Over the years, many different houseplants have been grown in the home, including more than forty orchids at one time. Today, a wide variety of houseplants grow throughout most rooms of the house, all of which are easier to care for and require less time and maintenance.
Among the current collection are six different Sansevieria, commonly called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue or snake plant. This bold plant features a strong, horizontal leaf structure and can tolerate room temperatures between 55–75 degrees. It is both drought tolerant and shade tolerant. Smaller varieties such as the dwarf Hahnii ‘Golden’, with its colorful rosette leaf form, are well suited for bedrooms and living spaces, while larger types like ‘Whale Fin’ and ‘Moonshine’ work well in dining rooms. For visual interest, a ‘Starfish’ variety makes a striking tabletop plant.
Sansevieria is easy to care for, requiring indirect light and well-draining potting soil. It is resilient to most conditions except overwatering. Watering every 10 days to two weeks is typically sufficient. Fertilizing from March through August at half strength with a liquid houseplant fertilizer containing micronutrients supports healthy growth. While the plant can cause stomach upset if ingested, it rarely attracts pets. Sansevieria is also known for purifying indoor air, especially at night, making it well suited for bedrooms. Leaves can be dusted monthly with a damp paper towel. These long-lived plants can last 5–25 years or longer and will bloom once mature and pot-bound in summer. The small beige flowers are lightly fragrant and often open at night. Repotting should only be done when the plant presses against the sides of its pot, increasing container size by no more than three inches.
Jade plant (Crassula) is another excellent option for busy households, as it thrives on minimal care. Two Crassula ovata plants grow in an east-facing window where they receive gentle morning light. Watering every 10 days to two weeks is sufficient, with even less water required during winter months. Exposure to bright morning light can encourage a pink edging on the leaves. Larger, pot-bound plants may bloom in winter when temperatures are cooler and watering is reduced. Jade plants prefer tight containers and typically only need repotting every four years. A porous, well-draining cactus mix is recommended, with pot size increased by just 2–3 inches. Jade plants can live 50–70 years. They are mildly toxic to pets if ingested and are known to remove toluene and carbon dioxide from the air. With more than fifty varieties available, all jade plants require light, excellent drainage, and infrequent winter watering.
Another low-maintenance favorite is the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia). Native to eastern Africa, it thrives in dry, shaded forest environments. Its rhizomes resemble green bulbs and store water, making the plant extremely drought tolerant. The leaves are architectural and feather-like, thick, shiny, and held upright. New growth begins lighter in color and darkens with age. ZZ plants are available in green, dark purple or black, and variegated forms. Mature plants may produce a small, inconspicuous spathe flower. Because ZZ plants are toxic to pets, they should be kept out of reach. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure, so watering every three weeks is sufficient. These slow-growing plants tolerate low light, including north-facing rooms. Leaf dusting every six months with a damp paper towel is adequate. Leaf shine should not be used, as it can clog pores on the naturally glossy foliage.
Although not currently grown in this collection, Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are another easy-care option. Four varieties are commonly available, each featuring different horizontal striping patterns. Spider plants perform best as hanging plants, producing plantlets at the ends of trailing stems. Small white, star-shaped flowers appear in summer. They prefer bright light without direct sun, as direct exposure can scorch the leaves. Plant spider plants in a high-quality, well-draining organic potting mix and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Root rot is their most common problem. They prefer average humidity and cool to moderate temperatures. Fertilize monthly from April through August at half strength with liquid houseplant fertilizer. Plantlets can be removed once they develop small roots and potted into fresh soil. Spider plants are pet safe and effective at purifying indoor air by removing carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and xylene.
Pothos is another reliable houseplant often allowed to cascade from shelves or curtain rods. For best effect, pothos should be given support such as a trellis or plant pole or allowed to trail freely. Color variations include Pearls and Jade, Albo, Cebu Blue, Sunburst, Dragon’s Tail, and Neon, while Marble Queen, Jade, and Golden are more commonly available. Two species are found on the market: Epipremnum aureum and Epipremnum pinnatum. The latter develops larger leaves with fenestrations as it matures.
Pothos helps purify indoor air by removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. It is toxic to pets. These plants prefer east- or north-facing windows and tolerate low light, though some morning light improves leaf color. Monthly rotation encourages balanced growth. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry or when leaves begin to droop. Pothos does not tolerate drafts and grows best in temperatures between 60–80 degrees. Vines can reach 10 feet long and spread up to four feet wide. Propagation is easy by cutting and placing stems in water or moist soil.
Cacti are another excellent choice for busy plant owners. Many thrive indoors in bright locations, particularly south-facing windows. Cacti are divided into desert and jungle varieties. Desert cacti prefer low humidity, very porous soil, warm temperatures between 65–80 degrees, bright direct sunlight, and infrequent watering—monthly in winter and biweekly during the growing season. Fertilize from early spring to early summer with a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus cactus fertilizer at one-third strength every two weeks. Fertilizing during extreme heat or winter dormancy should be avoided, as it causes weak, bloated growth.
Desert cacti that grow well indoors include Barrel Cactus, Opuntia (Prickly Pear), Mammillaria, and Old Man or Lady Cactus. These plants are low maintenance, often bloom with age, and are rarely disturbed by pets due to their spines. Plant in chunky, well-draining cactus soil. Rather than repotting frequently, top-dress and aerate soil annually. Repot only when plants become pot-bound, increasing container size by just 1–2 inches.
Jungle cacti prefer well-draining soil, infrequent winter watering, regular watering during spring and summer when soil dries to one inch deep, temperatures between 60–75 degrees, and higher humidity. Indoor jungle cacti include Christmas, Thanksgiving, Orchid, Easter cactus, and Rhipsalis (Mistletoe cactus). These epiphytic plants grow in organic matter or cling to rocks and other plants. They typically have flattened stems and vivid blooms, with orchid cactus known for its fragrance. Fertilize with low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer at half strength during late spring and summer. Repot only when pot-bound, increasing container size by one or two inches.
The plants described here are easy to grow and require minimal time and care. Overwatering remains the most common cause of failure. Understanding each plant’s needs helps create a healthier, more attractive indoor environment. Trying one or more of these plants can make caring for houseplants both simple and rewarding.
Need Help Choosing the Right Houseplants?
Caring for houseplants doesn’t have to be complicated. The Mill’s Home & Garden team is here to help with plant selection, potting advice, soil recommendations, and troubleshooting common issues. Stop by your local Mill store or contact info@themillstores.com to connect with knowledgeable staff and find everything you need to keep your plants thriving.
