Plants are one of the best items you can incorporate into your life. Studies show trees and green spaces can release ample oxygen and boost health and mood. However, not everyone is very good at keeping plants alive. Thus, it would help to have simple greens that live year-round and don’t take too much work to keep alive.
Whether you want to add more plants to your selection or try a green thumb for the first time, it’s never too late to garden. There are ample year-round plants that don’t take much work to keep in excellent condition. Keep reading to learn about some of the best plants to make your home happy.
African Violet
One of the most popular low-maintenance plants is the African Violet. This gorgeous indoor plant is named after its resemblance to the traditional violet, although the two are not identical. They produce purple flowers and are short enough to place in a small pot.
To care for an African Violet, provide it with:
- Indirect sunlight
- Bottom-fed water
- Comfortable temperature
- African Violet potting mix
It doesn’t take much to help these flowers spring to life. With proper care, the African Violet can bloom all year long. Avoid placing water on the leaves in direct sunlight – it can cause them to burn.
Related: How to Care for Your Garden While on Vacation
Christmas Cactus
If you want to celebrate Christmas year-round but aren’t a fan of having a tree inside, we recommend the low-maintenance Christmas Cactus. They flower in the winter and produce gorgeous pink, tubular plants during the coldest time of the year – hence, the name.
Here’s how to care for a Christmas Cactus:
- Succulent potting mix
- Bright, indirect light
- Humid environment
- Light watering
Only water the plant when the top portion feels dry, and no sooner. A Christmas Cactus requires minimal water and will be a nice surprise in the colder months when all other plants are dying and growing cold. They also do well in the bathroom and other humid environments in the home.
Coneflower
The Coneflower is one of the hardiest selections and a native flower to the United States. They are excellent plants to have outside if you love to see birds and other creatures thanks to their gorgeous coloring.
Here’s how to care for the Coneflower:
- Watering about an inch a week
- Moderate sunlight
- Organic soil
They will light up the exterior of your home. It’s vital to note these flowers will go dormant in the colder months. If you want to extend the bloom time, all you need to do is cut away the dead growths before it’s time for their dormant period.
Crabapple
If you’re feeling bold and want to have a tree outside, we recommend the crabapple. They offer a gorgeous array of flowers in the spring and smaller apples that make for delicious jelly, cider, and preserves.
Here’s how to care for the crabapple:
- Provide at least 6 hours of sun
- Offer rich and well-drained soil
- Plant in fall or early spring
- Water regularly
Once they get going, it won’t take much to keep them alive.
One of the best parts of the crabapple is that the blooms and fruit can survive into the winter. When all other fruits are dormant, the crabapple is ready to keep moving.
Related: The Best Plants to Grow For Your Gardening Zone
Old-Fashioned Mums
Old-Fashioned Mums grow in the colder months. They come in gorgeous colors like yellow, pink, peach, and apricot. You can mix and match to your heart’s content.
Here’s how to care for Old-Fashioned Mums:
- Water one inch per week
- Mulch in colder climates
- Plant in rich soil
- Provide full sun
These are excellent conditions for Mums to grow. If you put in a little effort in your Mums, they will thrive. You’ll have an array of colors when looking out your window without too much time off your day.
Aloe Plants
According to one study, growing plants in your backyard is an excellent way to stay healthy and produce food. Amongst your food plants, grow some Aloe for a unique look and easy access to a health tool.
Here’s how to care for Aloe plants:
- Bright, indirect sunlight
- Dry soil
- Light watering
In many environments, you don’t have to do anything to an outdoor Aloe plant. One of the best parts of an Aloe plant is it can be indoor or outdoor. However, don’t move an indoor plant outside, or it could get burned.
ZZ Plant
Those who prefer a plant inside will adore the ZZ Plant. It has a funny name, but it’s one of the hardiest selections to provide green in any space.
Here’s how to care for a ZZ Plant:
- Offer bright, indirect light
- Use loose potting mix
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
That’s all it takes to keep it alive.
If it grows too large, replant the smaller greenery in a larger pot. Most of the time, you only need to water the plant every 2-3 weeks.
Japanese Silver Grass
Our final recommendation for a delicate, gorgeous plant is Japanese Silver Grass. This grass is ornamental and will accent outdoor pieces and other plants well.
Here’s how to care for Japanese Silver Grass:
- Plant in full sun
- Place in rich, well-drained soil
- Offer one inch of water a week
This ornamental selection will thrive. In time, you might need to mulch or divide the grass to ensure it remains alive. However, it’s a hands-off plant that will thrive and grow when planted in the correct location as an accent piece.
Final Thoughts
According to many studies, being in nature can benefit mental and physical well-being. Thus, the more plants you have in your home sprucing it up, the better your condition as an aging adult. Plus, there’s something fun about taking care of plants.
Greenery is beautiful and far lower maintenance than pets like dogs or cats. Start with one plant at a time and slowly add to your collection as you succeed at keeping them alive. Soon, you’ll have ample gardens inside and outside your house.
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