The Best Greens For Your Home and How to Care For Them

Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (Ficus Lyrata)

The Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree is a lush plant with shiny, violin-shaped leaves and can grow to a stunning 6 feet or more. These plants are all about location: place them in the best spot, away from drafts, where they can get a ton of very bright, indirect light. To care for it: water once a week until the soil is dripping, clean the leaves with a damp cloth and check the humidity regularly.

Split-Leaf Philodendron (Monstera Deliciosa)

Two main types are vines and non-climbers; some can grow very large leaves and produce berries too. If you’re choosing a vine, give it a trellis or post on which to grow. Plant larger Philodendrons in a pot on the floor or sill. Either way, use a damp cloth to clean their leaves of dust and bugs to maintain their natural shine. Indirect sunlight and ensuring the top inch of soil is dry before watering are keys.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)

Snake Plants are one of the easiest houseplants to take care of—making it perfect for beginners. Too much water and freezing temperatures are the only things that can really affect it. They prefer bright, indirect light and can even tolerate some direct sunlight, and can even grow well in shady corners. Make sure to not water too often, clean regularly and divide and repot in the spring.

African Spear Plant (Sansevieria Cylindica)

The plant is made up of stout, cylindrical spears that spring from its sandy soil; they can be braided or left in their natural shape. These plants prefer bright, filtered light but are highly light-tolerant; they only need water monthly being able to survive long periods of draught; temperatures above 50 F are best but they can survive cold spells, and fertilizer is only required in the growing season.

Kentia Palm (Howea Forsteriana)

Known as paradise palms, these plants can slowly grow up to 40 feet, with indoor palms typically reaching 12 feet. They produce 3.5 foot inflorescence consisting of white blooms on 3 to 7 spikes. In terms of care, the Kentia Palm adapt to a wide range of soil and are fairly drought tolerant, although not overly dry or wet. Once established, they require very little care.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)

The Cast Iron Plant has earned a reputation as being near indestructible; it will practically grow in the dark making it an excellent addition for those difficult-to-fill shady areas of the home. Caring for these plants that can grow up to 24 inches tall and wide: keep away from direct sunlight, place them in sandy or clay soils, let it dry out between watering and ensure fertilization every two weeks.