If you’ve decided to take the plunge into plants, it can be tough to know where to start. The selection, even in a big box store, can be intimidating. Where do you start? What are good plants for a beginning collector?
Here are five great starter plants. They were chosen because they’re easy to find, they’re usually not expensive, they’re not demanding, and they’re fairly forgiving. I’ve listed them in no particular order.
A bit about scientific names. I’m including the scientific names. You don’t have to learn them to grow and enjoy plants. Most plants have common names, nicknames, but those can be different in different places; sometimes they can be misleading. For example, a plant commonly referred to as ‘Japanese Bamboo’ doesn’t come from Japan and isn’t bamboo. If you’re looking for a particular plant, knowing the scientific name can lead you to exactly what you want.
Epipremnum aurem ‘Golden’
Usually called ‘Golden Pothos’, you can find this guy at almost every place plants are sold. It’s a great plant, and you should definitely have one. They do very well in almost every setting. They like most light levels, but if they get direct sunlight it should only be a little bit for a short time.
They like a well-draining potting mix, and they like the mix to be dry before they get watered again. Put him someplace where he can trail and you can appreciate those beautiful leaves. They’re easy to propagate, and a great way to learn about propagating plants. In no time you can have a jungle of Epipremnum.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
At one time ZZ plants were very difficult to find and rather pricey, particularly the dark one known as ‘Raven’. Now you can find rows of them at big box stores. These are another great beginner houseplant because they are so tolerant. The do fine in low light, they do fine in bright light. The one thing they won’t tolerate is being overwatered. ZZs have rhizomes, potato-like growths just under the surface of the soil, and that’s where they store a lot of water. Let the soil get thoroughly dry before you water again. This can mean that if your plant is in low light, you may only need to water it once a month. They’ll be fine. If your ZZ came in a pot in a cover pot, take the inner pot out of the cover pot before you water. They don’t want their roots sitting in water. Let it drain before you put it back in the cover pot.
Scindapsus pictus
They’re often called ‘Silver Satin Pothos’, but they’re not related to most of the other plants known as ‘Pothos’. These are sturdy, vining plants, with heart shaped leaves and beautiful variegation. You can find these almost everywhere, and there are a lot of varieties. Don’t spend a lot buying a big lush plant. Buy one or two small plants, they’ll grow.
Like most of the other plants in this list, they like a well-draining soil. They like it to dry out a bit before they get watered again. Some people even wait for the leaves to curl as a sign they need to be watered. They’ll tolerate most light levels, they’re easy to propagate, and the foliage is just beautiful.
Sanseviera / Dracaena
These handsome plants are commonly called ‘Snake Plants’, and they were recently re-classified as Dracaena. There are a lot of varieties of Sanseviera, ranging from small ‘birds nest’ varieties to tall, almost sculptural types. They do well in in settings ranging from a bit of direct sun to low light; but if they get that bit of direct sun, they’ll love it. Their striking patterns and blade shaped leaves always draw attention, and several different varieties grouped together can be really beautiful.
They like a well-draining potting mix and only want to be watered when their soil is dry. Once settled in and happy in their situation, they’ll start sending out pups which make your plant even more full.
Aglaonema
These beautiful plants are available in a wide range of leaf shapes and patterns of variegation. They are often refered to as “Chinese Evergreens”. They’re readily available and can be found at most big box stores; ‘Silver Bay’ and ‘Maria’ varieties are the ones you’re most likely to find.
Because they prefer lower light settings and want no direct sun, they are a great way to add foliage to a spot where other plants wouldn’t survive. Like the others, they want to be planted in well-draining soil, but I plant mine in glazed or plastic pots, rather than terra cotta. They seem to prefer that. They don’t like being overwatered, so only give them a drink when the pot feels light and the soil is dry.
You should be able to find any or all of these plants at reasonable prices that will fit most budgets. They’re excellent first steps to learn about growing plants in your home. Best of all most of them are forgiving, so if you make some initial mis-steps with your collection, which you will, they’ll bounce back for you.
