15 hardy houseplants and where to put them
Fuss-free indoor foliage

Chinese money plant (Pilea Peperomioides)

Where to put a Chinese money plant

Heart-leaf (Philodendron Scandens)

Also known as a sweetheart plant, heart-leaf is a wonderful indoor plant with lush green leaves and trailing vines. With a supporting moss pole to climb, this South American plant can grow up to 1.5 metres tall or you can let the foliage hang down from a suspended planter to get a wonderful, jungle-like effect. If you’re a forgetful plant owner, this plant might be for you as it prefers irregular watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between drinks and watch out for leggy stalks and small leaves, which means it’s not getting enough light.
Where to put a heart-leaf

Heart-leafs like bright, indirect light and warm, humid conditions. A spot near a window (not the windowsill) or on top of the kitchen cupboards will give this plant the right amount of sunlight. Be aware that it can be poisonous to pets and children if eaten. If you’ve got little ones running around then put it somewhere high; the vines look fabulous trailing from a shelf or macramé hanger.
String of hearts (Ceropegia Woodii)

This adorable little plant has many names (chain of hearts, hearts on a string, rosary vine) and is much-loved for its delicate flowing stalks and pretty heart-shaped leaves that grow in pairs. While it’s not a true succulent, Ceropegia Woodii can store water in its stems and dislikes overwatering. Try growing it in cactus compost, sand or loam and feed with a liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks in warmer months.
Where to put a string of hearts plant

Perfect for hanging baskets, which allows you to see its purple underbelly, the string of hearts appreciates partial shade so a bookcase in the middle of a sunny room is ideal. Be gentle and patient at first as its delicate, lace-like structure is easily broken. Once established, you can quite freely take cuttings and grow your own personal jungle.
Snake plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)

Also known as mother-in-law's tongue, the snake plant is a popular houseplant known for its tall, architectural structure and leaves that don’t droop or spread. It also boasts an unusually warm colouring of green and yellow. And with its high proportions, it’s the perfect plant for small spaces and tight corners that need a dash of greenery.
Love this? Check out these stylish but simple small garden ideas
Where to put a snake plant

Peace lily (Spathiphyllum Lima)

Where to put a peace lily

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)

Where to put a spider plant

Aloe vera (Aloe Barbadensis)

Where to put an aloe vera plant

First and foremost, aloe vera likes it dry. Pop it in a sunny spot where it can get some sunlight every day; this isn't one for a shady nook. Keep a plant on your kitchen windowsill and you'll always have it on hand to fight sunburn and other maladies. Simply break off a leaf and carefully slice the gel from its skin. Keep it up high if you have pets, as it is toxic for cats and dogs.
Love this? Check out these grow-your-own inventions that'll feed your family for pennies
Weeping fig (Ficus Benjamina)

Where to put a weeping fig

Cactus (Cactaceae)

Where to put a cactus

Golden pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)

Where to put a golden pothos

Lavender (Lavandula)

Where to put a lavender plant

It may be associated with English country gardens, but lavender is a great indoor plant too. Bring this heavenly scented shrub into your home and enjoy its vibrant purple flowers and heady aroma all year long. When it comes to watering, allow it to dry out before cracking out the watering can.
Love this? Check out these balcony ideas for your little patch of paradise
Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Where to put an areca palm
Rubber fig (Ficus Elastica)

Where to put a rubber fig

Succulents

For a modern, low-maintenance plant look no further than succulents. Characterised by their thick, fleshy leaves, succulents are incredibly hardy and very easy to care for. If you don't like the look of cacti, but like their fuss-free attitude, try a succulent instead.
Love this? Check out this beginner's guide to watering indoor plants
Where to put succulents

Air plant (Tillandsia)

Where to put an air plant

Air plants do best in humid environments, so pick a spot in your bathroom or kitchen to get the most out of them. While they don't need watering in the traditional sense, they do benefit from being dunked in soft rainwater weekly or misted every few days – just allow them to dry off before adding more water.
Love this? Check out these 11 ways to spruce up your garden for spring
Comments
Be the first to comment
Do you want to comment on this article? You need to be signed in for this feature