13 Houseplants That Are More Likely to Die Than Thrive—But People Keep Buying
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Breathe a little bit of nature into any space with houseplants, whether it’s a busy office or a less busy apartment corner. But here’s the catch: There are some plants that are finicky little divas that require a five star environment to survive. It’s not that the people who buy these plants want to, but many people repeatedly buy the same plants that just won’t survive in their homes. These high maintenance plants just keep popping up in shopping carts and then get thrown on the compost heap weeks later for same reason.
Why do we keep falling for them when they are so fragile? The sad fact is, they’re irresistible! With glossy leaves, unique textures, and vibrant colors, they promise aesthetic upgrade. These plants may be as fickle as they are beautiful, but they are beautiful. If you’re a serial plant buyer with a black thumb, here are the plants that are probably going to break your heart.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Glossy leaves and its tall stature have made the fiddle leaf fig an interior design world storm. It’s also the plant most likely to get all up in your face if the conditions aren’t perfect, and unfortunately … Fiddle leaf fig needs lots of bright, indirect sunlight, regular watering, but not too much, and steady warmth. It’s like trying to take care of a pet that doesn’t let you know it’s unhappy until it’s too late. This one is going to drop leaves faster than you can say ‘fiddle,’ a slight chill or draft.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are so tropical looking that they look like they just stepped out of a tropical rainforest, and that’s exactly the kind of environment they need to thrive. The name of the game here is humidity and these ferns will crisp up at the edges like a burnt piece of toast if they don’t have it. In addition to needing regular misting, they also like indirect light and a consistent moisture. But the Boston fern won’t last long unless your home feels like a greenhouse.
Orchid
Often found in spas and hotels, orchids are a classic choice. But it’s like playing a guessing game trying to keep one alive at home. They have specific temperatures, light, humidity levels, and a specific watering routine. People either drown their orchids or let them dry out. When their delicate flowers drop, it can be months or years before you see blooms again, if they ever do.
English Ivy
They are surprisingly hard to keep under control indoors, yet the lush, cascading vines of English ivy are so tempting. English ivy is happy with indirect light and cool, moist environments, but warm, dry interiors may be its undoing. It’s also prone to pests like spider mites that can be tough to get rid of once they move in. Ivy will grow in the right conditions but getting there can be a challenge that many home environments simply can’t achieve.
Jasmine
Jasmine can offer up its scent, and fill a room up to smelling amazing. But this plant is very particular about what it needs though. Jasmine likes to be in bright light and cool, humid conditions. Without these, it often sulk by dropping leaves and flowers, leaving you with a mess instead of a nice scent. Keeping jasmine happy for most indoor spaces is like a never ending balancing act.
Maidenhair Fern
The maidenhair fern with its delicate, lace leaf is a stunner. Don’t be fooled by its beauty, it’s one of the fussiest plants around. And it requires shade, moist soil and high humidity, which can be tough to come by indoors. The leaves will simply wither and fall off faster than you can water it if the soil dries out even for a short time. Once dried out, there’s almost no chance of reviving it.
Alocasia
The African mask plant (also known as Alocasia ) is loved for its dramatic foliage. But it’s notorious as a picky houseplant. High humidity, consistent moisture and indirect light are needed. If it doesn’t get these ideal growing conditions, it can develop brown spots or even begin to lose leaves. But if your alocasia isn’t happy, it will let you know, but it usually won’t bounce back, even with extra attention.
Calathea
Plant lovers are just drawn to calatheas with their beautiful patterned leaves. These beauties, however, are super finicky. Calatheas do not like dry air or low light and will quickly begin to develop brown edges or lose their beautiful patterns without proper care. As high maintenance roommates, they need regular misting and moist soil. If you don’t have a lot of patience or a humidifier, a calathea can be more stress than it’s worth.
Gardenia
Sweetly scented flowers are what gardenias are known for, but they are also incredibly difficult. Although they bloom only in acidic soil, high humidity, and bright, indirect light, they are easy to grow. Their buds are incredibly frustrating for those trying to enjoy their fragrance, as even slight shifts in temperature can cause them to drop. Outdoors, gardenias do much better, getting the conditions they crave.
Croton
Crotons have a reputation as divas, but they are eye catching with their multi colored leaves. Bright indirect light and lots of humidity are what these plants require. They’ll start shedding their leaves dramatically if there is any change in their environment. Crotons are also sensitive to drafts, so finding the perfect spot in a home is a bit of a chore.
Polka Dot Plant
This cute speckled plant makes any space feel a little playful. It’s not the easiest to care for indoors, however. According to The Spruce, bright, indirect light and a consistent watering schedule are what polka dot plants need. Their vibrant colors will fade if they don’t get enough light, and if they’re overwatered or underwatered, they’ll lose their charm very quickly. They’re also notorious for getting leggy, and at that point they can look a little bit worse for wear.
Venus Flytrap
The Venus flytrap is a favorite for its carnivorous habits and unusual appearance, but it is a tricky plant to keep alive. It requires particular soil, distilled water, and a lot of direct sunlight. According to Research Guides, it also has a dormancy period, during which it requires less care, most people don’t realize. Without these conditions, the Venus flytrap often dies, and if you’re anything like me, you aren’t equipped to provide what it needs.
Azalea
Indoor azaleas are gorgeous when they’re in bloom but not so much when they’re not. They’re temperamental, they need cool temperatures, bright light, acidic soil, and are difficult to keep indoors. Without these conditions, azaleas will quickly weaken and lose their luster. They’re beautiful, but they’re also fleeting, and for many plant owners, they’re a one night stand, not a long term relationship.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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