The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted
Just a little while ago, I suggested in my article “The Green Scene For Everyone” that
the best way for beginners to work towards gaining a green thumb is to start with small, inexpensive and
commonly-available plants (I like to refer to them as the ‘hardy bunch’). In lieu of that, I felt it would be
appropriate to follow up with suggestions of some of the best plants for beginners, thus this article about the
ten most wanted.
Below you will find a list of excellent plants for houseplant trainees to practice with. There are many more that
easily qualify as undemanding but the list below also consists of houseplants that have been around for ages and
are readily available for purchase, not to mention how affordable they are.
At this point some of you may be wondering what the heck the FBI has to do with houseplants for beginners. While I
do understand the confusion, I’m also confident you didn’t actually click here thinking I had written up an article
about fugitives being sought by the ‘other’ FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation). Of course you didn’t. Why on earth
would I even ask such a question? No, you weren’t bamboozled by the title. You purposely clicked here to read about
the ten most wanted houseplants highly recommended by the ‘Frugal Botanist’s Institute (FBI)’. Right? Right. You have
heard of them, haven’t you? Of course you have. (I see heads nodding)
But just in case you haven’t…
The Frugal Botanist’s Institute is a club that all houseplant enthusiasts join sooner or later. In the novice stages
of plant care, membership is sought primarily for sensible reasons. Since the lifespan of plants under the care of
beginners can be rather brief, this group of houseplant hobbyists will join the FBI to help them keep costs down as
they replace their dead plants over and over again. By joining this important club, plants can be replaced without
putting a dent in the family’s monthly budget. Novice members are introduced to important information such as the
most common and inexpensive plants available on the market. Equipped with this valuable knowledge, they are then able
to continue developing their ‘green thumb’ skills without being weighed down by guilt for reckless expenditures.
Cheap plants will keep a nagging wife/husband/partner/roommate/parent/conscience at bay since the plant investments
are sensible and the shopping style is ‘frugal’.
The Frugal Botanist’s Institute does not discriminate and is not limited to beginners; it is open to all stages of
the houseplant hobby. Members will welcome it just as much when they achieve the intermediate level of green
thumb(ery). During this central period of skill enhancement, enthusiasm will be the key emotion. With very few – if
any - casualties, there will be an overwhelming desire to try and cultivate other plants. An intermediate will
purchase more plants to add to their thriving collection. Because a hobby can become exceedingly expensive if one is
not careful, these middle-grounders will join or continue their membership at the FBI to help them choose inexpensive
houseplants that may require more experienced green thumb care but are not too challenging. Once again, prudence
and ‘frugal’ shopping will make sure concerned parties hold their tongues.
You may find it surprising but the Frugal Botanist’s Institute will become absolutely indispensable when you have
achieved the advanced stage with your green thumb skills. But how? Since there are hardly ever any casualties and
it’s undeniable that there must be a fair amount of houseplants under the care of the expert by now, why would this
group need to continue their membership at the FBI? Because the expert will not only expand their collection of
plants, they will search for more challenging and uncommon greenery. Purchasing rarities can add up to mega $$$ very
quickly unless you are a smart and ‘frugal’ shopper. Membership at the Frugal Botanist’s Institute will teach you
about sales, liquidations, competitive stores and online shopping deals. You can have your plant and grow it too!
At the Frugal Botanist’s Institute you will not only be taught many constructive ways to obtain plants at a minimal
cost to you but you’ll also be trained on how to build up your plant collection at absolutely NO COST! Super
frugality is the ability to obtain free cuttings, receive plants as gifts and take home divisions and off-shoots
from friends and family whose homes you visit. At the FBI you will learn how to charm your host or hostess and bring
home another plant – free of charge!
So, there you have it. That’s the scoop on the Frugal Botanist’s Institute. I know you’ve never heard of them and
doubt their existence. But once you become deeply committed to houseplant growing, you will seek out – and eagerly
join - this beneficial organization that promotes and encourages frugality. But only if you are a true houseplant
enthusiast, otherwise you will never run across this club. If you just own a plant or two and lack the dedication
that qualifies you as a bona fide houseplant lover, the organization will remain a mystery, perhaps nothing more
than an urban legend.
Let’s move onto the purpose of this article...
