02/11/2025

ON SUNDAY November 2, 2025 theSunday Special IX

Plants you can’t kill even if you tried BY HANNEF ESQUANDER

Compared to plants like

the snake plant or pothos, Oxalis can be slightly more sensitive.”

Ezra

Aloe vera, known as the ‘miracle plant’, has been used for its healing properties since ancient times. Native to northern Africa, it is the most popular of over 400 aloe species. Loved for its soothing gel and ease of care, aloe is a favourite among succulent fans. This slow-growing, spiky-leaved suc culent thrives in bright indirect light and needs water only when the soil is dry. Ideal as a houseplant, it can also be grown outdoors in warm climates. Larger plants Once you have gained enough con fidence with these plants to move up to the next level, Ezra Hakimi, a plant enthusiast and hobbyist, has just the right plant to recommend. One of the easiest plants to care for in his garden is Oxalis triangularis , commonly known as purple shamrock. It is a gorgeous plant with triangle-shaped leaves that open during the day and close at night, almost as if it’s alive and has its own routine. It He said: “It is relatively easy to care for if it gets enough light. Compared to plants like the snake plant or pothos, Oxalis can be slightly more sensitive, as it prefers bright, indirect light, regular watering and may go dormant. But seeing replanted. Despite its healing properties, Aloe vera is toxic for house pets.

stylish choice for any indoor space. Its tall, upright leaves with striking green patterns make it a bold addition to any room. It thrives in bright indirect light or low light with fortnightly watering. Another plant that requires a lot of ef fort to kill is Epipremnum aureum , better known as pothos. This hardy trailing vine gets its nickname from its ability to thrive in low light and survive both under- and overwatering. It is best to water it only when the soil is completely dry, making it an easy-care choice for beginners or those who are not committed. Beyond the classic green pothos, vari of colour with their green and yellow leaves. As with many houseplants, keep it out of reach of pets. The rubber plant is known for its glossy, dark green leaves often tinged with pinkish-red accents. It will add a bold touch to any indoor space. It does well in bright indirect light but can also adapt to lower light conditions. Watering should be done about once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Like many popular houseplants, the rubber plant is toxic and best kept out of reach of curious pets.

S TILL thinking about all the innocent plants that you have killed in the past years? The guilt may still haunt you, but giving up is not part of the plan, because you have learnt from your mistakes and know exactly what to do. Let’s start with choosing the right plant that can survive in your space and thrive along with your busy lifestyle. You may have already made mistakes with the orchids and succulents. This time, you are fully aware that you do not always have the time to repot and your frequent work trips demand houseplants that will still be happy to see you (and still alive) when you return. Consider the ZZ plant if you have a re known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia , this plant hails from East Africa and is often dubbed the king of the indestructible plants. It is very resilient, able to survive common houseplant challenges such as drought, low light and low humidity. This makes it a popular choice for both beginner and busy plant owners. The ZZ plant thrives in medium to bright indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions. Here is the good news – it only needs watering every two to three weeks indoors. Slightly more frequent watering is required if it is placed in bright sunlight. However, pet owners should be cautious as this plant is toxic to cats and dogs. The snake plant, also known as mother in-law’s tongue, is well-known for its immortality. It is almost impossible to kill a snake plant. This slow-growing plant is perfect for beginners or anyone who tends to forget about their houseplants. With its air-purifying qualities and minimal care needs, the snake plant is a tough,

A loe vera is loved for both its healing gel and sculptural beauty.

The hardy ZZ plant thrives even with minimal care.