If I gave it some serious thought, I could probably come up with an assortment of lists revolving around plants that I have - and have not - personally grown over the years, such as ‘The Most Undemanding Houseplants’, ‘The Top 10 Flowering Plants’, ‘10 Easy To Grow Succulents’, ‘Plants That Worship The Sun’, ‘Best Choices For Shady Spots’, 10 Plants That Will Drive You To Drink, and so on.

Some lists would be based on an individual rating (in this case my own) or a general one (according to the plant market). The results of the two would occasionally be similar (my personal rating would match the general one) and at other times they would be poles apart. For example, an Aglaonema would be included in the personal and general list for ‘The Most Undemanding Houseplants’ since the masses and I both agree that this plant is undemanding. On the other hand, while I would include an Aloe Vera on the ‘generally-speaking’ list, I would exclude it from the personal one. Yeah, I really would. Aloes and I have had some rocky moments, so I don’t personally think of them as the ‘most undemanding’ plants. Yes I know it’s shameful.

Other lists would be based on facts, because some things are not disputable. For instance, it goes beyond a personal or general opinion that a Calathea requires high levels of humidity (it’s a need that can’t be compromised), therefore it would be foolish of me to include one of these plants in a list of “Plants That Love Dry Air”.

In any case, when I think about this, it sounds interesting. Imagine the endless Hydro Logs that can be developed from this idea, which would be a blessing on the ‘I-can’t-think-of-anything-to-write-about’ days. During those periods, I can put together a list about something or other about houseplants and place it on the web for my visitors. This would buy me some time. I’ll certainly give it some thought. Maybe.

In the meantime, here’s a list of 10 houseplants that love me. That’s right, they love me. They never give me a hard time, they handle all four seasons well and they always look good. Many of them were once in the “I like this plant but it’s not one of my favourites” category, but they’ve since moved over to my “This is absolutely one of my favourite plants” list because of their easygoing nature. (Who says sucking up to the person holding the watering can doesn’t score points?). Anyhow, I’ve included care information if anyone wants to give them a try.


1) Aechmea Fasciata – Urn Plant

An epiphyte that goes by the common names of ‘Urn plant’ and ‘Silver Vase’, Aechmea Fasciata is one of the most popular Bromeliads grown indoors because of its ability to tolerate all the shortcomings that homes have to offer. Although the exotic looks of this plant can be intimidating, making you feel that it must be too difficult to grow it, it is surprisingly easy to care for.

Place the Aechmea Fasciata in a southern, eastern or western location; protect it from the hot afternoon sun. Pot it up in a very porous medium that allows for sufficient air circulation and prevents water logging. Water the compost only when it dries out considerably and then water thoroughly. Keep the tank filled with water at all times, flush it every 4 – 8 weeks and refill with fresh water. You may also choose to grow this plant in the hydroculture system to which it is an ideal candidate. Average room temperatures between 15°C (60°F) and 24°C (75°F) are satisfactory but plants may require temperatures of 24°C (75°F) and above to bloom. Add a humidifier nearby to increase humidity levels or place the plant on a pebble tray.

Learn more: King Of My Plant Jungle


2) Beaucarnea Recurvata – Ponytail Palm

This slow-growing, long-lived, attractive and intriguing specimen is an excellent choice for indoor gardeners in search of low maintenance houseplants. There’s no need for an experienced green thumb with the Ponytail Palm that thrives on neglect and requires very minimal care.

Truly an oddity with its large swollen base and long, grass-like leaves that cascade from the top like a ‘ponytail’, this native to Mexican deserts requires as much light as possible to grow happily – from very bright, filtered light to full sun. The Ponytail Palm can easily get through extended periods of drought with its thick trunk that stores water. With that in mind, pot it up in a loose, fast-draining medium, be extra vigilant with the watering can and allow it to dry well between each watering session. Humidity is not critical and average home temperatures are fine.

To completely eliminate all water woes, switch this excellent candidate to hydroculture. Wash the base well when transplanting to remove all traces of soil. The plant will experience some stress during the conversion; expect the loss of some leaves. Water roots appear fairly quickly, within the month.

If the two most important requirements – light and water - are met accordingly, your Ponytail Palm will add a unique touch to your home for many years.

Learn more: Growing A Ponytail


3) Cephalocereus Senilis - Old Man Cactus

Known as Old Man Cactus, this is one of the most popular and identifiable members of the cactus group. Aside from its charm, the fine hair that covers the entire fleshy, columnar body and hides the sharp spines serves an important purpose; it protects against the harsh desert sun, which is common to this plant’s native home.