The Hardy Bunch For Beginners
(Most Wanted By Members Of The FBI)
Have you given up on growing plants? Are you convinced that you can kill even an artificial one? Would you like to
have a houseplant – perhaps a few – to add natural beauty to your home as well as purify your air but can’t keep any
alive? Are you working on your green thumb and want inexpensive, hardy plants to learn with?
Don’t give up on indoor gardening. A green thumb is a work in progress and a learned skill. All you need is to
practice, practice, practice! And the perfect plants to start with are so commonly available that there’s no reason
why you can’t fill up your home with greenery. That’s where the Frugal Botanist’s Institute comes in handy with their
suggestions of ten of the most tolerant, hassle-free, hardy and reasonably-priced houseplants on the market wanted
and needed by beginners.
I have compiled a list below of houseplants perfect for the novice. What they all have in common is that they
tolerate a wide range of conditions and it takes quite an effort to kill them. Bear in mind that the key word here
is ‘tolerate’. They will not do as well as they would if you provided them with the ultimate care that they require
but they won’t kick the bucket easily. My suggestion is: pick them up for their tough constitution but try to provide
proper care. Your green thumb skills will be enhanced when your plants are thriving, not just surviving.
Let’s get close and personal with some plants that are so easy to grow, it’s almost criminal...
1) Chlorophytum Comosum - Spider Plant
This gorgeous specimen, perfect in a hanging basket, is one of the most beloved and common houseplants. Easily grown
and unbelievably forgiving, it is also popular for its ability to grow quickly and shoot out new plantlets
continuously when pot bound. You can fill up your entire house with spider plants just from the ‘baby’ spiders you
will keep potting up from the ‘mommy’ plant.
A spider plant handles neglect exceptionally well and tolerates a wide range of conditions in all areas –
fertilization, medium, light, temperature – making it one of the easiest plants to grow. It is also one of the best
natural air cleaners for your home, known for its ability to absorb dangerous chemicals from the air. This favored
foliage is relatively free of disease and pest infestations, as long as it’s kept healthy, which makes it that much
more appealing for the novice. About the only thing that is damaging to this remarkable plant is over-watering. And
that problem is instantly solved by growing it in hydroculture.
Spider plants with variegated leaves require bright light – indirect sunlight is ideal - to maintain their
variegation. They will adapt to lower light but the distinct colors will be lost; the leaves will turn into a single
shade of green. The root system of this plant is large and tuberous, allowing it to store water longer than many
other plants, so be very careful with the watering can. Always allow the soil to dry between watering; be especially
prudent during the winter season. If you prefer to wait for signs of thirst before watering, the spider plant’s
leaves will turn pale and droop when the plant is parched. Remember that it’s better to underwater than to over-water.
But don’t wait too long to hydrate either!
This is definitely at the top of the list for beginners. You really have to work hard to kill this one!
Learn more: Spider Plants Are Still Hanging Around
2) Epipremnum Pinnatum (Scindapsus) – Devil’s Ivy, Pothos
This was the first houseplant I ever grew, and it was this plant that tricked me into believing that I’d bypassed
all the beginner stages of houseplant growing and ended up at the expert level with absolutely no effort on my part.
The illusion was created because a pothos is practically immortal. That’s not a problem. The problem is that not all
the other plants are. You can just imagine how many casualties I produced because I honestly believed I could grow
anything after my beloved pothos.
Pothos, often confused with philodendron, has heart-shaped leaves that are usually mottled with yellow or white.
This plant, like the spider plant, will tolerate low light conditions but prefers a well-lit location to maintain
its variegation. A north window with the curtains or blinds wide open is an ideal location that will provide bright
but indirect light that this plant enjoys; it will not thrive in strong direct sunlight or very low light. I have
also placed my Pothos in the morning sun of an eastern location or in shady areas of southern rooms. Any choice I’ve
made has always worked well as long as the lighting is bright but not too sunny.
This easy-to-grow, fool-proof plant is happy in a hanging basket or in a pot on a plant stand. You can trim it back
to keep it bushy or allow it to trail. It can also be trained to grow upright on a bark totem pole. Allow the soil
to dry out and then water thoroughly. This plant is susceptible to root rot so don’t keep the soil constantly moist.
Grow it in hydroculture, it loves it!
