Easy Care Houseplants
What to do if you feel you have a “black thumb”
While there’s no such thing as an immortal plant, if you’ve had bad luck before, you’ll be glad to know that Mahoney’s has a number of plants that are easy-care and very forgiving. Look for plants signs that feature our easy care logo. They include tried and true classics, as well as some brand new hybrids. Some of these plants are also proven effective at cleaning the air. Bonus!
Below is a list of plants we call easy care – but first consider these few pretty easy guidelines that will help redeem even the most notorious plant killer.
First, it’s probably not your fault.
No one is born a plant killer. Often the solution is as easy as selecting a plant that likes your environment.
Adjust how much you water.
Watering is a common reason houseplants fail. Oddly enough, too much water is frequently the problem. The wrong pot can also cause even the healthiest plant to expire. Check the care directions, or easier yet, ask us. Often it’s a very simple adjustment.
Don’t take it personally.
Relax. Enjoy your houseplant. See what you can do to keep it happy. But should the need arise bring home a new one. Most plants are not expensive. Many people routinely change their houseplants for the fun of it.
So many beautiful, nearly indestructible varieties to choose from!
Some of the most popular succulents are aloe & agave, but there are many new varieties with interesting leaf forms and plant shapes to choose from. Because succulents store water in their leaves, stems or roots, they have adapted to arid conditions throughout the world. No matter what kind of succulent you are growing, the rules are pretty similar - direct light, water more in the summer less in the winter, choose a fast-draining potting mix.
Carefree, tough succulent houseplant perfect for beginners!
The leathery sword-shaped leaves of this tough houseplant make for a striking display on the floor or table tops. Although they are very forgiving & will tolerate lower light levels, they prefer bright light. The only way to kill this beauty is to overwater or never water it at all. Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue - different varieties have different color patterns.
With almost no care needed, this palm will give you years of happy, healthy, lush tropical indoor greenery.
One of our many “Easy Care” houseplants, the Rhapis Palm thrives in low light and little humidity. Plus they are very adaptive to different types of soils, climates & environments. Lady Palms prefer to dry out in-between watering. If needed. you can trim the brown leave tips off, keeping the leaves same shape when doing so. A great starter plant for even the most forgetful beginner houseplant gardener.
One of our “Easy Care” houseplants, it’s also one of our most popular dracaenas!
This popular houseplant does great even in low light & considerable dryness. Perfect for sprucing up a lonely corner in a house or office. NASA lists “Janet Craig” as a clean air plant - not only does it thrive on neglect, it cleans your air as well! Less is more with this variety - too much water or fertilizer will only hurt the plant. Similar to the ‘Warneckii’ only not as tall.
As close to foolproof as a plant can get!
This durable houseplant thrives in almost all environments and requires next to no care. This easy-going plant isn’t bothered by pests and diseases, doesn’t require a special soil mix, and can go for weeks without water. It does best with occassional watering - about every other week - but will survive for a decent amount of time because of its underground tuber where it stores water. Make sure to not overwater as its the only way to kill the ZZ plant. If you love houseplants and don’t have a lot of luck with them, this plant is for you!
An easy indoor vine that anyone can grow.
While In the wild they can overwhelm a hundred foot tall tree; in your house they will simply trail nicely down a plant stand. One of the top ten clean air plants, Pothos help remove formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air. When a vine gets too long, simply prune it from the top (close to the soil) to encourge new growth near the center of the plant. Watering is pretty easy: too little water causes the leaves will begin to wilt and turn a bright yellow. Too much water and the roots will rot, and leaves will wilt and turn to a pale dull green.
Easy to grow, timeless, popular - what more could you ask for?
This ever-popular houseplant enjoys a warm, bright (not direct light) living environment. Different varieties have various growing patterns (some climbers, others non-climbers), different leaf sizes, shapes & colors, and different light requirements. Although different, every variety is a great addition to any room in your house - an easy way to brighten up your house!
Thrives in lower light – so it’s lovely in dining and living rooms, offices, etc. Purifies the air, too.
Another one of our very popular “Easy Care” houseplants, these beautiful Peace Lilies have striking white flowers and beautiful foliage.They remove air borne toxins, too! They like water and misting more in the summer, less in the winter. They can bloom twice a year if fertilized. Try the slow release Osmocote.
A beautiful, elegant, Victorian palm that tolerates low light and colder temperatures.
A perfect example of our “Easy Care” houseplants, this slow growing palm is perfect for any indoor space - living room, office, apartment, bathroom, etc. Although Kentia Palms will handle a lower light level, they do enjoy bright, indirect light. You will notice more fronds if the plant is placed in an area with more light, fewer if placed in a shady spot. Can get big if desired.
A popular plant for offices & homes because of its easy care and wide variety of light tolerance.
A super-easy-to-grow option for anyone – even those self-diagnosed as having black thumbs. They thrive in bright, filtered window light, but can also tolerate low artificial light. Be sure to not place them in direct sunlight, the sun will bleach their leaves and stress the plant. When it comes to watering, this variety would rather be ignored than babied. Be sure to let it dry out between waterings. Similar to the ‘Janet Craig’ only taller.
A houseplant that thrives in either bright or low light!
One of our most popular “Easy Care” houseplants, this low maintenance miracle resembles the leaves of corn stalks. Although it tolerates neglect, be sure to not over-water or over-fertilize, and never place your corn plant in a draft or direct sun. This slow-growing houseplant will give you visual pleasure for years to come! Mahoney’s “Easy Care” plants are also perfect for dorms and offices.
One of the easiest houseplants to grow - now available in exciting new hybrids.
Aglaonema are popular at home, dorms and offices because they are both great looking and very dependable. Check out the hybrids for fresh new color options. In general the green varieties tolerate low light whereas the colorful varieties need brighter light (check tag). Considered a lucky plant in Asian culture, Aglaonema like to be kept moist but not soaking wet. In the winter keep it in a warm area and water less often.
Don’t be afraid, this decorator’s favorite is also practically impossible to kill.
One of our “Easy Care” houseplants, cacti grow in tough conditions and lack of care. While considered a natural survivor, they definitely prefer hot, sunny windows, and won’t last long in a shady corner. With so many colors, shapes and sizes to choose from, there’s a cactus for every decor! Plant one per pot, or combine different heights and textures to create a unique desert scene.
