We have a lot on our plates—balancing work, family, a social life, etc. is no easy task. There isn’t always much time to care for plants. Thankfully, there are some plants that ask almost nothing of you and we’ve compiled a list of everything you need to know about how to keep them alive and thriving.
Sansevieria (also known as Mother-in-Law's tongue or Snake Plant)
Light: Moderate to bright light.
Water: Keep soil lightly moist in the growing season. In winter, water just enough to prevent the soil from drying out. Don’t water the center of the rosette of leaves because they'll rot easily if kept wet.
Humidity: Keep it away from air vents or drafts.
Temperature: Average room temperatures work well. They will not tolerate extreme cold.
Soil: Soilless or cactus potting mix.
Fertilizer: Feed monthly spring through fall with this fertilizer for succulent plants.
Aloe plants
Light: Bright light, with some direct sun in winter.
Water: Keep soil lightly moist spring through fall, slightly drier in winter. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Temperature: Average room temperatures work well.
Soil: Cactus potting mix. Or add 1 part coarse sand with 2 parts all-purpose potting mix.
Fertilizer: Spring through fall, feed monthly with a balanced house plant fertilizer.
Pink Quill
Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Spray with water until leaves are thoroughly wet, 2-3 times a week. Do not soak base of plant.
Humidity: Moderate to high humidity. Brown tips on leaves are a result of dry air.
Temperature: Average room temperatures work well.
Soil: Orchid mix or fine-grade fir bark.
Fertilizer: Feed once a month in spring and summer with a foliar fertilizer spray.
Miniature cacti
Light: At least 2-3 hours a day in a sunny window.
Water: Water regularly spring through fall while plant is growing, sparingly in winter. If the plant appears shriveled and wrinkled, it's underwatered. To rehydrate it, water lightly, and then again the following day, and it will recover nicely. Be careful not to drench the soil. Cactus is likely to rot if its roots become soaking wet.
Temperature: Average room temperatures work well, spring thru fall. In winter, a cooler place to rest – between 50 and 60°F-- at night is ideal.
Soil: Use a potting mix that drains well. You can buy a mix specially made for cacti, or use 2 parts all-purpose potting mix with 1 part sharp sand or perlite. Adding about a 1/2-inch layer of pebbles to the bottom of the container will help drainage.
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (also know as ZZ plant)
Light: Low to bright light. Keep it out of direct sunlight.
Water: Water thoroughly and allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Soggy soil will cause rot.
Temperature: Average room temperatures work well.
Soil: Fast-draining medium works best to avoid root rot. Mix 1 part good-quality all-purpose potting mix and 1 part sharp sand or perlite. Cactus mix works well, too.
Fertilizer: Feed 4 times a year with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.