A Man's Home

Freshen Up
Your Place

(and Your Air)

xxxTITLExxx

Case Study bullet planter, $150 by TRNK

xxxTITLExxx

Case Study bullet planter, $150 by TRNK

xxxTITLExxx

Case Study bullet planter, $150 by TRNK

I don't want to sound like an asshole, but fake plants are the bad toupée of a home. Everyone can tell that dusty piece of plastic isn't a real plant and there's something kind of sad about faking it. But I get why some people go for faux, instead of the real thing. A lot of plants become something of a chore—requiring daily watering and near constant attention. But there are plenty of handsome, low-effort options that will do more than just liven up an empty corner of your living room.

Think of it this way: the average guy spends about 90 percent of his day indoors (especially in the winter), where the air is two to five times dirtier than outside. Keeping a plant of two in your place not only adds aesthetic value, but science has shown that their presence helps relieve stress and can effectively clean the air. The leaves trap hazardous particles from the air and pull them down to the roots, according to Bill Wolverton, a former NASA scientist and author of How to Grow Fresh Air. Plus, there's a real sense of accomplishment with keeping something (besides yourself) alive. Consider the following low-maintenance options to furnish your home. As for where to find them, we've found some shippable options, but they are easily available at your local garden shop or home improvement store.

Pothos Houseplant

Pothos

Pothos

One of the most forgiving of all houseplants, this wide leaf plant is fast-growing and resilient—thriving in various light conditions and not even requiring soil; its cuttings can survive just fine in a container with water. So when it starts getting a little too tall, just snip off a 6-inch vine and place it in water until roots start to sprout, then replant.

$7 at The Sill

$7 at The Sill

Snake Houseplant

Snake Plant

Snake Plant

An easygoing option that, depending on its size, can go on a tabletop or on the ground in a larger planter. The thin, pointy leaves can survive in nearly any type of light, but thrive best in the sun. Place near a window to stimulate growth, but when it comes to watering, less is more—only offer up a drink once the soil feels dry.

$28 at Amazon

$28 at Amazon

Snake Houseplant

Pro Tip

Once you decide on the locations of your houseplants, it's often best to leave them there so they can adapt to the light.

ZZ Houseplant

ZZ Plant

ZZ Plant

Frequent travelers, this is the plant for you. A tropical perennial, the ZZ plant is known for its ability to withstand months of neglect. But that also means that the fastest way to kill one is by overwatering (so watch for yellow leaves; a sign of a heavy hand). Because it can easily tolerate extremely low levels of light and moisture, these plants are great for a bedroom or office.

$11 at The Sill

$11 at The Sill

Jade Houseplant

Jade Plant

Jade Plant

Succulents hold the mantle as the easiest workhorses of the plant world. The ones that you could purposefully neglect and still survive. And the jade plant is no different. Place yours on a vacant shelf and feel free to let it be. The plant will grow slowly just as long as you keep the fleshy leaves moist enough to avoid shriveling.

$3.46 at Amazon

$3.46 at Amazon

Jade Houseplant
Parlor Palm Houseplant

Parlor Palm

Parlor Palm

I've had one of these plants for four years and it's survived two cross-country moves during that time as well. Nothing can kill this thing. The wispy palm fronds grow wildly in every direction and will capture everyone's attention. If you want it to grow taller, just repot it into a larger pot. But do not repot more than once a year, their roots like to relax.

$8 at The Sill

$8 at The Sill

The
Perfect
Planter

Elevate your houseplant in more ways than one with these handsome planters.

West Elm Fiberstone and Brass Planter

Fiberstone and brass planter,
$143 by West Elm

TRNK Case Study Stoneware and Walnut Planter

Stoneware and walnut planter,
$115 by Case Study

Anthropologie Rossum Metallic Planter

Rossum metallic planter,
$48 at Anthropologie