If you are a chronic plant neglector, this may be just the right plant for you to begin with. You can’t get much
easier than a pothos.
Learn more: The Tried And True Pothos
3) Sansevieria - Snake plant (Many varieties to choose from)
Now here is a plant I would bet on being immortal. It’s so hardy, it practically qualifies as artificial. There are
so many varieties to choose from in tall and short forms. And all of them will tolerate just about any growing
condition you can imagine. It is almost impossible to kill this plant; over-watering is the only thing that will
ultimately defeat it. Once again, hydroculture will solve all watering problems and make this plant truly immortal.
This attractive plant will thrive in a bright and warm location all year round with careful watering; allow the
soil to dry out. Certain varieties, primarily the ones with all-green leaves, will tolerate shadier locations. But
brightly lit areas are the favored spot. These plants have become legendary for their ability to survive in low light
areas, scorching heat and months of neglect but the key word here is ‘survive’. Sansevieria will indeed tolerate
shade or sun, humidity or dry air and extended periods between watering in any corner of your home but they will
perform much better with proper care in a brighter location. In fact, if you keep them happy in a well-lit location,
they will eventually surprise you with a tall stalk of tubular greenish flowers that are fragrant at night. The
scent, I’ve been told, is heavenly. Unfortunately I’ve yet to experience this but maybe you will (or have).
If you are one of those people that like to water plants regularly, don’t buy a sansevieria; you’ll kill it. For the
rest of you, this is a charming, eclectic beauty that is perfect for beginners with its – nearly - indestructible
constitution. It is one of the best choices for hydroculture, adopting the system effortlessly.
Learn More: Sansevieria Trifasciata – Easy Come, Easy Grow
4) Ficus Elastica - Rubber Plant
Ficus Elastica, also known as rubber tree, rubber plant, rubber fig or Indian rubber, is actually a species of plant
in the fig genus. This shiny-leaved houseplant is a winner indoors or out with its ability to adapt to lower light
conditions and endure neglect. However, there is a misconception that it prefers dim lighting and thrives on
slapdash care. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Ficus will put up with diffused light but it prefers full sun. You heard right, full sun. You will hear advice and
arguments that this accommodating plant doesn’t do well in sun but don’t heed it if you want to provide the best
care for it. The line of reasoning used to justify placing this houseplant in sunless – and sometimes very shady -
locations is that its dark green leaves are a prime indicator that it simply doesn’t need sun or bright light. But
as one member on a houseplant forum stated (and I quote him): “If dark leaves were an indicator of shade preference,
there are plenty of oaks, maples, beech, plum, cherry, barberry, etc., that couldn't be grown, except under cover.”
Great point.
The rubber plant wants, needs and thrives in as much light as you can possibly supply. You can place your plant in
full sun provided you take the time for it to get used to it. Ficus has received a bad rap for dropping leaves when
moved or disturbed. On the contrary, this plant will hang on to all its leaves if moved to a better location –
brighter light, warmer area – as opposed to a dimmer, cooler position. If your ficus begins dropping leaves shortly
after you’ve changed its location or care, it’s in response to shoddier conditions; it’s not just a ‘typical’ ficus
tantrum. You would complain too if you were yanked away from the sun and warmth of a Caribbean beach and tossed into
the North Pole (especially in the midst of winter when twenty-four hours of daily darkness exist. Okay, this is a
slightly exaggerated example but the point is made.
Keep this lovely plant evenly moist during the active growing season and fairly dry during the resting period (fall
and winter). Don’t place it in cold areas or drafts, especially in the winter, and make sure that the pot it’s
growing in allows for good drainage; this plant is susceptible to root rot. This is another excellent candidate for
hydroculture. Switch it to that method and never worry about watering.
When given the appropriate care, which is very simple, this charming indoor plant is easy to grow and ideal for the
novice.
Learn more: Ficus Elastica - The Rubber Plant
5) Saintpaulia - African Violet
These plants are so popular that there are societies for growers, exhibitors and lovers of them all over the world.
You don’t need to attend conventions or become a member in any club to enjoy what qualifies as a perfect houseplant.
African violets are available for purchase everywhere and they are extremely affordable.