Grow in a well-draining, highly-porous soil mix to prevent rot. During the active growing season, water thoroughly and then do not water again until the soil is completely dry. During the dormant period – late fall to early spring – keep almost completely dry; water enough to keep the plant from shriveling. Select the sunniest spot available, especially during the winter when the quality and quantity of light is reduced considerably by shorter, cloudier days. Ample sunshine keeps this unique cactus healthy and encourages hair growth.

Humidity is not critical; a drier environment is preferred. Provide warm temperatures (18°C - 29°C / 65°F - 85°F) during active growth and cooler ones (13°C - 16°C / 55°F - 60°F) during dormancy. Do not expose to temperatures below 10°C (50°F) for extended periods. Cephalocereus Senilis is one of the best performers in hydroculture. Transplant with great care to avoid being stabbed by the sharp spines. Conversion is rapid with no ill effects. Make sure the water level is always kept below the roots; let it dry completely before adding more water.

Learn more: Old Man Cactus


4) Cycas Revoluta – Sago Palm

These enduring plants tolerate neglect but thrive when given attention. Place your Sago in a location with very bright light throughout the entire year; it also adapts well to full sun, which is preferable. Don’t compromise this need. Without proper light they will not grow or leaves will become malformed. New growth usually occurs in the late spring or early summer with the plant typically putting out one whorl of new leaves per year.

Normal room temperatures that are comfortable for you are the best bet for your Sago. Humidity levels are not critical but moderate levels are good for both you and your plant. Feeding is seldom needed; slow-release granules or diluted liquid fertilizers are recommended. Fertilizing too often will damage the roots.

Choose a very well-draining potting mix, water well during the growing season and allow the soil to dry between each application. Decrease watering considerably during the winter. Be extremely careful with your watering habits. Over-watering is a Sago’s death sentence. Switch this plant to hydroculture and put an end to all water worries.

Learn More: Prehistoric Plants & Hydroculture


5) Euphorbia Milii - Crown Of Thorns

This adorable plant has thick, fleshy stems armed with numerous thorny ridges that support dark green, lance-shaped leaves and small, pretty flowers - in shades of red, pink, yellow or white - that bloom freely most of the year. The supposed ‘flowers’ are actually showy bracts (the actual bloom is in the center), but the ensemble is quite charming.

The Euphorbia Milii, attractive and easy to care for, can handle a substantial amount of neglect and keep on growing. Give it as much light as possible, water moderately from spring to summer and sparingly during the winter. Succulent stems allow it to be quite drought-tolerant, but if it’s severely under-watered, it will drop some (or all) of its leaves. On the other hand, constant over-watering will eventually kill it. Switch to hydroculture to eliminate water woes. Conversion is fairly rapid – 2 weeks to 1 month – and new growth, together with more blooms, will shoot out promptly.

Learn More: Crown-of-Thorns – Euphorbia Milii


6) Monstera Deliciosa – Swiss Cheese Plant

Monstera Deliciosa can tolerate a broad spectrum of light but bright, filtered sunshine is the preference; early morning eastern or late afternoon western sun is ideal. During the winter time, the plant will handle direct sunshine very well, mainly the morning sun. Although some sunshine is greatly appreciated, Monstera Deliciosa will also adapt easily to a shady location. Protect from summer midday sun.

Use a fast-draining, airy medium and keep it evenly moist but not soggy during the active growing season from spring to early fall. In the winter, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to dry completely. This is an excellent choice for the hydroculture system. Wash the roots free of soil and pot up in the clay medium. Conversion is quick and fairly painless; a leaf or two may be lost.

Humidity is not a major factor but reasonable levels between 40 – 50 percent are preferable. Temperatures of between 15ºC (59ºF) – 24ºC (75ºF) are handled easily; do not expose to levels below 13ºC (55ºF). Feed your plant every 2 – 4 weeks during the active growing season with a liquid fertilizer that has been diluted to ½ the recommended strength.

Learn more: Make Lots Of Room For A Monstera Deliciosa


7) Pachypodium Lamerei - Madagascar Palm

An unusual specimen with a thick, spiny trunk covered with thorns and leaves that form only at the top like a palm tree, this succulent is great for beginners with its undemanding nature. Snatch one up when it becomes available at a local greenhouse because, although quite popular, these beautiful plants are not always easy to find.

