High-Maintenance Plants for Adventurous Indoor Gardeners

Many amateur gardeners love low-maintenance plants since you don’t need to have a green thumb to keep them alive. But what about the experienced gardeners? Well, they prefer more challenging plants, high-maintenance plants.
Something that requires a bit more effort so they can fully dedicate themselves to their indoor garden. Do you think that you can rise to a challenge?
If the answer is yes, then check out this list of the hardest plants to grow.

4 High-Maintenance Plants for Adventurous Gardeners

1. Triostar Stromanthe

Triostar Stromanthe

If you prefer tropical-looking plants, then Triostar Stromanthe is a great choice.

This plant belongs to the prayer family, and many compare this species with Calathea plants (which are just as difficult to grow).

The native area of Triostar Stromanthe is South America – to be more specific, it can be found in the jungles of the Amazon.

You will recognize the plant by its foliage – long leaves that are dark green with pink edges and stripes.

Because of its gorgeous leaves, it is an amazing décor piece, especially in dark rooms.

As said, the plant has adapted to the climate of Amazon jungles, and recreating these conditions is challenging. Thus, it is a high-maintenance plant and a real challenge.

You will have to carefully choose the right place for the plant – it can’t stay in shade, but it will burn in direct sunlight. Choose a spot that is well-light, and gets indirect light.

Every week, turn the plant by 90 degrees, so leaves get equal exposure to sun rays.

When it comes to growing mix, it should contain substances that allow good drainage. However, the plant doesn’t tolerate drought. The soil should always be evenly saturated, and upon getting the plant, you should quickly establish the watering schedule.

Since the tropical climate is highly humid, it is best to keep the plant in the bathroom or kitchen. You can also boost air humidity with humidifiers or mist the air around it.

Triostar Stromanthe is a flowering plant, but to make it bloom, you will have to feed the plant – go for either a diluted fertilizer or an organic one.

2. Zebra plant

Aphelandra squarrosa

The scientific name of the Zebra plant is Aphelandra squarrosa. It is from the Acanthaceae family and is one of the most high-maintenance plants there are.

Why? Well, because recreating conditions from its natural habitat is difficult.

This plant grows in the forests of Brazil, where the climate is quite specific.

It has large foliage, which is dark green with white stripes (hence the name Zebra plant), and if some of the conditions aren’t met, those large leaves immediately drop.

The plant will require your time and attention to thrive and bloom. If you are a professional indoor gardener, with the proper equipment and knowledge, you might get to see its stunning yellow flowers.

Firstly, the plant will need plenty of sunlight. However, it can’t be direct, because it might cause sunburn. The more light the plant receives, the higher the chances of it developing flowers.

Many gardeners use artificial light sources to promote the growth and blooming of this plant.

Secondly, the Zebra plant is sensitive to both overwatering and lack of water. Soggy soil will cause rotting of roots and death of the plant, while drought will negatively impact its health as well.

By regularly checking the soil, and keeping it evenly moist, the plant will thrive.

Last but not least – keep the temperature around 20 degrees Celsius and air humidity high.

2. Poinsettia

Poinsettia

Poinsettia is one of the most famous high-maintenance plants – it is a part of Christmas decorations, so when December starts, you can see it everywhere you go.

Many mistakes in the stunning foliage of this plant for flowers. This isn’t a flowering plant, but because it has massive and vividly red leaves, it is a stunning décor plant.

However, many quickly replace it for a species that is easier to care for.

Poinsettia or Euphorbia pulcherrima grows in Mexico. It may not seem like a tropical plant at first glance, but it is.

If you want to grow Poinsettia in your home, you will have to meet several requirements, so do your homework before buying it.

Typically, tropical plants prefer shade, since they are always in the shadow of some other plant. However, Poinsettia loves direct sunlight – if you have a window that is facing east or west, place it on a window sill. The more light it receives, the more vivid will the color of the leaves be.

Cold temperatures, below 15 Celsius degrees can severely damage the plant. You can see whether the conditions are satisfactory by leaves – they will drop if the temperature is too low.

Also, during winter, when the air is drier, place a humidifier near the plant – without this boost, the plant won’t survive those colder months.

4. Eastern Lily

Eastern lily

This list of delicate plants has to have one of the hardest flowers to grow – the Eastern Lily.

This plant naturally grows in Japan and it was referred to as White Gold.

Like Poinsettia, it is a holiday plant, so you are probably familiar with its looks.

Easter lily is called trumped lily because of the shape of its blossoms.

It starts flowering during late spring and blossoms throughout the entire summer.

If you have any pets, keep them away from the plant, since it is toxic (especially to cats).

This flower is quite adaptable to outdoor conditions, but the same rule doesn’t apply when it is placed in a pot and kept inside.

Certain things the plant tolerates outside, such as wind, won’t stand inside and a slight drought can damage it.

Let’s get familiar with some of the general requirements – First, you should use a potting mix that has plenty of humus. Sandy growing mixes are the best option. The soil needs to be well-drained, and use pots with holes on the bottom.

You will also have to establish a good watering plan – check the soil frequently, to see whether it is still moist. It shouldn’t get dry, since the plant won’t tolerate the absence of water.

When it comes to temperature, Eastern Lily can tolerate lower temperatures – if you want it to bloom, expose it to lower temperatures for about two months. Also, it will adapt to both dry and humid air.

Whether you want to buy, sell or simply reach out to other plant enthusiasts, Plantly is the right place to be!

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