With no specific flowering season, these cuties bloom readily all year-round. Their popularity is also due largely to
the fact that they thrive easily indoors. They not only appreciate the warmth of your heated house, they also handle
the dry air rather well. With many blossoming shades of flowers, as well as two-toned varieties, these compact plants
are easily propagated from cuttings. Fill up every room in your house with the velvety leaves and showy flowers of
this charmer or gift wrap them to share with friends and family.
Unlike other flowering houseplants, African Violets can cope with dim light. But why would you want to do that to
this compliant plant? It’s sinful, not to mention the fact that you probably won’t see any blooms! Brightness is one
of the primary ingredients for successful flowering so let there be light – but not too much direct sun from southern
areas! Your plant requires only a few hours of sunlight a day and the morning sun of eastern exposure is ideal for
it. If you’re not sure whether your plant is getting enough light, let it guide you. Weak growth, spindly stems,
leaves reaching for the sun and lack of blooms are surefire signs of insufficient light. On the flip side, dense,
hard growth and washed-out leaves signify that there’s daylight to spare.
The only time these plants go from compliant to complainer is during watering. Over-watering is the fastest way to
kill an African violet so be prudent with the watering can; keep the soil moist but never soggy. Never use cold water
straight from the tap. Allow the water to sit for at least 24 hours to reach room temperature and for the chlorine
to dissipate. Water that is too cold will chill the roots of an African violet, which in turn will cause the leaves
to curl down. You can water from the top or bottom. If you choose to water from the top, give it a good drink –
excess water should flow out of the drainage holes - and don’t wet the leaves. Watering from the bottom is a
preferred (and safer) route. Fill up the bottom saucers with water and let your plant absorb it. Add more if
necessary or empty the excess if your plant is done. Or just switch to hydroculture; the absolute best way to water
from the bottom!
Attractive, versatile, several flower colours to choose from and perfect for beginners – how can you not adore
these renowned beauties? There are African violets growing happily in cozy windowsills around the globe. Why not
on one of yours?
Learn more: Humble Advice On Growing African Violets
6) Dracaena Marginata - Dragon Tree
I have had one of these plants for years. It now sits in my kitchen and keeps me company while I cook. My husband
named it Rod, after Rod Stewart of course, because of the way the leaves hang. You know, similar to how Rod’s hair
hangs over his head. You don’t see the similarities? Okay, maybe our imaginations are a little overly vivid. But
nonetheless, Rod it is. And Rod and I hang out together as I prepare meals; he enjoys the humidity of the kitchen
and I enjoy his interesting foliage. Sometimes I talk to him, usually in appreciation for being one of my most
uncomplicated and least demanding plants in the house. Rod doesn’t ask for much, doesn’t grumble, doesn’t make
plant growing challenging. He’s the definition of ‘trouble-free’.
There are houseplant growers that will tell you that this wonderful plant is not easy, that it is actually
taxing (I shudder at the very thought). I’m here to tell you that it is indeed very easy to care for. The only time
this plant can be termed difficult is if you give it more water than necessary. Isn’t that fairly true of the
majority of plants anyway? Doesn’t over-watering make plants in general difficult? So why should Rod...uh, I mean
the Dracaena Marginata...be different? Just like many of its relatives, friends and neighbours, this Dracaena hates
being drenched with water and will repay you with rotted roots and a soft stem for the overkill. This plant dies a
very cruel death if you’re heavy-handed with the watering can. I suggest you switch this houseplant to the
hassle-free method of hydroculture and never have to worry about watering. This, along with all Dracaenas, loves the
system.
Dracaena Marginata is also loved for its ability to tolerate different light levels – from low light to full sun.
You can place it right up against a north or east window, near a west one or in a bright area of a southern location
making sure to protect against the hot midday sun (a sheer curtain works well). This plant will survive in the
lowest levels of light but requires better quality for optimum growth and appearance. Again it comes down to deciding
whether you want a survivor or a thriver.
Prudent watering, quality light and perhaps a little conversation – that’s all it takes to keep the Dracaena
Marginata, an excellent beginner’s plant, happy as a clam.
