A classic ingredient in Eminence Organic Skin Care, succulents are very low-maintenance and great for the environment. If you live in a region with warm weather and little rain, succulents will thrive outdoors as well. The most crucial thing to ensure when planting succulents is that you provide plenty of drainage and sunlight. Whether in or outside, plant with a potting soil specifically made for succulents and cacti and only water your plants when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Peppermint
A key ingredient in Eminence Organics USDA Collection, peppermint is a tough little plant that does great growing in the kitchen or the garden. Originally hailing from riverbanks, peppermint likes to grow in areas that mimic that environment: moist but well-drained soil with partial to full-sun. If growing outdoors, know that peppermint roots spread and you may want to keep your plant in a container to control its growth. Don’t be afraid to pick and prune peppermint often as this will keep it healthy and under control. Peppermint can be easily started from store-bought plants or even from trimmings, and the leaves can be used to flavor a number of dishes including tea, sauces and salads.
Outdoor Plants That Are Easy To Care For
If you’re struggling to start a garden, look no further. These three options are sure to thrive outdoors without hassle or fuss.
Lavender
Beautifully fragrant and with delicate purple blooms, lavender is an herb originally hailing from the Mediterranean. As such, lavender excels in full sun but will last through winter as long as it is kept in a sheltered area. When growing lavender, do not over-water. Keep the soil well-drained, and think about growing it in raised beds or planters if your soil is heavy or muddy. Plant your lavender in dry soil or coarse potting mix, and do not use high-nitrogen fertilizer or manure as lavender does not care for an acidic environment. Grown on the Eminence Certified Organic Farm, we love to use harvested lavender as a cooking ingredient, for bouquets and of course, in skin care.
Rhubarb
Not only is rhubarb delicious in pies, crumbles and jams, its broad leaves and red stems look beautiful in any garden. Rhubarb is very low-maintenance and will last for years. Although rhubarb loves full sun and well-drained soil, it does best in mild weather that falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Rhubarb doesn’t care to be moved, so ensure you are confident in your choice of location before planting! A hungry plant, your rhubarb should be fed plenty of manure or compost which can be mixed into the soil when planting. It is best to plant during a mild time of year like spring or autumn. Water at the base of the plant, ensuring the soil stays moist – but not wet. You can begin harvesting your rhubarb in its second year, typically from May to June. Most importantly? When you harvest, ensure you eat only the stems as the leaves are poisonous to consume.
Spirea
A slightly larger addition to the garden, stunning spirea is a deciduous shrub with either spring or summer blooms in white, pink or red. As noted by Plants Database, these shrubs are “among the easiest flowering shrubs to grow…often used in foundation plantings, as hedges and in perennial gardens.” Spirea can grow pretty much anywhere, but are partial to full sun and ample drainage. Growing three to eight feet tall, spirea can be planted anytime from spring to early fall, and in any soil. Water your spirea weekly to keep the soil lightly moist, and don’t be afraid to deadhead flowers or prune back branches, as spireas will continue to grow and flower even after heavy pruning.
With these tips we know you can start a stunning collection of plants in no time. Do you have an addition to our list of plants that are hard to kill? Tell us in the comments below and join the conversation on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | LinkedIn | YouTube | G+.