As the name suggests, indoor plants are those that are grown inside of houses or apartments. These
thrive incredibly well in small areas. Although gardening has continued to be a common activity, the
pandemic has seen an increase in garden enthusiasts. Indeed, a lot of people have small gardens on
their balconies because of the aesthetic appeal and numerous health advantages it provides, but it is
advisable to learn a little bit about these green beauties so that we can choose the right ones. This is
because there are a lot of factors that affect the life of your plants, including light, water, ventilation, etc.
There are innumerable varieties of indoor plants, each with specific qualities and upkeep needs, these
are but a few examples. To ensure the optimum fit for your location, consider variables like lighting
conditions, temperature, humidity, and your personal ability to care for the plant.

1. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa): Monstera plants have large, fenestrated leaves that give them a
unique and tropical appearance. They are known for their ability to grow large and add a dramatic
touch to any space.

2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Spider plants have arching leaves that are typically
green with white stripes. They are adaptable, easy to care for, and produce baby spider plants
that can be propagated into new plants.

3. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): Rubber plants have large, leathery leaves that are typically dark
green. They are a popular choice for adding a bold and dramatic touch to indoor spaces and can
tolerate a range of light conditions.

4. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides): Chinese Money Plant has round, pancake-
shaped leaves that are held on upright stems. It is known for its unique appearance and is
relatively easy to care for.

5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Boston ferns have delicate, feathery fronds that create a
lush and green appearance. They prefer high humidity and indirect light, making them great for
bathrooms or other humid areas.

6. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis): Aloe vera is a succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves that
contain a gel-like substance with various medicinal properties. It is easy to care for and adds a
touch of green to any space.

These are just a few examples of popular houseplants, and there are countless other varieties available.
When choosing houseplants, consider factors such as lighting conditions, care requirements, and the
overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your home.

There are several indoor plants that can thrive in low light environments. Here are some popular low light
indoor plants:

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Snake plants can withstand a wide range of light conditions,
including low light. They have long, upright leaves that come in various shades of green and
yellow. Apart from being known for their air-purifying qualities, Snake plants are excellent low-
water indoor plants. They have succulent-like leaves that store water, allowing them to withstand
periods of drought. Snake plants prefer dry soil and can go for several weeks between waterings.

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): The ZZ plant is an excellent choice for low light
environments. It has glossy, dark green leaves and is known for its ability to tolerate neglect and
low light conditions. ZZ plants can thrive even in dimly lit corners of a room. They are also known
for their ability to tolerate neglect and low water conditions. They have thick, fleshy rhizomes that
store water, making them drought-tolerant. Water the ZZ plant only when the soil has completely
dried out.

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Pothos is a versatile plant that can grow in low to bright indirect
light. It has trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves that come in different variegated patterns.
Pothos is relatively easy to care for and is an excellent choice for beginners.

4. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): Chinese Evergreen plants are known for their attractive
foliage, which comes in various shades of green, silver, or red. They can tolerate low light
conditions and are relatively low maintenance.

5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): As the name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant is incredibly
resilient and can withstand low light, neglect, and fluctuating temperatures. It has dark green,
leathery leaves that add an elegant touch to any space.

6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Peace lilies are known for their beautiful white flowers and glossy,
dark green leaves. They can tolerate low light conditions but may produce fewer flowers in such
environments. Peace lilies also help purify the air.

7. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): Parlor palms are small, compact plants with delicate,
feathery fronds. They can adapt well to low light conditions and are a popular choice for offices or
spaces with limited natural light.

Remember, while these plants can thrive in low light, it's still essential to provide some indirect light
whenever possible. Rotate the plants occasionally to ensure all sides receive some light and avoid
overwatering as low light conditions may slow down the plant's growth and reduce its water
requirements.

There are several options available. Here are some low-water indoor plants apart from the Snake plant
and the ZZ plant:

1. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata): Ponytail palms have a unique appearance with their
long, thin leaves cascading from a bulbous trunk. They are adapted to arid environments and can
tolerate infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

2. Succulents: There is a vast variety of succulent plants available, such as Echeveria, Haworthia,
and Jade plants. Succulents are known for their ability to store water in their leaves, stems, or
roots. They generally require infrequent watering and prefer well-draining soil.

3. Air Plants (Tillandsia): Air plants are unique because they don't require soil to grow. They
absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. Mist or soak them in water once a week, and make
sure they have good air circulation.

4. Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii): Crown of Thorns is a succulent-like plant with thick, spiny
stems and colourful flowers. It is adapted to dry conditions and can tolerate infrequent watering.
Allow the soil to dry out before watering.

5. Desert Rose (Adenium obesum): Desert Rose is a beautiful flowering succulent with swollen,
water-storing stems. It prefers dry conditions and requires watering only when the soil is
completely dry.

When caring for low-water indoor plants, it's crucial to ensure they have well-draining soil and pots with
drainage holes. Additionally, monitor the plants closely and adjust the watering frequency based on their
specific needs and the conditions of your indoor environment.

It's important to consider plants that are non-toxic and have sturdy structures. Here are some child-
friendly indoor plants that are safe for kids:

1. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): Areca palms have feathery, arching fronds and are non-toxic to
humans and pets. They are safe to have around children and add a tropical touch to indoor
spaces.

2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Boston ferns have lush, green fronds and are non-toxic to
humans and pets. They prefer higher humidity, making them a great choice for bathrooms or
other humid areas.

3. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera): Christmas cacti are succulent plants that produce
colourful blooms during the holiday season. They are non-toxic and safe for children, adding a
festive touch to your home.

4. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata): Ponytail palms have a unique appearance with their
long, thin leaves cascading from a bulbous trunk. They are non-toxic and safe for children.

5. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya): Polka Dot plants have variegated leaves with
colourful dots and splashes. They are non-toxic and safe for children, adding a playful and vibrant
touch to indoor spaces.

6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Spider plants have arching leaves with white stripes
and produce baby spider plants. They are non-toxic and safe for children and pets. They can also
be a fun plant to propagate with kids.

7. African Violet (Saintpaulia): African violets are small, flowering plants with soft, fuzzy leaves.
They come in various colours and are non-toxic, making them safe for children to be around.

8. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica): Money trees are safe for pets and have braided trunks with
lush, green leaves. They are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

9. Calathea (Calathea spp.): Most Calathea varieties, such as the Calathea orbifolia or Calathea
rattlesnake, are pet friendly. They have attractive, patterned leaves and add a touch of elegance
to indoor spaces.

10. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.): Peperomia plants are generally safe for pets. They have thick,
succulent-like leaves and come in various shapes and colours.

11. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera): Christmas cacti are pet-friendly and produce colourful
blooms during the holiday season. They are a great addition to your indoor plant collection.

It's always a good idea to teach children about plant safety and remind them not to ingest any parts of
the plants. However, with these indoor plants, you can create a safe and enjoyable environment for your
family and pets to enjoy. Always monitor your pets' behaviour around plants and ensure they do not chew
any parts of the plants. If you're unsure about the safety of a particular plant, it's best to research or
consult with a veterinarian to confirm its pet-friendliness.

Last but not the least, GIVE these as gifts to family and friends on special occasions.