Admittedly, I’ve never been the most skilled plant caretaker. My name will never be synonymous with “green thumb.” For weeks at a time, I often forget to water my indoor plants, and I’ve sustained injuries from the dry, dead leaves of neglected greenery. I’ve watched more orchids wither away than I care to mention—though I genuinely attempted to nurture those delicate blooms.
However, during these prolonged quarantine days, as my life revolves around my home, two children, and a dog, my houseplants have started receiving much-needed attention. Over the past couple of months, I’ve repositioned my plants to catch more sunlight, trimmed their brown edges, and watered them almost religiously.
Taking care of my houseplants has unexpectedly become a daily ritual. While I’m certainly not short on tasks—homeschooling, remote work, and managing laundry keep me busy—there’s a calming effect of nurturing something simple during this period of slowdown.
It’s not just my plants that are thriving; people across the nation are embracing houseplants for various reasons. Whether it’s the companionship they provide, the meditative act of nurturing a living thing, or the joy of watching something grow visibly, many are finding solace in greenery.
Research supports the idea that houseplants offer physical benefits as well. Studies indicate that they can purify the air, enhance focus and productivity, alleviate stress, and uplift one’s mood. With an abundance of advantages and few downsides, it might be worth exploring this pandemic plant trend with some easy-care options.
Low-Maintenance Plants to Consider
- Spider Plant: I can personally vouch for this hardy plant as it has survived in my care for a decade, even through periods of neglect. This resilient plant produces “babies” that can be repotted. My spider plant is a descendant of my mother-in-law’s, which has thrived since her early marriage.
- Christmas Cactus: Being part of the cactus family, it requires minimal care—something I appreciate since I often forget about this plant. Come the holiday season, when the outside world looks grey and dull, my Christmas Cactus bursts into color with its vivid pink flowers.
- Ponytail Palm: Residing in my dining room, this plant grows effortlessly with little water or attention. It adds a refreshing touch of green while demanding minimal effort from me.
- Rubber Plant: I must confess that I did accidentally neglect this resilient plant for many years before it finally succumbed, but it stood the test of time longer than expected.
For those seeking more options, Good Housekeeping offers a list of 30 nearly indestructible houseplants.
Where to Begin
With many brick-and-mortar stores closed, shopping for houseplants can be daunting. Thankfully, many plant retailers have moved online. Companies like Rooted, The Sill, and Bloomscape are among those connecting plants with new homes. Additionally, platforms like Etsy provide avenues to support local businesses while joining the plant trend.
While adding another task to our already full plates may seem unwelcome during these times, whether you’re an experienced plant parent or a novice looking to dive into houseplant care, embracing pandemic plants could bring a touch of brightness to your surroundings. After all, sometimes all it takes to thrive is a little light.
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In conclusion, the pandemic has turned many of us toward nurturing houseplants, providing not only aesthetic benefits to our homes but also emotional relief in challenging times.