Mumsnet Talk

Hello,

I'm thinking of getting some houseplants in 2012 - I have NONE at the moment!

I need types that are easy to grow (not too big though), and are easy to maintain (no bonsai here!!), and that look colourful a lot of the time.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks.

Cacti are low maintenance and some flower?

Spider plants are nigh on impossible to kill and you can plant the babies so you end up with more. They have bright green leaves, the flowers are fairly small and white though.

I had Spider Plants as a child - I did really well with them, so I'll definitely get some of those.

Does anyone know about Peace Lily's? Are they easy to look after?
And Orchids?

I did think about Cacti, but I have a 3 year old, so maybe not too wise!

Thanks

Peace Lily did really well in my bathroom. Not sure if that was a fluke or not but maybe the moisture and lack of direct sunlight made it thrive?
Just check re peace lily and spider plant as I think they may be poisonous (just thinking if your 3 year old is curious and puts things in mouth)

A lot of succulents are as easy as cacti, but without the spikes!

Your 3 year old might like to grow coleus from seed. Really easy, and very colourful leaves.

I always have a phaleanopsis orchid in my bathroom; they usually last about 3 months. You're supposed to be able to get them to reflower, but I've never managed it, I just get a new one. You can get them in all sorts of colours and they are pretty cheap in Tesco.

Oh yes, orchids. I've had my phaelanopsis reflower a few times but I need to repot them again. There are other kinds that are easier to get to flower.

I've thought of another one, I can't remember what it's called but I'm sure someone will know. It has leaves that are similar to polyanthus and it has a 5-petalled purple flower on a stalk. V easy to look after and take cuttings from. My mum has told me several billion times what it is called and I always forget. Anyone?

Amyrillis are dead easy to keep but they only do it once a year AFAIK.

African violet, EauRouge?

Thanks Rusty, it's not that one. I couldn't rest until I'd googled it- streptocarpus.

Try gem, it's unkillable.

Well that didn't work. Google Zanzibar Gem for an unkillable indoor plant.