Which green plants are worth growing in the living room? A rundown of the easiest and the not-worth-growing varieties

Drawing on fifteen years of experience growing flowers, I have finally worked out a few green plants that boost the "high-end feel" of a living room. Whether it is a newly moved-into home or an old house, just placing one in the living room instantly lifts the beauty of the space.

Dragon tree

When choosing green plants, many people's first reaction is to grow a "money tree", little knowing that although its name sounds auspicious, it is truly not easy to grow indoors: too much water is no good, too little water turns the leaves yellow, too much sun scorches it, and too little light stops its growth. The dragon tree is different by comparison. It is not afraid of freezing and tolerates low temperatures, so it grows very well even in the extremely cold weather of the north. It also has a good meaning, suggesting step-by-step advancement, and its name is auspicious too (also known as the rainbow dragon tree).

For care, the dragon tree likes succulent-specific soil made of perlite or vermiculite. As for watering, water again after the soil surface dries out, and avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.

Lemon tree

For large plants, besides the commonly seen bird of paradise on the market, there is also the lemon tree. The reason more and more people have chosen it in recent years is that it is truly very easy to grow; even beginners can easily get it to produce small white fragrant flowers and golden, tempting fruit. Compared with the bird of paradise, it is like night and day. The bird of paradise is not suitable for beginners, because its green leaves very easily turn yellow, dry up and curl at the edges, and it tends to die on you as you grow it.

For care, the ideal temperature for the lemon tree is 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. The watering principle is to keep the soil slightly moist, avoid waterlogging, and reduce watering in winter.

Dragon blood tree

Many people considering buying a dragon blood tree also consider a happiness tree, feeling it is hard to choose between these two green plants. In fact, compared with the happiness tree, the dragon blood tree is more suitable for beginners. Not only is its name imposing, but its vitality is excellent, and indoors its leaves stay glossy green however you grow it. Even if you are busy and forget to water it sometimes, it is still fine, because it can go half a month between waterings. Its meaning is very good too, suggesting longevity. Compared with the happiness tree, perhaps it only looks good right after you buy it; once about three weeks pass (it has requirements for ambient temperature), if those are not met it turns into a bare pole.

For care, the dragon blood tree likes light and tolerates shade. Normally it does not need watering too frequently. Summer is its growing season, and at this time it is recommended to apply a dilute organic fertilizer once every half month.