Plants for beginners (they're almost impossible to kill!)
Having plants at home shouldn't become a time-consuming hobby. If you have chosen these living beings, it is precisely because you want to give your home a touch of greenery. However, this doesn't mean that you can't go on holiday for a week without fear of something happening to them. The goal is not to be worrying about how much light they get, how much water they need, or whether the sun will burn their leaves.
So, should you give up on having them? Not at all! What you need are plants that are easy to care for and (almost) impossible to kill. There are in fact species that require virtually no care and are very easy to keep. And no, we don't mean some kind of ugly desert plant. Hardy houseplants or some low-maintenance outdoor varieties would be your best choice.
Are you looking for houseplants that can stand any type of climate? Do you need hardy outdoor plants for your garden? Do you live in an apartment and want indoor plants that need little light? Find out which plants are easy to care for and (almost) impossible to kill for your home, and stop worrying whether they will survive.
Benefits of having plants at home
They not only help decorate your home. Plants have numerous health benefits. Here's the full story:
They filter the air quality, purifying it and eliminating any suspended particles such as gases or pollution.
They regulate humidity inside bedrooms.
They are a perfect temperature stabilizer. Plants are able to lower high temperatures in summer.
They absorb carbon dioxide and pump fresh oxygen into the environment.
Some species of indoor plants such as spathiphyllum kill mould spores. They are ideal for places with high humidity.
They effectively relieve stress thanks to their stimulating and calming properties.
Did you know that plants reduce noise? That is why more and more people are choosing to include vertical gardens on their living room walls.
They have antiseptic properties. In fact, some plants are used as painkillers for minor cuts or burns.
Easy-care plants
It's now time to discover the range of essential easy-care plants for your home. Whether you're just looking for hardy houseplants or outdoor plants for your balcony, terrace or garden, find out which are almost impossible to kill:
Easy-care houseplants
If you have a small apartment with little light and no outdoor space, pick these easy-care houseplants:
- Sansevieria: Sansevieria is a plant for darker indoor settings, ideal for apartments with little natural light. It stands out for its long, upright green leaves with a tinge of lime. In fact, it is also commonly known as snake tongue.
- Aspidistra: Another easy-care houseplant you should make sure to get is aspidistra. It has a characteristically long and slender stem. The darker green leaves are wide and quite thick. Aspidistra is among the hardiest of indoor plants, as it can last several weeks without watering. And even if you forget to water it, it won't lose its deep green colour. However, it cannot stand too much sun. Avoid direct sunlight.
- Beaucarnea: Also known as elephant's foot because of the shape of its stem, this easy-to-care-for houseplant stands out for the intertwined shape of its leaves. It has a large water reserve within, making it one of the hardiest houseplants there is. Beaucarnea will sometimes produce small, creamy white flowers.
- Aloe vera: Familiar to everyone. Aloe vera is a species used to decorate countless toilets and bathrooms. Its desert character makes it one of the easiest houseplants to care for, a real attraction for novice gardeners. It also has therapeutic and beauty properties.
- Adam's rib: Although commonly referred to as Adam's rib, those in the know call it monstera. It is noted for its large, tropical-shaped, Swiss cheese leaves. An ideal species for those who are after an indoor plant that will withstand the missteps of gardening novices. Do bear in mind that it can grow to quite some size, though. Although it can survive outdoors, it can only withstand temperatures between 10 and 25 degrees celcius, so should always ideally be kept indoors.
Easy-care outdoor plants
Want to know which are the most recommended easy-care outdoor plants for your home garden or balcony? You'll find them here!
- Yucca: If you want to add an exotic touch to your garden, yucca is one of the most convenient and attractive low-maintenance plants. And its white, perfumed flowers will actually provide a perfect touch of spring. You will be the envy of your neighbours.
- Asparagus fern: Asparagus ferns are among the most resilient houseplants. Thanks to their root capsules that act as water reserves, they are able to withstand dry conditions. This also means you won't have to worry if you forget to water them from time to time. The species is commonly found on the balconies of northern Spain. You should transplant your asparagus every 2 years to a larger pot or prune it, as it grows vigorously.
- Callistemon: Callistemon is one of the easiest outdoor plants to care for, and is used in public spaces such as parks. Strictly speaking, it is a bush that can reach up to 2 metres in height. One of its most characteristic notes is its reddish, pointed flowers.
- Ivy: There cannot be a single swimming pool in Spain that does not have this plant growing around it. Ivy is one of the most widely used hardy outdoor species. Ideal for lovers of climbing plants. If you are looking to plant and forget, ivy is a perfect candidate. It can withstand temperatures of up to 20ºC below zero. It requires almost no watering and does not need fertiliser to prosper. Of course, you will have to prune it from time to time. Otherwise, you risk it climbing over your neighbour's fence.
- Aster: Also known as the autumn daisy. The aster is a beautiful alpine plant, highly tolerant of low temperatures. It is also one of the least demanding of hardy outdoor plants. You will only need to ensure regular watering from spring onwards. From August onwards, enjoy its beautiful, abundant purple blooms. Nor will you have problems with the sun, although it is a plant that prefers a cooler habitat. You should therefore avoid direct sunlight if you live in a region that see high temperatures in summer.
Tips to avoid killing your plants (for beginners)
Although all of the above species are easy to care for, that does not mean they are immortal. There may still be a small chance that they won't survive your lack of gardening expertise. Even so, there is a solution to everything.
Want to make sure your plants are always well watered and cared for? Follow these simple tricks to avoid killing them off (specially intended for beginners):
- Learn about the characteristics of your plant. To keep up to date, try apps that will help you take care of your plants. Blossom for example, offers helpful facts on the most popular species. Plant Parent, meanwhile, lets you set alerts for when you should fertilise or water your plant.
- Let them sunbathe! Like any living being, plants need to receive natural sunlight. Rotate them from time to time so that they receive sunshine from all sides.
- Prune them when their leaves dry out. It never hurts to give your plants a haircut to make them grow more vigorously. Remove those dry leaves with secateurs.
- Give them just the right amount of water, whenever they need it. Some species will not tolerate large doses of water. Others, meanwhile, need frequent moisture. To avoid the kind of forgetfulness that will bring your plant to the brink of drought, download the Waterbot app. With just a photo, the application will be able to identify the species and tell you whenever it needs watering.
- Have you discovered an unexpected pest damaging your plant? You will have to act as quick as you can, to stop it having all its sap sucked out. Get an organic repellent at any specialist garden centre.
Decorating your home with plants will make you healthier and turn your home into a place of rest, respite and refuge. That's worth protecting. We at Generali believe that whilst it’s not compulsory by law, having a home insurance policy that is adapted to you is essential for your peace of mind. That's why Generali makes it as easy for you as possible to adapt your home policy to meet your real needs.
What’s more, with Generali there are more than 200 expat agents and brokers that are available to assist you with face-to-face advice in your language.
To explore the possibilities and receive a quote tailored to your needs, whether for your home, your car, your business, your boat, or a variety of other products, contact us today.
Don't leave your peace of mind to chance - take the next step to ensure you're well covered in Spain.