As winter closes its arms around BC, many of us are missing sunshine, colourful gardens, and grassy fields. You may be one of many people inspired to test your “green thumb” through the darkest season of the year. If you’re hesitating, that’s understandable. Care directions can be contradictory and unclear. Winter is also really hard on the tropical plants we keep, as many don’t naturally experience the shorter days of winter. Aside from that, many of the ones we’re drawn to are challenging to maintain.
I’ve gathered notes on some of my favourite houseplants and their care, and a few notes on the plants I avoid. I’m no expert, but I’ve tried, failed, and succeeded with dozens of plants over the past decade, and I hope this advice can help!
Four Easy Species:
Spathiphyllum: Peace Lily
Water: More
Light: Indirect (brighter light encourages flowers, but they can survive with very little)
Soil: All-purpose
Humidity: Any
Toxic to Pets: Yes
Repot: Every 1-2 years
These are beautiful plants that will regularly bloom. If they need water, they’ll droop dramatically, and then perk back up within the day. Drooping is quite hard on the plants, so don’t let this happen too often–think of it as a backup plan for forgetfulness. Peace lilies are very adaptable, and can survive without any soil! You can carefully remove the soil (keeping the roots intact as much as possible) and, after rinsing the roots off, place them in a vase of water. Keep the water topped off, and change it if it gets cloudy. Ensure only the roots are submerged. Add a touch of fertilizer in the spring and fall to keep it regularly flowering.
Draecana: Dragon Plant, Snake Plant, and Lucky Bamboo!
Water: Average
Light: Bright Indirect Light
Soil: All-purpose
Humidity: Any
Toxic to Pets: Yes
Repot: Every 2-3 years
There are over a hundred varieties of Draecana, and some look very different than others, but they’re all very easy to care for. Snake plants, which have long been considered one of the easiest plants to look after, were recently added to this group! For the most part, these plants prefer dry soil and infrequent but thorough watering, but there is one outlier: Lucky Bamboo! These curly stalks are often grown in vases or other small water dishes, though they thrive in the dirt like any other dracaena. If you have a sunny window and you’d like a plant you can ignore for weeks at a time, find a Draecana!
Philodendron
Water: More
Light: Indirect
Soil: All-purpose
Humidity: Any
Toxic to Pets: Yes
Repot: Every 1-2 years
There are nearly 500 species of philodendron, and they vary widely. The easiest and most common is the vining “heartleaf” philodendron, which looks so much like the common pothos. These come in a variety of green shades and are often variegated. If you want something more colourful or patterned, look for a Prince of Orange, a Pink Princess, or a Birkin. This is a fun species to collect, as they can look so very different from each other. They prefer their soil to stay lightly moist, so water thoroughly once the top layer is dry, and ensure they get a bit of indirect sunlight each day.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia: ZZ Plant
Water: Less
Light: Indirect–fluorescent light is just fine for this one!
Soil: All-purpose
Humidity: Any
Toxic to Pets: Yes
Repot: Every 3-4 years
The ZZ plant is truly one of the easiest to care for. With incredibly slow growth and a nonchalant attitude about light, the ZZ plant can fit into almost any corner of your home (as long as you turn the lights on each day). Thanks to its potato-like roots (don’t eat them) it can store water for periods of drought, and will look unconcerned if you forget about it for a while. The one thing that kills ZZ plants is overwatering, so ensure you let it fully dry out between thorough waterings.
Challenging Species:
Caladium bicolor (Caladium): These plants hate drafts, and require bright light and tons of humidity. Like many others on this list, a terrarium is probably best.
Orchidaceae (Orchid): They get root rot easily and require very specific watering. I’m yet to figure out orchids.
Ficus lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig): These plants want way more sun than most homes can offer. When moved, they often drop their pretty leaves.
Dionaea muscipula (Venus Flytrap): They need to be fed live insects, they shouldn’t be touched, they require rainwater… this is just to start.
Stromanthe sanguinea (Stromanthe): These plants need filtered bright light, dislike drafts, and require high humidity. On top of this, they really don’t like tap water.
Alocasia spp (Alocasia): They love high humidity, but hate having their soil too wet; a very delicate balance.
Final Plant Tips:
- Download a plant ID app: Every species is different, and if you know what plant you have you’re way more likely to keep it healthy.
- Water Deeply & Less Often: Thoroughly drench the soil and then let it drain and dry between waterings. Be sure you have drainage in your pots, or you may drown the plant.
- Water less in the winter: Most plants grow less in the winter. Water half as often (unless you have something like an Albuca spiralis, the frizzle sizzle, as they grow mainly in the winter!)
- Repot When Needed: Plants need to be in a pot that isn’t too large or too small. If your plant needs an upgrade, just go up one size (1” or so) at a time. Consider what soil the plant does best in when repotting.
- Morning Light: Plants usually love morning sun so pick an east-facing window if you can. If you don’t get much sun, consider getting a small light to help them out!
- Check for pests: There are many plant pests out there, so look for tiny bugs or brown spots on the leaves before bringing it home.
- No outside time: Aside from very specific situations, houseplants should stay indoors.