Grow in a porous, well-draining soil to avoid over-watering. During the summer, keep the plant slightly damp, never soggy; during the winter keep it almost dry. Provide as much light as possible, bright to full sun all year round. Feed every 3 – 4 weeks during the spring and summer seasons; do not feed during the winter months. Humidity is not an issue; the plant can tolerate dry air very well.

This palm-like oddity is an outstanding performer in hydroculture. If you decide to convert from soil to pellets, handle with great care when transplanting to avoid being stabbed by the long, needle-sharp thorns. Conversion is fairly quick; water roots may form anywhere within 2 – 4 weeks. There will be minimal leaf loss due to stress but it will be replaced by new growth in next to no time.

Learn more: Pachypodium Lamerei - Madagascar Palm


8) Sansevieria Trifasciata – Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue

With stiff, sword-shaped, marbled leaves that resemble snakeskin, the Sansevieria Trifasciata is so resilient and adaptable, it’s as close to indestructible as any plant can get. There are many Sansevierias to choose from – in tall and short form – but the Trifasciata is one of the most familiar and commonly-grown in homes and commercial settings.

Although its ability to survive in low light areas, scorching heat, dry air, extended periods between watering and months of neglect has earned it a reputation of robustness, it performs much better with proper care in a brighter location. This tolerant plant will thrive in a sunny and warm location all year round.

It is almost impossible to kill this plant; over-watering is the only thing that will ultimately defeat it. Use a fast-draining, highly-porous soil and water only when the medium dries out. Be extra vigilant with the watering can during the colder months when susceptibility to rot is high. Switch to hydroculture to eliminate all water woes; all snake plants are champion performers in this growing style, adopting the system effortlessly.

Learn more: Sansevieria Trifasciata – Easy Come, Easy Grow


9) Vriesea Splendens – Flaming Sword

This stylish, low-maintenance plant can handle some morning sun but does best when placed away from direct sunlight in a brightly lit spot. Average room temperatures between 15°C (60°F) to 24°C (75°F) are fine and humidity levels of 40 to 60 percent are preferable, but not easily attainable. Increase humidity by adding a humidifier near your plant or by placing it on a pebble tray.

Pot up your plant in a porous soil that drains well, water it when it dries out considerably and then water thoroughly. You can also water this Bromeliad exclusively through its funnel of leaves and eliminate the soil entirely by growing it attached to driftwood. Keep the tank (cup) filled with water, flush it every 1 – 2 months and refill with fresh water.

Convert to hydroculture; this plant is a prime candidate for the system. As an epiphyte, the Vriesea Splendens does not require any type of soil, making it a prime candidate for this alternative growing method. Conversion is very quick and completely painless – for you and the plant.

Learn more: Vriesea Splendens – Flaming Sword


10) Tillandsias – Air Plants

Commonly-referred to as ‘Air Plants’, Tillandsias are those adorable little bromeliads that you often see glued to seashells or ceramic pieces or magnetic thingamajigs. Despite their exotic and unusual looks, these pretty little things are remarkably easy to care for, especially the ones that are regularly available at local stores.

With over 500 (or over 650 – depending on who you ask) known species and new ones being discovered every year, Tillandsia is the largest and most extraordinary genus in the Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae) family of plants. Available in a large variety of sizes, shapes, textures and colours, there’s definitely something for every individual plant palette. In addition, the blooms that these plants display are just as distinct and interesting, lasting anywhere from a few days to as long as a year. Flowers come in shades of red, pink, blue, purple, white, yellow and orange.

There is a lot of information to share about their growing needs, so I’ve included the link to the Hydro Log specific to Tillandsias instead of writing a lengthy explanation here. Please visit: Good Things Come In Small Packages


So that’s ten plants that really love me. There are a few others that could have been included but I wanted to keep it at ten. Honourable mentions go to:

Schlumbergera Bridesii - Christmas Cactus

Zamioculcas Zamiifolia

Nematanthus Gregarius – Goldfish Plant

Neoregelia Carolinae Tricolor - Blushing Bromeliad

Peperomia Obtusifolia Variegata - Variegated Baby Rubber Plant

…amongst others.


In the future I may create a list of ‘Houseplants That Once Loved Me’, which will include a few plants that were good to me for a long time and then suddenly turned on me without good reason. This is something that houseplants do sometimes. Just because they can.

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