PLANTS FOR PEOPLE WHO KILL PLANTS

We’ve always been asked about plants for people who manage to kill plants accidentally. Having sorted out plants that survive even when they’re not managed properly, here is a capsule list of plants for people who find it impossible to keep plants alive. If these folks provide the minimum basics, these plants will grow. Here is the list from which to choose:

• Asparagus Fern. Does well most places in the home, but avoid direct sun at all times. Keep the soil lightly moist at all times. Feed monthly from January to September.
• Chinese Evergreen. In average homes, even with poor light, this plant is a standout. Even in a north window year-round, it will thrive. Keep the soil lightly moist, fertilize when the seasons change.
• Cast-Iron Plant. Great plant for a north window, otherwise east or west without sun on the foliage. Keep the soil lightly moist year-round. Fertilize monthly from February to September.
• Corn Plant. More often called the "dracaena," the plant does well in east, north and west windows. Keep the soil lightly moist year-round. Feed monthly March through October.
• Devil’s Ivy. Also called "pothos," the plant does best in bright, indirect light, never full sun. Watering once a week is fine. Plant grows year-round, so fertilize monthly.
• Dumbcane Plant. Sometimes called "dieffenbachia," this plant shouldn’t be grown around young children because they could touch the leaves and get sick. Otherwise, provide bright light, but no direct sun. Let the soil dry between waterings. Fertilize monthly in June, July, August and September, otherwise every three months.
• Jade Plant. These plants live to a ripe, old age. Best to grow in bright, indirect light, never full sun. Watering once a week year-round is good. Fertilize with a cactus fertilizer when the seasons change.
• Philodendron. Provide bright light year-round, some full sun over the winter. Let soil dry between waterings, generally every week. Fertilize every other month year-round.
• Rubber Plant. Plant performs best with bright, indirect light, never full sun. Water every 9-12 days when soil has dried thoroughly. Fertilize year-round when the seasons change.
• Snake Plant. Plant loves medium-to-bright indirect light, never sun. Water every two weeks from December to early March, every 10 days at other times. Fertilize monthly only from March to Halloween.
• Wandering Jew. Plant takes bright, indirect light, never full sun. Let the soil dry, so you water every week or so. Fertilize every other month, February to November.
• Weeping Fig. Plant takes medium-to-bright indirect light year-round, never full sun. Don’t move to less light, otherwise plant will drop 90 percent of its leaves. Water every two weeks year-round. Fertilize every other month March to Thanksgiving.