House Plants Advice Needed

[Arti]

I haven't a clue when it comes to any sort of knowledge about plants, but I like that they bring a room to life. I work long hours and my living room doesn't get much sunlight. I'm not into flowering plants. I need plants that require minimum maintenance. Any advice as to what sort of indoor plant would suit me? Thanks.

[karenmac60]

Spider plants are fairly indestructible Arti. We've had some at work for years - limited light, an occasional water and no fatalities yet :)

[rowanwitch]

Peace lilies are tough, and ok in a corner that doesn't get too much light, fatsia is ok Yuccas are good if you tend to forget to water them, money plants, and other succulents, get something in a biggish pot dig out a bit of soil and sink in a jamjar you can then put a few fresh cut flowers in to make seasonal changes

[karenmac60]

Oh I think i've managed to kill all of them Rowan :)

[Arti]

Thanks, kaz :) I like spider plants, so that's what I'll get.
Rowan, also thanks. I'm not into flowers or flowering plants, though.

[smurfchops]

Arti you can kill plants by overwatering as well as underwatering. Try to remember to test the earth once a week, especially if you have the heating on or it is warm weather. If it is dry give a little water, dont leave the plant standing in water. they usually need less in winter. Plus a 'feed' spring and summer as well, something like Baby Bio. Just a couple of drops once a week in the water. Some plants tend to droop when they need water. Not full sunlight but not too dark either, just a bright spot if possible. Good luck !

[Prudie]

Spider plants are a bit naff (standard on office windows). Have a look at the Jade (Money) plant. Easy to grow but looks lush and makes a pleasing tree-like shape.

[smurfchops]

The Jade plant is lovely, doesn't need much water, and apparently if you have a Jade plant (its other name is money plant) you will never be short of money !! After a few years - mine is about 25 years old - it looks like a miniature tree. When it gets too straggly you can pinch out the top leaves.

[hammerman]

In my humble opinion (10 years looking after the palmhouse for Brighton parks dept), Spider plants tend to go brown at the tips due to lack of humidity and also look so damn scruffy.

Rowan's suggestion of the peace lilly (Spatipyllum walisii) is a good one. I have small ones (possibly called petite) and a normal sized one in dark areas of my lounge. They won't flower in shade but they will thrive. They're also known for removing toxins from the air.

For something smaller, try a ficus pumila or creeping fig but try not to let it dry out.

[Craftypig]

http://www.theanswerb...e-yucca-plant-please/

[Arti]

Thanks, all :) Money and Yucca are good possibilities. Maybe peace liliy also, given that it doesn't flower in the shade.
I've a feeling that my living room will soon resemble a scene from Jumanji.