If you’re like me, you struggle to keep any plant alive no matter how hard you try. Even if it claims to be the most resilient plant, I still found a way to kill it in about 3 days or less. Well, fear not, fellow plant killers! This year, I made it my mission to become a plant whisperer, one way or another. After shedding a tear or two over my failed attempts with two string of pearl plants that never survived (sobs), having known that they were a difficult plant to take care of, I embarked on a journey of serious research. My mission: to discover plants that are not only adorable but also beginner-friendly.

So if you are looking for recommendations, below are 10 plants that are suitable for beginners.

For owners with cats or dogs, I have also listed for each plant whether or not they are safe for your household. 

Echeveria Succulents
These succulents produce stunning rosettes with plump leaves that can come in a wide variety of colors. And they are fairly low maintenance.

They like lots of bright light, though direct afternoon sun can burn the leaves. And they need well-draining soil.

Water when the soil has mostly dried out.

Pet Safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Snake Plant

They like plenty of light, but they can handle less if necessary. And they are not too particular about watering, as long as it is not too much.

Water it once a week during the spring and summer and only once every two to three weeks during the fall and winter.

Pet Safety: Toxic to cats and dogs.

Money Tree

Needing only medium to low light, this plant can pretty much take care of itself. The money plant produces offshoots that sprout from the the stem’s base, which means you get free new money plants!

Water your money tree once every one to two weeks. Always check the soil and water the plant thoroughly if the soil feels dry. 

Pet Safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Jade Plant

It features deep green, oval leaves on woody stems. It’s a relatively hands-off plant, just make sure it has bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

Water more frequently in the spring and summer than the fall and winter, making sure the soil is never soggy.

Pet Safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Holiday Cactus

The holiday cactus is beloved for its bright blooms that appear in the late fall and early winter. It is actually a rainforest plant, meaning it needs more water than desert cacti.

Water when the soil is dry about 2 inches down. It’s also not picky about its soil, as long as it has good drainage. And it does well if you have a window with bright, indirect light.

Pet Safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Ah spring, that time of the year that many of us look forward to for many reasons.  Spring signifies new beginnings, longer days, and no longer having to leave home wearing layers upon layers of clothing.

That’s right, spring is also prime time for allergies!

Allergies are caused by an “overreaction of the immune system to certain substances or environmental triggers, such as pollen and dust mites.” Allergic Rhinitis, of which the seasonal type is called hay fever, is a type of inflammation in the nose that occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air.  Signs and symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, red, itchy, and watery eyes, and swelling around the eyes.

For many, the path to relief begins with the rattle of a pill bottle — and that’s perfectly OK.

But there are other, more natural options that may be worth a try.

Below are some herbs, foods, and other natural remedies that could help lessen your seasonal allergies.* You don’t have to wait until you start to get symptoms to start taking these; The sooner you take them, the more your body will be prepared.

*If you have an underlying condition, taking other medications or herbal medicines, it is always best to talk to your healthcare provider before.

Stinging Nettle

 Nettle leaf not contains natural antihistamines, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching.

Butterbur

Butterbur extract contains petasins. Petasins could help with allergies by inhibiting leukotriene production. Leukotrienes cause inflammation and constricting of the airway muscles. It can also cause the body to produce excess mucus and fluid.

Licorice Root

Licorice Root has the ability to reduce inflammation and improve the mucous membrane health.

Yerba Santa

Yerba Santa is useful in clearing out the mucus caused by allergies and ridding the body of perpetually congested sinuses.

Ginger Root

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it been known to work against allergies. A 2016 animal study showed ginger suppressed production of certain cytokines that cause mast cell activation, thereby leading to prevention and alleviation of allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Turmeric Root

The active component of turmeric is curcumin, a polyphenolic phytochemical, with anti-inflammatory, antiamyloid, antiseptic, antitumor, and antioxidative properties. Curcumin was reported to have antiallergic properties with inhibitory effect on histamine release from mast cells.

Local Honey

Consuming small amounts of honey from the same area you live in can assist with boosting your body’s capacity to handle allergens present in the atmosphere.

Other Remedies

Nasal Rinses

Rinsing directly flushes out mucus and allergens from your nose. Studies have shown that Nasal irrigation as an adjunctive treatment in allergic rhinitis.

Foods high in Quercetin

Quercetin calms immune cells, preventing or reducing their release of histamines-the substances that cause allergy symptoms.

Here is a list of 100 Foods high in Quercetin.

Homeopathic Medicines

Homeopathy, also called homeopathic medicine, is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that uses very small amounts of natural substances. Homeopathic products are often made as sugar pellets to be placed under the tongue; they may also be in other forms, such as ointments, gels, drops, creams, and tablets.

Here are a few homeopathic medicines that could help alleviate seasonal allergies:

Allium Cepa

Euphrasia Officinalis

Histaminum Hydrochloricum

Galphimia Glauca

Natrum Muriaticum

Find all of these natural remedies available at the Co-op!