Some houseplants can be finicky and difficult to care for. If you have a history of letting most of your indoor plants die, you might be what some people call a “black thumber.” Do you find your houseplants crying out for attention? Perhaps you often forget to water your flowers? Or maybe you don’t give them enough sunshine? If you’re usually busy with a full schedule, it’s understandable that you can’t always give your potted friends full attention. Being a plant parent can simply be hard.
If you live in an area with cold weather or gray skies, tending to greenery might be especially challenging. Situated in the north, Canada has a climate that can drop to -15℃ in some areas. These chilly temperatures might make it challenging to care for houseplants. After all, most plants enjoy sunshine and warm climates.
Many people want houseplants because they come with numerous benefits, like reduced stress and improved air quality. If you’re a Canadian without a green thumb, don’t lose your hope yet. You can still enjoy an indoor garden even if you have a “black thumb.”
Some plants, like succulents, actually enjoy neglect and have minimal needs. In fact, some varieties are nearly indestructible, even when faced with cold temperatures and low light. And most succulents hate getting too much water. Low-maintenance succulent plants can brighten your home and make your indoor spaces lush without much work on your part. You can practically forget about these plants, and they will grow healthily. Read on to find out which succulent types are easiest to keep alive—no green thumb required.
Snake Plant
Snake plants are famous for their resilience. They can tolerate neglect for weeks and don’t demand much. Snake plants should not be watered often, since overwatering can kill them. They prefer dry soil and can survive in low light.
Aloe
Aloe plants don’t like direct light, since this can cause their leaves to turn brown. They should be placed in an area of your home that gets indirect sunlight. These succulents can tolerate drought conditions and should not be overwatered. Use a soak and dry method to water aloe. Soak the plant with water once every few weeks, and make sure the soil is completely dry before wetting again.
Panda Plant
Panda plants have attractive, velvety foliage. Like most succulents, these plants hate being overwatered, and their soil should be dry between soakings. Be sure to use potting soil that drains well. Panda plants don’t require careful attention and are a suitable choice for any indoor room.
Crown of Thorns
The crown of thorns plant can adapt to most indoor environments. They do not need to be watered frequently and won’t be hard on you if you occasionally forget them. Crown of thorns plants can survive in temperatures as low as 10℃ during the winter.
Agave
Agave plants are slow-growing and easy to attend to. Although agave plants prefer bright light, they can also survive in shady conditions. They require little humidity. In fact, humid conditions can cause the crown, stem, or roots to rot.
Mini Pine Trees
The mini pine tree plant, or Crassula Tetragona, has thin, narrow leaves and stems. This succulent can survive in a variety of light conditions. Place this plant near a window where it can get indirect light. Mini pine trees can survive freezing temperatures and are adaptable to dry conditions. They are an excellent choice for colder climates.
Sempervivum
Sempervivum plants won’t complain when left alone. They can tolerate shade and dryness. As with most succulents, too much water isn’t good for them. When caring for this succulent, you should make sure that moisture drains from the pot and waterings are spaced out so that the soil can dry thoroughly.
Star Window Plant
Star window plants, or Haworthia Cuspidata, are impressively hardy and tolerant. These plants will scorch in direct sunlight, so they’re best kept indoors near indirect light, though they can also survive in dim areas. This succulent can make a lovely addition to your living spaces and can add a pop of color to your rooms.
Jovibarba
Jovibarba succulents should be kept in well-draining containers. They can withstand cold temperatures as low as -23℃. Jovibarba succulents can endure long periods without water and generally do not need any fertilizer. With their green rosettes, these succulents resemble Sempervivum, but they are actually a separate genus.