Easy houseplants for beginning gardeners or pros

SALT LAKE CITY – In previous KSL Greenhouse shows, hosts Maria Shilaos and Taun Beddes have talked about houseplants that are perfect for beginner-level gardeners. They have already talked about Sansevierias and Spider plants, but there are plenty more you can add to that list. Here are some other easy houseplants they discussed during last week’s show.

Monstera is an easy houseplant

Monsteras are related to Philodendrons, and they can get really big. For a plant that can easily grow 4 to 5 feet high, it’s actually very easy to care for. You can use it as home decor because it looks nice and is aesthetic.

They are unique because the holes in their leaves make them look like Swiss cheese, as Taun describes it.

While it’s more commonly known as just Monstera, there’s a second part of the Latin name. In full, it’s Monstera deliciosa, and the word deliciosa indicates that it grows edible fruit.

“In its native habitat when it’s grown outside, it produces an edible fruit that actually is quite tasty,” Taun said.

ZZ Plant

The name ZZ Plant comes from the Latin name Ziziphus, and it’s another less common houseplant. You sometimes see these in living flower displays that people send out for weddings and funerals.

In describing how it looks, Maria says it’s like a fern with whiter leaves. Taun says it almost looks like a mix between a fern and a palm tree.

Like Monsteras, ZZ Plants have an interesting leaf texture. “It’s one that’s worth trying out if you want something just different,” Taun said.

Ponytail Palm

The Ponytail Palm grows out of a bulb, and it’s drought-hardy in its native habitat. In other words, it stores extra water in the bulb.

It’s related to Dracaena, so the leaves weep down, making it look similar to a mix between a palm tree and a Dracaena plant.

Prayer Plant is also an easy houseplant

The Prayer Plant is closer to what you would consider a traditional as well as an easy houseplant, according to Taun. The colors of the leaves vary a bit, and the leaves drape over the side of the pot. It’s called a Prayer Plant because the leaves look like they’re in the form of praying.

Maria pointed out that this particular plant needs a little more humidity. Taun recommends putting a gravel tray underneath it to collect the water.

Aloe

Aloe is a plant that Maria has grown, and she thinks it’s very easy to take care of because it grew even when she accidentally poured too much water on it.

There are several species of aloe, but a lot of people grow aloe vera because the sap can help soothe burns. Some people will also mix them in their smoothies to make a healthy drink.

This website offers more ideas for easy-to-care-for plants. 

Listen to the full segment on our podcast below!

The KSL Greenhouse can be heard on the radio on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. You can follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.