I was chatting with a guy on an interior design sub who is putting together his first apartment. He initially planned to use fake plants, but I encouraged him to go for real ones since I recommended several easy-to-care-for plants like English Ivy, Peace Lily, Snake Plant, String of Pearls, Rubber Tree, a few small succulents, and maybe even a Monstera. However, after doing some research, I'm now worried that I might be overwhelming him. I'm reading about how challenging it can be to keep any plant alive, and I don't want him to spend money on plants that might die and blame me for it. I'm thinking of suggesting he start with just one plant and take it slow, but I would really appreciate it if anyone has a simple guide or tips on basic houseplant care that could apply to even the hardiest plants. I just want to make sure I'm not steering him wrong and ruining his experience with plants—he deserves to enjoy it!
3 Answers
Honestly, real plants can be tricky! English Ivy can be tough indoors; many find it hard to grow. Same goes for String of Pearls—they're beautiful but not exactly beginner-friendly. If your friend has good light and the time to care for them, he might do okay, but succulents especially need strong indirect light. If he’s just using them as decorations without knowing light conditions, they might not thrive. I'd definitely suggest starting with just one plant. Start easy—Pothos are great because they're forgiving, and they can look fantastic!
I think it really comes down to whether he’s ready for the commitment. If he’s not sure about taking care of live plants, maybe he should stick with the fakes. Just because a plant is labeled 'easy' doesn't mean it won’t have specific needs. Snake Plants can die very slowly if overwatered or placed in low light despite their reputation. Maybe he should pick plants he genuinely likes rather than just what’s easy. I started with a Monstera, and it's been a nice journey—it can handle a bit of neglect!
You’re not ruining his life! It’s good to make suggestions, but if he wants fake plants, let him go for it. Everyone has different preferences and lifestyles. Just remember that there isn’t such a thing as an unkillable plant. Even snake plants can struggle without the right care. Maybe encourage him to start with what he really likes, and if that means fake plants for now, that’s okay too!
Yeah! As long as he's happy with what he’s got, that’s what matters. Plus, he can always transition to real plants later on if he feels confident!