Learn more:
Dracaena Marginata
Easy, Breezy, Beautiful...Dracaena
7) Aglaonema - Chinese Evergreen
As soon as you glance at the photo of this plant, you will immediately recognize it. It is one of the most
widely-available indoor plants in both residential and commercial areas. You see them everywhere – from
shopping centers to commercial buildings to your dentist’s office; from your neighbour’s house to your mother’s
living room to your cousin’s kitchen. Yes, I do have one. I didn’t even have to buy it – although it’s readily
available in retail stores. All I had to do is bring home a division from my mother’s Aglaonema that she’s had for
almost two decades. And I’m not the only one that has inherited offspring from the mother plant; there are many
family members and friends that have been given a container of beautiful foliage from this splendid houseplant.
And why wouldn’t it be everywhere since it grows easily with minimum care and is ideally suited even for the most
inexperienced houseplant owner? Together with its undemanding temperament, it is very resistant to disease and able
to adapt to conditions that are detrimental to other houseplants.
From the brightest to darkest rooms, it can be grown in any degree of lighting. It is the perfect choice for anyone
who wants to grow living green in low light areas. I would not recommend direct midday sun but a little early
morning sun does not hurt. Nor would I condone dark, dim areas. An Aglaonema’s leaves can be impressive, the colours
of the leaves quite striking, but only when it receives adequate light. I prefer to position these plants right up
against north and east windows but out of the direct sun of south and west ones. They seem quite happy there.
These highly-tolerant plants that do well in a variety of settings do not do well with the cold though. They prefer
the warm and fuzzy feeling of reasonably warm rooms, staying out of cold drafts, and not having to deal with
temperatures that fluctuate abruptly. Be careful when placing these plants on windowsills or near doors and windows
where the temperatures are lower during the cold season.
Like many plants, Aglaonemas are no different with water requirements – they hate being over-watered; they are
susceptible to root rot! Be careful watering and consider switching to hydroculture. This houseplant thrives in
that system.
Learn more: Aglaonema And Company
8) Aspidistra Elatoir – Cast-Iron Plant
This is the crème de la crème of startup plants. This is an absolutely perfect plant for the novice to begin with. Unfortunately it’s not always readily available in many neighbourhoods. I personally haven’t seen this plant in local shops in years. I can’t just walk into a local greenhouse and drive home with one (but maybe you can). It’s the type of plant I have to order online. Or the type of plant that you might get lucky enough to receive as an off-shoot, which is what happened with me. Once again, my mother was kind enough to present me with a division of yet another spectacular houseplant. I tell you, stay friendly and close to friends and family; you’ll build up an entire greenhouse!
Aspidistra Elatior is a well-liked foliage houseplant, grown for its ability to survive neglect and very shabby indoor conditions. It can withstand a lot of mistreatment in those harsh situations longer than many plants, including periods of dryness at the roots, dust and temperature fluctuations. It handles dry air well and is extremely tolerant of almost every light level you can impose on it (with the exception of direct sun), even deep shade. But no matter how resilient it is to about anything else, it cannot handle constantly saturated soil at all. Over-watering will indeed kill this plant that is virtually indestructible, seemingly coming back from the dead at times.
The commonly used name ‘cast-iron’ is aptly applied since this plant is sturdy and unyielding, managing to stay healthy and reasonably happy even in the lowest lit areas of staircases, offices and dark corners of any environment. This plant is usually kept in areas where very few others will survive but the better care you give it, the better it will grow.
Place your Aspidistra in moderately-lit areas such as up against a North window or in any shady section (but not too shady if you want it to be at its best) of your home near decent lighting. The plant will withstand warm rooms but it prefers cooler, fresher temperatures. Wash the leaves now and then to remove dust and possible pests; your plant will breathe easier through clean leaves and love your for it! Don’t drench the soil; water carefully, allowing the compost to dry out somewhat, especially during the resting period of the winter season. This plant is extremely difficult to kill; only drowning will do it in.
The Aspidistra is not too difficult to grow in soil so you can just imagine how further simplified it is in hydroculture. The plant also adopts the system with little effort and thrives in it. This is definitely a beginner’s dream plant.
9) Dieffenbachia – Dumb Cane (Many Varieties to choose from)
Available everywhere for purchase all year round, these popular houseplants are recognized by their stylish variegated leaves that are streaked, spotted or blotched with colours ranging in shades of white or yellow, sometimes a combination of both. Dieffenbachias will grow from 3 to 6 feet tall with a spread of 1 to three feet. There are many varieties to choose from, each one endowed with attractively decorated foliage sure to catch your eye when you stroll through the greenhouse.
