If you’re a busy dad, you know that it can be tough to keep up with watering plants and keeping them alive. But did you know that there are actually a few plants that are pretty tolerant of neglect? Check out our list of the top 5 plants that busy dads can keep alive without too much effort.

“The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” -John Steinbeck

Our guide today is Michelle Wilde from “The Indoor Plants Channel”. Michelle is passionate about plants (and their benefits!) and will guide us today on the top five indoor plants for busy dads that can take some neglect and punishing.

Top 5 Easiest Houseplants To Keep Alive

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a plant that is easy to take care of. It does not require a lot of water or sunlight to survive. The plant can also help to purify the air in your home. Aloe vera is a succulent plant, which means that it stores water in its leaves. This plant is native to Africa, but it can also be found in other parts of the world.

Aloe vera has many uses. The plant can be used to treat burns, cuts, and other skin conditions. The plant can also be used as a laxative. Aloe vera juice is also believed to have some health benefits.

Aloe vera is a succulent plant, which means it stores water in its leaves. This makes it very easy to care for, as it doesn't need to be watered very often. In fact, you should only water it when the soil is dry to the touch. It's also important to give aloe vera plants some sunlight. However, don't place it in direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves.

2. Snake plant

Snake plants are very easy to care for. They are tolerant of a wide range of conditions and can even survive periods of neglect. The key to success with snake plants is to allow them to dry out between waterings. They will tolerate low light levels, but will grow best in bright, indirect light.

3. Pothos

Pothos plants are very easy to care for. They are very versatile and can be grown in a wide variety of conditions. They are also very tolerant of neglect and can survive in low light and low humidity conditions. Overall, pothos plants are easy to care for and make an excellent choice for both busy dads and experienced gardeners alike.

4. Philodendron

Philodendron is a large genus of flowering plants in the Araceae family. The easiest way to care for a philodendron is to allow it to climb. When given the opportunity to climb, philodendrons will develop strong aerial roots that help support the plant as it grows. When provided with a trellis or other support, these plants will quickly cover it with their lush, green foliage. Philodendrons are generally easy to care for and require little attention once they are established.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to keep your plant healthy and happy.

First, philodendrons like to be in bright, indirect light. If the leaves of your plant start to turn yellow, it is getting too much light. Move it to a location with less sun.

Second, water your philodendron when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering is the number one cause of death for these plants, so be sure to let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

Lastly, fertilize your plant every other month with a balanced fertilizer to keep it growing strong.

5. Dracaena

Dracaena plants are among the easiest houseplants to care for. They are very tolerant of low light and irregular watering, making them ideal for busy people or those with less than ideal conditions for growing plants. While they do best in bright, indirect light, they will also tolerate low light and can even thrive in fluorescent light.

Water your Dracaena when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Allow the water to drain through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot, and then empty any excess water from the saucer.

Fertilize your plant every two to four weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Dracaena plants are not heavy feeders, so you should not need to fertilize more than every four weeks.

Container Gardening For Houseplants

One of the great things about houseplants is that they can be grown in containers. This is perfect for busy dads who may not have a lot of time to tend to their plants on a regular basis. Container gardening also allows you to control the environment your plants are in, which can be helpful if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions.

Here are a few tips for successful container gardening of houseplants:

1. Choose the right container. The container you choose should be large enough to accommodate the roots of your plant, and should have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

2. Use the right type of soil. Houseplants need a light, well-draining soil. You can purchase a special potting mix for houseplants, or make your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.

3. Water regularly. Houseplants need to be watered regularly, but be sure not to overwater them. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.

4. Fertilize regularly. Houseplants need to be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season. Use a water-soluble fertilizer and follow the directions on the package.

5. Provide adequate light. Most houseplants need bright, indirect light to thrive. If you are unsure about the light needs of your particular plant, ask your local nursery or garden center for guidance.

Bonus Tip

My top tip for easy maintenance indoor plants for dads is to choose plants that are low-maintenance and easy to care for. Some good options include succulents, cacti, or air plants. These types of plants require minimal watering and can thrive in a variety of environments.

Conclusion

These 5 plants are great for busy dads because they come back year after year with little to no care. So if you’re a busy dad, and don’t have a lot of time for gardening, consider planting some of these tough, neglect-tolerant plants. Your garden will thank you for it!

About the Author

Michelle Wilde is a stay-at-home mom and avid plant lover. Armed with a postgraduate degree in Computer Science (no kidding!), she loves researching plants and landscapes. When she is not caring for her 4 kids, she spends time on her passion for plants. She blogs at “The Indoor Plants Channel”, the trusted source for indoor plants.

5 Plants That Tolerate Neglect (Perfect For Busy Dads!)