Declare Thumb War Issue #39

Nip your fear of flora in the bud by trying your hand at these durable plants

By Kimberly Jeffries
Published: March 1st, 2009 | 3:11pm

All this talk about how spring has sprung sure is depressing. That is, if your thumb is decidedly anything but green. It’s hard getting into the spirit of spring when attempts to grow plants end in wilted, jilted jumbles of dirt and dead leaves in a trash bin. Luckily there are plenty of hardy plants out there that don’t require a lot of TLC.

PINCUSHION CACTUS
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Mammillaria
SUNLIGHT: Common sense says that cacti grow in the desert, so they’re used to a lot of sun. Go with that rule.
WATER: In keeping with the whole desert thing, don’t water your little pincushion too frequently – but when you do, make sure you soak it thoroughly.
SOIL: Aim for about a 60/40 mix of potting soil and sand, and make sure it drains well.
PRUNING: No need! Not that you’d want to, with those spikes.
OVERALL KILLABILITY: Difficult. Again, the biggest risk here is overwatering. Stick your ’lil potted cactus somewhere sunny and enjoy the cuteness.

DINOSAUR PLANT
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Selaginella Lepidophylla
SUNLIGHT: It blooms best in direct sunlight, but it can hang out in shade, too.
WATER: As much or as little as you want. It’s a beautiful thing!
SOIL: None – it nestles with lava rock.
PRUNING: None necessary, though if you forget to water this one it dries up and curls into an ugly ball of straw. In that way, it’s kind of a self-pruner.
OVERALL KILLABILITY: Impossible. It’s been around for 290 million years, it can survive being forgotten on your dresser for a few months.

PONYTAIL PALM
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Beaucarnea Recurvata
SUNLIGHT: It’s best to keep it in bright light, but it survives various degrees of shade.
WATER: Deep roots mean you only have to water about every 10 days or so.
SOIL: Those with greener thumbs suggest cactus-potting mix, since the palm (also known by the less appealing “elephant’s foot”) needs to drain thoroughly.
PRUNING: Besides trimming damaged leaves, keep an eye out for bugs. If you spot any, spray the plant with soapy water twice a day till they’re gone.
OVERALL KILLABILITY: Difficult. Stick it by a window and don’t overwater.

ALOE VERA
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Aloe Vera
SUNLIGHT: Needs moderate to bright light, so keep it on a windowsill or a sunny spot in your cubicle.
WATER: This sturdy little thing isn’t that thirsty – you can go three weeks without watering it.
SOIL: Snag some sandy potting soil.
PRUNING: Aloe vera begs to be pruned, if only to take advantage of its sap’s medicinal benefits (it helps treat cuts, burns, and bug bites). Break off a bit of a leaf and it’ll grow back quickly.
OVERALL KILLABILITY: Moderate. Don’t be guilted into overwatering your aloe vera and make sure it gets enough sun (the leaves will sag otherwise).