A Pandemic Handbook: 5 indoor plants for beginners

This low-maintenance houseplant is the first plant I got as a beginner and believe me, this one is pretty darn hard to kill! The leaves are thick and very sturdy (not to mention gorgeous!), and this plant can thrive in low light conditions. It is a rather slow grower so repotting isn’t required often. Be careful not to water it too much as very moist soil can lead to mushrooms—they’re not harmful but they’re not pleasant either!

Light: Low light/indirect sunlight
Water: Every 10 days
Temperature: Not suitable below 10 degree Celcius
Pet-friendly: No
Benefits: Removes toxins in air, filters out carbon dioxide, converting it to oxygen even at night!

Also known as the Zanzibar Gem, the ZZ plant instantly adds more character to any room. Its beautiful deep green, oval-shaped leaves don’t require much commitment. This is one plant that will survive even if you forget to water it on schedule, as they are drought-resistant (they store water in the soil). Just be careful not to over-water this gem as mould tends to form, and this leads to rapid growth of the stems which can get tricky to maintain—repotting may then be required.

Light: Bright to low indirect light
Water: Once a week
Temperature: Not suitable below seven degree Celcius
Pet-friendly: No
Benefits: Removes toxins in air, filters out carbon dioxide, converting it to oxygen even at night!

Poised and elegant, one might be fooled into thinking this plant is for advanced planters! This flowering plant is a favourite amongst many for its delicate off-white blooms, glossy green leaves, and its easy-going nature. Unlike the other plants on this list, Peace Lilies will need frequent watering or they’ll become unhappily sloppy. Typical blooming season is in spring and the flower stalks last for weeks!

Light: Plenty of filtered light
Water: Water and mist every alternate day
Temperature: Not suitable below 12 degree Celcius
Pet-friendly: No
Benefits: Great air purifier; removes mould spores from the air (great for people with asthma
or chronic lung illnesses); and absorbs electromagnetic radiation from electronic devices

You had me at Aloe! (Free pick-up line to entice the plant lover; you’re welcome.) But really, what’s not to loe-ve (sorry, last pun!) about this succulent that’s a great houseplant and is also soothing for your skin! Aloe Vera’s gel has plenty of benefits and you don’t have to break your back or bank to grow one in your crib! Generally, Aloe Vera plants don’t flower and it could take years for one to grow a flower stalk.

Light: Keep near bright-lit window
Water: Every three weeks
Temperature: Not suitable below 15 degree Celcius
Pet-friendly: No
Benefits: Its clear gel is good for soothing burns, moisturising skin, and helps to clear skin of acne

According to feng shui, the Lucky Bamboo plant is believed to bring good luck and fortune into the household, especially if given as gifts. These plants can flourish in a vase with clean water or in a pot with moist soil. Bamboos are laughably inexpensive—the Flower Market in Mong Kok sells them for $5 per stalk!—and they are a tough one to kill. Healthy bamboo roots should be a red shade, displaying a vibrant contrast when put in a glass vase.

Do note that bamboos are very sensitive to chlorine, so be sure to let tap water sit for at least a day before watering your plant, or simply use distilled water.

Light: Keep in bright-lit space
Water: Keep roots covered and add water as needed
Temperature: Not suitable below 18 degree Celcius
Pet-friendly: No
Benefits: Believed to attract positive energy, bringing good health, happiness, and prosperity to one’s
home