Complete Gardening
Houseplants bring life and vibrancy to our homes, but not all of them are easy to care for. If you’ve been struggling with certain finicky plants, it might be time to switch them out for some hardier, low-maintenance alternatives that can thrive in a variety of conditions.
In this blog post, we explore ten houseplants that often give owners a tough time, and suggest ten reliable alternatives that are sure to bring you joy instead of frustration.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is notorious for being high-maintenance with its demand for bright, indirect light and consistent watering. Many plant enthusiasts find it difficult to keep this plant happy due to its sensitivity to environmental changes.
Try Instead: Rubber Plant
The Rubber Plant is a fantastic alternative to the Fiddle Leaf Fig. It offers striking foliage without the fuss. Rubber Plants adapt to various light conditions and are much more forgiving when it comes to watering schedules. They’re perfect for those who love the look of large, bold leaves without the worry.
Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are beautiful but can be a headache to maintain. They require constant humidity and precise watering to prevent their delicate fronds from turning brown and crispy.
Try Instead: Bird’s Nest Fern
The Bird’s Nest Fern is a great replacement for the Boston Fern. It’s much more tolerant of dry air and less frequent watering, making it a breeze to care for. Its unique, upright leaves add a touch of the exotic to any space.
Orchid
Orchids are prized for their stunning flowers, but they’re not easy to grow. They demand specific light conditions, careful watering, and a precise temperature range, which can be daunting for beginners.
Try Instead: Peace Lily
For those who love the elegance of orchids without the trouble, the Peace Lily is an ideal choice. It adapts well to low light, is forgiving with watering, and even indicates its needs by drooping when thirsty, bouncing back beautifully once watered.
Bonsai Tree
Bonsai Trees are admired for their artful appearance, but they require meticulous care and attention. They need regular pruning, exact watering, and specific lighting to maintain their miniature form.
Try Instead: Jade Plant
The Jade Plant is a superb alternative to the Bonsai Tree. It’s a low-maintenance succulent that can handle neglect and still look lush. Simply place it in a sunny spot and enjoy its resilience.
Maidenhair Fern
While Maidenhair Ferns are beautiful, they’re quite fragile and need a consistently humid environment, which can be hard to achieve indoors.
Try Instead: ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant is incredibly tough, thriving in low light and with infrequent watering. It’s an excellent choice for those who want greenery without the constant upkeep. Its attractive, waxy leaves add style to any environment.
Croton
Crotons are known for their vibrant colors, but they can be finicky. They need consistent moisture and bright light to maintain their striking hues.
Try Instead: Snake Plant
Snake Plants are the perfect swap for Crotons. They are hardy, can survive in low light, and require minimal watering. Ideal for those who want a splash of green with little effort.
Azalea
Azaleas are stunning but can be difficult to care for indoors. They require specific soil, watering, and lighting conditions, often leading to frustration.
Try Instead: African Violet
African Violets offer the charm of Azaleas without the complexity. They’re easy to care for, flower frequently, and thrive in moderate light. A forgiving plant that rewards you with colorful blooms.
Gardenia
Gardenias have an alluring fragrance but are notoriously hard to keep alive indoors due to their need for high humidity and acidic soil.
Try Instead: Spider Plant
The Spider Plant is a robust alternative to Gardenias. It’s adaptable to a wide range of conditions, easy to propagate, and adds a lively feel with its arching leaves. A perfect choice for those seeking low-effort beauty.