I must admit, I have never been the best at keeping plants alive. The term “green thumb” will never be associated with me. Watering my houseplants often slips my mind for weeks, and I’ve been known to pull off dead leaves only to end up with splinters that require medical attention. I’ve let more orchids perish than I care to acknowledge—though I genuinely tried to keep them alive.
However, during these prolonged days of quarantine, as my life has been confined to my house, my kids, and our dog, I’ve begun to give my houseplants some much-deserved attention. Over the past couple of months, I’ve rearranged them to soak up the sunniest spots near the windows, trimmed away the brown tips, and—almost religiously—watered them.
Nurturing my plants has unexpectedly become an integral part of my daily routine. It’s not that I have a lack of things to do—homeschooling, working from home, and managing a laundry mountain take up nearly all my waking hours. Instead, perhaps during this period of slowing down, there’s a soothing quality to engaging with something so simple.
It’s not just me—people across the country are embracing houseplants for various reasons. Whether for the companionship they offer, the meditative act of caring for something that doesn’t speak back, or the sheer joy of witnessing growth and vitality, plants have become a source of comfort for many.
The benefits of houseplants are well-documented. Research indicates that they can purify the air, enhance focus and productivity, alleviate stress, and even boost your mood. With an abundance of advantages and minimal downsides, it might be worth exploring the pandemic plant phenomenon with some easy-care options.
Low-Maintenance Plants to Consider
- Spider Plant
I can vouch for this resilient plant; it’s the only one I’ve managed to keep alive for a decade, enduring weeks of neglect at times. This plant produces “babies” that are perfect for re-potted. My spider plant is actually an offshoot from my mother-in-law’s plant, which has been in her care since she got married. - Christmas Cactus
Belonging to the cactus family, this plant requires very little attention. I often forget about it until Christmas when it surprises me with vibrant pink flowers amidst the dull winter scenery. - Ponytail Palm
This plant thrives in my dining room, growing effortlessly with minimal water. It adds a delightful splash of greenery to the space without demanding much from me. - Rubber Plant
I must confess, I did manage to kill this plant after several years, but it took me almost eight years to do so! Its bright green leaves deserved better than my neglect.
If you’re seeking additional options, Good Housekeeping has compiled a list of 30 houseplants that are nearly impossible to kill.
Getting Started with Your Plant Journey
Despite many stores being closed and the stress of venturing out for essentials, plant shopping has gone online in 2020. Websites like Rooted, The Sill, The Plantshed, and Bloomscape are connecting plant enthusiasts with their new green friends.
Etsy also offers a fantastic opportunity to join the plant trend while supporting local businesses. Shops such as Plantybish, PlantBoutique, and PlantCraftingCo are shipping plants nationwide. Although adding another task to our pandemic to-do list might seem overwhelming, whether you’re an experienced plant parent or a novice, engaging with pandemic plants could brighten your home and serve as a reminder that sometimes all you need to flourish is a little light.
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Summary
The pandemic has led many to embrace houseplants as a calming hobby and source of companionship. With a variety of low-maintenance plants available, individuals can enhance their living spaces while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of caring for greenery. Whether shopping online or supporting local businesses, now is a great time to explore the world of plants.