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These tough houseplants can handle a bit of neglect
When you own 120 houseplants, you quickly learn which are the easiest to care for – and which are more work than they're worth. Bryan Taylor, visual content editor at House Beautiful, knows this all too well.
'I always say that plants (and pets) make a home. I feel that adding a houseplant to any room immediately softens the look and feel,' he tells us. 'There's something utterly beautiful about bringing the outside in, so I group many of my plants for maximum impact.'
Bryan's must-have plants include long-standing favourites like the Swiss cheese and peace lilies, but there are certainly some he would keep his green fingers away from.
'Recently, I've been struggling with my Medinilla Magnifica or Rose Grape — I'm on my second one after the last died. It was doing brilliantly with lots of new growth, and then as winter came, I was too slow to move it to a brighter position, so the soil became too saturated and leaves fell off. Third time lucky? Bonsai too. We are not friends.'
Looking for an easy-to-care-for plant that doesn't mind a shady corner? Take a look at the best of the bunch below:
With its big, bold, paddle-shaped leaves, the cast iron plant is a real showstopper. But there's another reason it's at the top of Bryan's list.
'Some people say it's indestructible, hence the name, so it can stand some neglect,' he says. 'I also love that it can live in darker corners too, which is great when natural light is an issue.'
This hardy houseplant, with green glossy leaves, is ideal for busy households with little time for proper plant care. 'You can ignore it for weeks at a time,' says Bryan. 'It doesn't mind shade or light, but keep away from draughts.'
This trailing plant produces tropical-looking red flowers in the summer months and thrives beautifully hanging from a bathroom shelf. Native to the Asian tropics, Bryan says it's great as a hanging plant — even in spots you might forget about. Just avoid direct sunlight where the leaves could scorch.
'This is one of the easiest plants to care for,' says Bryan. 'It's very happy in shade or light, and is also recognised as one of the best plants for improving air quality in the home. What's not to love?'
For houseplant extraordinare Bryan, this hanging plant is ideal for placing in a north-facing window. 'I love its stunning, almost cartoon-like fishbone stems — perfect if you're looking for something a little different.'
Bryan's oldest houseplant — which he purchased 30 years ago from Ikea — is an African milk tree. With the right care, placement, and soil, it can thrive for decades: 'This plant loves some bright sunshine on its stems, which produce small leaves along each stalk. When placed in the right spot, it can grow incredibly tall.'
It’s important to note that the milky sap released when cutting it can cause skin irritation.
'The classic 70s houseplant has had a bit of a revival in recent years, and rightly so,' says Bryan. 'This big, bold, tropical-looking plant is easy to care for. Plus, it doesn't mind shade or brighter spots.'
Another benefit is that Swiss cheese plants are among the easiest to propagate. Chop off a stem just above a node and place it in water until new roots grow. Replant, then repeat the propagation process for an endless supply of free plants.
'This is a striking relative of the classic houseplant we all know and love,' says Bryan. 'It's just as easy to care for and just as great at purifying the air. A real bonus is that it doesn't mind which spot you put it in.'
'This is another classic houseplant that I absolutely love, but there's a reason for that: they're very easy to care for,' says Bryan. 'They're very happy in lower light or brighter spots, where this striking plant will stand proud.'
Dragon trees might be slow growers, but they are worth the wait. Top RHS care tip: They can sometimes be damaged by fluoride in tap water, so use rainwater or filtered water if possible.
And, finally, another plant that will stand the test of time is the Jade plant.
'This stunning succulent is meant to bring good fortune to its owner,' says Bryan. 'The small but perfectly formed waxy leaves hold water, so you can ignore this one occasionally too. It's especially happy in a bright spot, just make sure it doesn't sit in water.'
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