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Contents
Do Houseplants live forever? How long do houseplants live?
Do houseplants live forever or, if not, how long do houseplants live? We love the beauty and naturalness that plants bring to our lives. Nothing adds more comfort and beauty to our offices and homes than houseplants. Indoor gardens inspire us and boost moods by their very presence. In fact, most people enjoy working and living in cultivated green spaces. Plant enthusiasts often wonder: do houseplants live forever?
Essentially, houseplants enhance the entire appearance of our indoor space, reduces stress, and boost our mood. In fact, they also eliminate air pollutants and increase creativity. Indoor plants excel at providing us with a happy and healthier environment. But do houseplants live forever? And, if not, how long do house plants live?
Houseplant Longevity Explained
Indoor gardeners frequently ask these questions, whether just beginning with houseplants or after years of experience. We want our plants to live as long as possible. I have deep-researched and came up with an ultimate guide to help you fully understand the lifespan of houseplants. So without further ado, allow me to take you below essential information about how long you might enjoy your houseplants.
1. How long does a houseplant live?
Typically, we rarely record the birth dates and death dates of specific plants. While many people consider them part of the family, these dates just don’t seem important. Therefore, the average lifespan for houseplants challenges us due to a lack of information. We simply lack the needed information..
However, some information does exist. For instance, we know that the oldest living houseplant is located at London’s Kew Gardens in the conservatory. This houseplant (Eastern Cape Cycad) which grew in 1775, enjoyed a lifespan of 242 years.
Generally, houseplants will not die without a specific reason, and they don’t die or get old simply because they are mature. Many people wonder why some houseplants live for years and others for centuries if given appropriate care, while others fail to thrive. The longevity of any houseplant depends on proper growing and care conditions such as watering, light, soil, humidity, diseases, and insects. As with any living being, providing the essential care results in the longest lifespan potential.
2. Can a houseplant live forever?
Sadly, the simple answer remains no. However, chances exist for houseplants to live for years, decades, and yes, even centuries. While our beloved houseplants manufacture their energy from basic essentials, we need to provide the proper environment and nutrients to enable them to do so.
So, while the exact lifespan of your houseplant cannot be precisely determined, some houseplants are known for living quite long. These plants make amazing additions to your indoor garden. In fact, with proper care, you will enjoy their companionship and benefits for many years. Below we list our top-rated and dependable long-living houseplants to meet your needs and expectations.
(a) Cycads
Also known as Cycadophyta, this houseplant looks similar to the palm tree, but with evergreen leaves which tend to be stiffer. These grow cycbestad in cooler weather if kept outside. However, they enjoy a happy life indoors. With proper care, they may live hundreds of years!
(b) Table Palms
Table Palm thrives in partial or full shade. With good care, it may live more than 100 years. Small enough to add to your apartment, these plants also happily enjoy life in the office or a larger home.
(c) Succulents
Known as an easy-care group for beginners, Succulents also reign among the long-lasting plants available. These plants require little daily care that includes less frequent watering than many other houseplants. Known for hardiness, they also add an attractive appeal to your home or office. Many houseplant enthusiasts collect the varieties within this group as a hobby. While some varieties may die back within a decade, others provide companionship and decor for many decades.
(d) Cacti
Over 1700 different species of plants comprise the group of houseplants known as cacti. With minimal watering needs and enough sunlight, some cacti survive hundreds of years. Even shorter living cacti, such as the Christmas Cactus, may thrive for 20 to 30 years, possibly even longer.
3. What are factors to consider for a houseplant to live longer
(a) Humidity
Houseplants like cacti will require perfect humidity for them to thrive and live longer. Avoid placing the houseplants in places where there is insufficient humidity because the leaves will wither and dry soon. And you can tell there is insufficient humidity once you start seeing paper-like greeneries on the plant. Often mist your plant to improve general humidity.
(b) Soil
With many kinds of houseplant soils to select, ensure the one you prefer is tested and approved to have the required minerals and nutrients that drain or retain water based on the plant you want to grow. For example, the jade plant needs well-draining soil because it does not require excess water.
(c) Light
Plants need light even if they stay indoors. However, avoid excess sunlight frequently because houseplant does not require direct exposure to avoid scorching their leaves. The essential thing is to distinguish the kind of plant you are growing.
(d) Heat and draft sources
Today’s homes seal tightly, but we still need to deal with our heating and air conditioning vents. While we might enjoy these features, our plants definitely do not. However, opening the windows on a breezy spring day brings a welcome and healthy dose of fresh air without the worry.
(e) Watering
Some plants require more water, others less. However, most plants water needs vary according to the season. Know the requirements of each plant and keep them watered accordingly. For example, violets and oleander will require more water while aloe will need less water.
(f) Fertilizing
Generally speaking, plants need regular fertilizing during the growing season (typically spring and summer). However, most do not need it during the more dormant winter months. Again, just as with watering, the amount and frequency vary according to the plant variety. It might prove helpful to keep a chart for reference.
(g) Pruning
Pruning helps to aid your house plant to stay healthier and grow faster. By removing the less healthy leaves and branches, you allow the plant to target its energy to the remaining parts of the plant. Some people also pinch off some of the new leaves to keep the plant focused on the original growth.
In Summary
Having houseplants in an office or your home creates a beautiful and healthy atmosphere. And indoor gardening provides a means to alleviate stress, while freshening your air quality. With our special tips, your plants may live long and healthy lives!
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