Dieffenbachias can grow quite quickly and develop into large specimens if nurtured properly in the ideal location. Loved by beginners for their ability to adapt to low light areas of a home, these plants prefer to be given bright, indirect light such as a curtain-filtered south window or the faint morning rays of an east one. Direct midday sun can bleach the leaves, giving them a sickly, washed-out appearance. On the other hand the impressive plant variegation will be lost as the plant’s leaves revert to an all-green shade in dimly lit areas. Lower leaves can also dry up and fall in poor light, and plant growth will be reduced.
As tropical plants, warmth and humidity is required to keep them happy. Protect your Dieffenbachia from cold areas, chilly drafts and constant temperature fluctuations. Extreme temperature changes can severely damage the more fragile varieties and continuous exposure to cold air and cool drafts can cause wilting, yellowing, browning and dropping of leaves. Together with warmth, a healthy level of humidity is appreciated, although I haven’t found the Dieffenbachia to make a big fuss over this as some other tropical houseplants. Either way, good humidity levels are always better than poor ones.
Be very careful with watering, especially in the winter. The Dieffenbachia is very susceptible to crown, stem and root rot. Over-watering any time of the year is detrimental but over-watering during the dormant season combined with lower temperatures will prove fatal. Never keep the soil of this plant soggy. Allow it to become moderately dry and then water thoroughly. But why live with such a hazy balancing act? This plant is a prime choice for hydroculture. Switch to that method and never worry again.
Learn more: The Tropical And Impressive Dieffenbachia
10) Aloe Barbadensis - Aloe Vera
Who doesn’t know what an Aloe is? How many times have you run across one in your local greenhouse, in the supermarket, at Wal-Mart, Home Depot, or wherever you do some occasional shopping? Haven’t almost all houseplant lovers owned one at some point because of their popularity and because they are so easy to grow? Aren’t there people who have them growing in their kitchen within easy reach, in case they need quick relief from minor burns?
An Aloe plant - with its long, grey/green leaves edged with tiny spikes - is
available everywhere because it is easy to care for. Along with its ability to thrive
effortlessly inside your home the Aloe is also well-known for its medicinal properties. The gel inside the leaves is used for certain ailments and as a soothing ointment for burns, itching, rashes, stings and bites. It is also a common ingredient in a variety of beauty products.
This plant needs a lot of light – preferably direct sun – to thrive indoors. Place it near a window in your home that receives plenty of sunshine. It will tolerate partial shade but won’t grow as well. I can’t stress enough how important light levels are to this plant. I have grown (and thrown out) many Aloe plants over the years that have declined miserably for lack of sufficient light. Since I can’t provide the ideally lit location for it, I no longer buy them. You can’t force this plant to get used to the lack of sun in some areas of your home. It will deteriorate as time progresses.
This is a succulent, and like many of its buddies, it stores a large quantity of water in its leaves. For this reason, you don’t need to ask how easy it is to kill this plant with too much water. An aloe also has a very shallow root system, which adds to its susceptibility to rot in damp conditions (choose a planter that is not deep). During the winter months, it is absolutely essential that you do not over-water. The plant will become somewhat dormant during this period and require very little moisture. Allow the soil to become completely dry before giving it a drink. I used to water mine only two or three times throughout the whole cold season. In the summer, you can give the plant a good soaking only after it’s completely dry. If you’re in doubt about whether or not to water, don’t water. Under-watering this plant is the safer alternative. Make sure that you choose a fast, well-draining soil.
An aloe, aside from drowning with too much water, is hard to kill. This places it right on top of the ‘best plants for beginners’ list. It’s also a great choice for houseplant growers who are interested in plants that require little maintenance. Soil that drains well, modest watering and loads of sunlight – this plant does not ask for much. If you place it in a sunny spot and ignore it, it’ll thrive.
It’s hardy, attractive and practical – three positive ingredients that make this plant that much more irresistible. I’ll venture as far as to say that it’s probably one of the most popular houseplants in the world.
Learn more: To Boldly Grow Where No Aloe Has Grown Before
So there you have it folks, some great plants to begin with. Start small, start simple. Above all, have fun. A hobby isn’t fun when it starts becoming a chore!
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