The Plant Edit (I)

Plants add a touch of comfort and coziness in our homes, softening the look of a space and bringing overall good vibes. In addition to the aesthetic aspect, plants can have surprising health benefits. Whether they purify the air, calm our mood, make us more focused or simply give us something to do and take care of, they are worth our attention.

Before buying a plant, it is a good idea to consider the environment in which you will be placing it, to ensure it is suitable. Think of the amount of light it will receive, how much water it requires, and how big the plant can get.

If you believe you are too busy to take care of house plants, here are some of my favourite indoor plants that require minimal care.

1) Zanzibar Gem

The Zanzibar Gem needs very little watering because it grows from rhizomes which act as a water reservoir. Seriously, you don’t need to worry about it, it can even live for two-three months without watering. I’m not saying you should neglect it, but do not overwater it either because the leaves may turn yellow and/or drop.  It is not fussy about light, mine did OK for a while in a relatively dark room, but it did show better growth once I moved it near a window. It is a slow grower, so don’t expect anything spectacular, although I did notice a slightly faster growth rate with more frequent watering. Seeing those little baby plants poking their heads out of the soil every now and then always fills my heart with joy. In terms of cons, something to consider is that both stems and leaves are toxic, so if you have curious kids or pets, keep the plant out of their reach.

With its beautiful waxy leaves and sculptural stems, the Zanzibar Gem is overall a beautiful indoor plant to have.

2) Peace Lilly

The Peace Lilly is another relatively low maintenance plant. It might need more frequent watering, but if you forget, the plant will remind you by lowering its leaves and waiting patiently. After a drink it will raise its leaves up again and look fresh and happy again. Same advice, do not overwater it. Besides their glossy leaves and elegant shape, Peace Lillies will also brighten your home with their beautiful white flowers. And probably the best thing about this plant is that it has air purifying properties.

In terms of cons, the only issue I have ever had with a Peace Lilly was the gnats (ew!). It is possible that bad quality soil was the culprit, given that it happened after repotting. Unfortunately, I was unable to get rid of the gnats and the plant died. On the bright side, I have a second Peace Lilly that is still here, healthy and well.

3) Aloe vera

As a succulent it is generally low maintenance and requires little watering, but good drainage is essential, so be mindful of that or the roots will quickly rot and the plant will suffer. Aloe likes a sunlit position and is a slow grower. It may not be the most decorative plant, but I love Aloe Vera for its healing virtues. The leaves contain a gel that works for a whole range of minor skin conditions, particularly for fast wound healing, but also for internal use. Always consult a health professional before consuming aloe or using it externally, because it is not recommended for certain medical conditions and it can have side effects.