Module 6 · Putting it together — a plant you can keep alive
lesson 6.1
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Lesson 6.1 · 6 min
Pick a forgiving first plant
After this you can choose a beginner plant that survives your learning curve.
The fastest way to feel like you have a green thumb is to start with a plant that is genuinely hard to kill. Some plants forgive a missed watering, a dim corner and a beginner's mistakes; others punish every one. You are still learning the six things, so start with a plant that gives you room to learn.
Forgiving beginner plants
| Plant | Why it forgives you | Light it wants |
|---|---|---|
| Pothos | Droops visibly when thirsty, recovers fast, roots easily | Medium / bright indirect, tolerates lower |
| Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) | Stores water, wants to dry out, thrives on neglect | Tolerates low, happier in brighter |
| Zz plant | Thick rhizomes hold water, shrugs off missed waterings | Tolerates low, grows faster in medium |
| Cast-iron plant | Named for being nearly indestructible, takes low light | Low to medium, keep out of harsh sun |