Complete Gardening
Discover a unique way to nurture your indoor greenery with these 14 houseplants that thrive on just an ice cube for hydration.
Perfect for plant enthusiasts who seek simplicity, these varieties require minimal watering efforts, ensuring a healthy and vibrant home garden.
Each plant has its unique charm, from the elegant Phalaenopsis Orchid to the resilient ZZ Plant. Explore this method to maintain lush foliage without the hassle of frequent watering.
1. Phalaenopsis Orchids (Moth Orchids)
Phalaenopsis Orchids captivate with their graceful blooms. Often recommended for ice cube watering, these orchids flourish with minimal effort. Use one to three ice cubes weekly, depending on pot size, to maintain healthy roots. Their elegance makes them a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts. Known for their resilience, Phalaenopsis Orchids can brighten any room with color. Their blooms can last for months, providing a long-lasting display of natural beauty.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lilies are beloved for their graceful white blooms and air-purifying properties. They thrive in moist soil but dislike sogginess, making ice cubes perfect for controlled watering. Place one or two cubes weekly to prevent root rot. Their ability to tolerate low light makes them ideal for shady spots. Peace Lilies are symbols of tranquility and can add a serene touch to any home. They’re also effective in improving indoor air quality.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is a testament to low-maintenance elegance. With its glossy leaves and robust nature, it requires very little water. An ice cube every one to two weeks suffices, making it perfect for busy schedules. ZZ Plants are adaptable to various lighting conditions, from low to bright indirect light. This hardy plant symbolizes resilience and prosperity, thriving even in neglectful environments. Its air-purifying qualities add to its appeal.
4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, known for their vibrant trailing vines, are ideal for novice gardeners. This hardy plant tolerates irregular watering and thrives with minimal care. Just a couple of ice cubes weekly can sustain its growth. Pothos adapt well to different light conditions, making them versatile houseplants. Their lush foliage adds a touch of nature to indoors, while their easy-going nature attracts plant lovers. They can purify the air, adding to their charm.
5. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake Plants, with their striking upright leaves, are iconic in the world of houseplants. They need minimal water, as overwatering can be harmful. Try using one to two ice cubes every two weeks to keep them hydrated. Known for their adaptability, they thrive in low to bright indirect light. Snake Plants are not only visually appealing but also known for improving air quality. Their durability and unique appearance make them a popular choice.
6. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky Bamboo, often grown in water, symbolizes good fortune and flexibility. When grown in soil, ice cubes can ensure even moisture without waterlogging. This plant is adaptable to various lighting conditions. Its elegant stems are often shaped into fascinating forms, making them a decorative favorite. Known for their resilience, they bring a touch of zen to any setting. Despite the name, Lucky Bamboo is not a true bamboo but is cherished for its symbolism.
7. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plants are celebrated for their air-purifying abilities and easy care. They thrive on infrequent watering, making them perfect candidates for ice cube irrigation. Use two to three cubes weekly to maintain their lush appearance. Spider Plants prefer bright indirect light but tolerate lower light levels, making them versatile. Their cascading leaves and offshoots, known as ‘spiderettes,’ provide a dynamic visual interest that enlivens any room.
8. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The Cast Iron Plant is renowned for its toughness and low maintenance. It tolerates low light and inconsistent watering, thriving in conditions that challenge many other plants. An occasional ice cube is sufficient to avoid waterlogging. Its deep green foliage adds a rich hue to indoor spaces. Known for its resilience, the Cast Iron Plant is ideal for those new to gardening. Its ability to withstand neglect makes it a trusted favorite.
9. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreens boast vibrant foliage with a soothing visual appeal. They prefer evenly moist soil, and ice cubes provide slow absorption, preventing soggy roots. This plant thrives in low to moderate light conditions, making it a versatile choice for indoors. Known for their adaptability, Chinese Evergreens are perfect for adding a pop of color to any room. Their air-purifying properties enhance indoor environments, promoting a healthier living space.
10. Anthurium
Anthuriums are cherished for their vibrant spathes and glossy foliage. They prefer humidity and light moisture, making one or two ice cubes weekly ideal for maintaining their conditions. These exotic plants thrive in bright indirect light, adding a tropical touch to interiors. Known for their long-lasting blooms, Anthuriums are symbols of hospitality and happiness. Their striking appearance makes them a stunning centerpiece in any indoor garden.
11. Peperomia
Peperomias are diverse, with thick leaves that efficiently retain water. These charming plants thrive with just one small ice cube per week, making them ideal for those who forget regular watering. Their compact size and varied leaf textures make them attractive additions to any space. Peperomias prefer bright indirect light but can adapt to lower light. Their easygoing nature and unique foliage patterns delight plant lovers and collectors alike.
12. Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf Philodendrons are beloved for their trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. Easy-care and forgiving, these plants thrive in various light conditions. One or two ice cubes weekly can sustain them, depending on light and humidity. They adapt well to indoor environments, making them popular choices for hanging baskets. Their lush greenery adds warmth to any space, while their air-purifying qualities enhance living areas. Heartleaf Philodendrons are easy to propagate, sharing their beauty effortlessly.
13. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Dieffenbachias are known for their striking foliage and robust growth. They enjoy consistent moisture without excess, making ice cubes a wise choice for watering. Place them in indirect light for optimal growth. Their broad, patterned leaves add visual interest to any interior. Dieffenbachias are popular for their lush appearance and are well-suited to indoor settings. However, they should be kept out of reach of pets and children due to their sap’s toxicity.
14. Calathea
Calatheas are admired for their beautiful leaf patterns and vibrant colors. They prefer moist soil and are sensitive to water quality, so using distilled or filtered water in ice cube form is ideal. These plants enjoy indirect light and high humidity, making them perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. Calatheas are known for their ‘prayer plant’ leaves that move up and down with the light. Their unique characteristics make them a standout choice for plant enthusiasts.