5 Failure-Proof Low Maintenance Plants for the Black Thumb's Indoor Garden

(Photo : Vadim Kaipov / Unsplash)
Low maintenance plants for indoor gardens are perfect for those with a black thumb.

Although there are many, a set of five low-maintenance plants is a good starting point in putting up an indoor garden. These plants are failure-proof so that even those with a black thumb can cultivate their indoor garden.

There are a plethora of advantages to keeping plants in the home or office. However, for those struggling endlessly with trying to keep them alive indoor plants can be a challenging endeavor.

Black Thumb

Some people somehow just make every plant they touch grow. On the other hand, there are some people who end up killing any plant handed to them.

Colloquial terms used over decades have established the first group as people with green thumbs, while those on the latter group are called people who have black thumbs or numb thumbs.

However, having a black thumb could be just a disposition where the potential for growing plants is hindered by the lack of knowledge on the process.

As plants are differentiated via their classifications by genus, family, and species, it also follows that the process and growing requirements differ. This means that there is no single solution or method for growing different plants.

Failure-Proof Low Maintenance Plants for Indoor Gardens

Although there is a long list of low maintenance plants that are currently on trend, especially for indoor gardens, here are five species that are failure-proof so that those who thought they have black thumbs would think otherwise.

#1 String of Pearls

This is a succulent that looks like green pearls strung together, which will sprout tiny flowers in the spring. All it needs is a bright spot in the house where the sunshine usually hits and needs water only once a week. Letting its soil dry out won't kill it but once the soil dries out, a little watering could benefit this plant.

#2 Aloe Vera

This plant is commonly cultivated in homes where the owner harvests the gel for a multitude of uses. Cutting its thick leaves to harvest its gel won't harm it. Experts say that watering it once a week is plenty enough and that letting its soil dry out once in a while would only benefit the plant.

#3 ZZ Plant

This species does not need to be watered often, instead, regular watering might risk overwatering. ZZ plants can grow into big plants, which is why it has gained popularity recently. The small effort of providing its small needs would be rewarded with big growth. It doesn't need much light, either, although its least requirement would be indirect to medium lighting.

Also Read: 5 Native Black Flowers for Home Gardens in the US

#4 Rubber Plant

This plant species can grow to be as big as 100 feet tall or as small as 1 foot, depending on the one growing it. This means that the rubber plant will survive even if it is trimmed to grow only a certain height. Rubber plants in indoor gardens do not need much attention. Although it does well in medium-lit spots, a darker position indoors could make it thrive better. Like the other plants on this list, watering it once a week is enough, and occasionally drying out the soil is fine.

#5 Cast Iron Plant

This plant is the ultimate novice gardener favorite because it is virtually impossible to kill this plant. First, it tolerates darker or shaded spots so adding it to an indoor garden would most likely end up successful. Second, it only needs water twice a month at most, where the top soil should be completely dry before the next watering. Third, it has abundant foliage that could brighten up a corner with little effort. As an added bonus, it is not toxic to dogs and cats.