You want to make your home an Urbane Jungle, with a touch of green to soothe your eyes and relax your mind. Then, you remind yourself that you are a not a green thumb and past history tells you that most of your plants do not survive. This happens to most of us when the wrong plants are chosen. So, even if you are the laziest gardener out there, when it comes to having the healthiest looking indoor plants, here is a list of six indoor plants which will thrive!

1. Aspidistra (Aspidistra Elatior)

Known as the Cast Iron plant, the Aspidistra is a tough foliage plant perfect for your Urban Jungle. It brings with it the vibes of the tropics yet has been a favourite since the Victorian era. Its dark green leaves grow well in cooler areas and are generally 30 – 60mm tall. Moreover, as it is completely capable of dealing with unnatural situations like low light or murky surroundings or even poor air circulation. It is virtually indestructible.

2. Sansevieria (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Futura Superba’)

Also called snake plant or popularly ‘mother-in-law’s tongue’, this spiky looking indoor plant puts up with any environmental condition you can dish out. It protrudes as a sturdy and bold looking plant and requires very low maintenance. This plant can tolerate low humidity, low light and low water.

This fascinating plant has almost 70 varieties! Some of the notable indoor ones are –

• The ‘superba’ possesses broader leaves and is a bit shorter in height with yellow edging.
• The ‘golden hahnii’ has shiny gold edges coupled with light green centre shades and appears more waxy.
• Intermedia can be standard size or rosettes and are adorned with wonderful leaf patterns.

3. Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

A perfect plant to fit in your houseplant category! This plant can handle low light, needs low water, tolerates drought and can also cope with negligence. Hailing from eastern Africa, it belongs to the Araceae clan and has often been called a ‘clean air plant’.

It proves perfect especially for spaces where it is allowed to ‘spread its wings’, although it can be clipped to make sure it remains just right for any space, small or large. Keep this one dusted so the foliage is able to show off it’s wonderful shine.

4. Pothos Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)

The Pothos Ivy comes in a wide variety of colours and leaf patterns and can be found easily at reasonable prices. It has three main varieties. “Golden Pothos”, the “Neon Pothos” and the “Marble Queen”. They will live for a long time, without the need for high light. In fact, the more light they have, the more water they will need, so keeping them away from strong light (window or artificial) will be easier to maintain. Their colour will change into a dark greenish shade with less light.

Lack of air flow does not affect them much, and thus, they thrive in indoor spaces. If they are allowed to trail too far, they will lose their foliage at the base which can make them look ‘stingy’ so keep them trimmed to ensure a more lush look. A hanging basket is perfect. Overwatering can make them ‘cry’ as the plant will actually suck-up water so quickly, they will drip from the ends of their leaves!

5. Janet Craig (Dracaena fragrans)

Janet is well worth getting to know. Why? Because, although tropical by nature, she adapts beautifully to any home conditions. The Janet Craig poses as a remarkable floor plant and will live well in almost any surroundings.

Its dark green cluster of strappy foliage is naturally shiny and lush, and its cane-like stem structure can also be propagated easily without the need for roots. Because of their upright form, they can be dust-catchers. Keep the leaves clean by simply wiping them off with a damp cloth.

6. Deremensis (Dracaena fragrans)

A strappy leaved plant that can be grown in almost every household, this friendly plant will be around for a long time. They can easily survive in dim light situations. However, a brighter area will make them last longer. They are essentially tropical beauties who show great resistance to diseases and can highlight any corner of your house.

The Lemon/Lime variety are spectacular but will require much higher lighting if they are to keep their beautiful bright yellow and lime foliage. This will mean the plant requires more water than the standard variety, but they are still very easy to maintain.

So, now that you know about these beautiful 6 indoor plants, start your own Urban Jungle and bring life to your home with almost no effort at all!