PLANTS THAT WILL KEEP YOUR WATER BILLS LOW

As our awareness surrounding climate change ramps up and more countries resort to hose bans on our gardens, many will want to investigate ways to keep their indoor plants and outdoor areas looking green and lush

A study from Uswitch has revealed the garden plants that require the least amount of maintenance, so you need not to worry about keeping them alive and continuing watering through the drier months. 

The report by uswitch considered the perfect light, temperature, the type of soil and the watering schedule needed for 20 different garden plants.  

California Poppies, Trumpet Vines and Wingpod Purslane are perfect for those that want to reduce their water bill when looking after their plants.  These hardy plants can be watered occasionally when there are long periods of drought and that is sufficient to keep them alive. If you are looking for something a little different then the Kangaroo Paw with its unusual looking foliage will be a hit. Native to Australia, this plant can flourish in plenty of sunlight so be sure to plant in that sunny spot in your garden. 

Anna Sissons, Garden Designer at Sitting Spiritually, shares some water-saving tips so that you can continue to be eco-friendly when using water on your garden. 

“Rainwater harvesting is easy to do, and your plants will benefit much more from rainwater than treated tap water. It can be as simple as keeping a bucket outside which fills with water but be sure to cover it so that the water does not then evaporate.” 

1. Kangaroo Paw 

Water: Wait until the top inch of soil is dry

Sun:  Full/direct sun

Kangaroo Paw is a bright red plant that gets its name thanks to its native country of Australia.

The unusual-looking foliage grows on the ends of stalks like fans and has long leaves that stick outwards that are hard to miss. Make sure to plant the Kangaroo Paw in an area of your garden that gets plenty of sunlight and water when the top inch of soil begins to feel dry.

2. Trumpet Vine (Campsis Radicans)

Water: Typical rainfall

Sun: Full/partial sun

If you are looking for a colourful plant for your garden that requires little-to-no maintenance, then the Trumpet Vine is a great way to get started.

Plant the orange foliage in a place that gets partial sunlight and that is about all you need to do. Once established, Trumpet Vines will take care of themselves on typical rainfall.

3. Wild Lilac (Syringa Vulgaris)

Water: Regularly until the plant is established

Sun:  Full/partial sun

Wild Lilac are bright purple bushes that bloom during spring and do not require much maintenance at all. For those that want to add a splash of colour to their garden, planting the bush in direct sunlight will help it grow well.

These plants usually survive on little moisture, but make sure to water them regularly during periods of long drought or until they are established and fully grown.

4. Cone Flower (Echinacea)

Water: Once a week for the first year

Sun: Full Sun/partial shade

Cone Flowers will stand out in your garden if you are looking for something eye-catching. But the good news does not end there for gardening fans. These flowers are drought resistant and long blooming.

Place them in direct sunlight and water once a week for the first year while they grow and you should have healthy plants all year round.

5. California Poppy 

Water: Typical Rainfall

Sun: Full Sun

California Poppies are wildflowers that are really easy to grow for first-time gardeners. With this plant, less is more when it comes to watering, making it the perfect flower to add to your garden if you do not have time to maintain your flower patch.

Place the poppies in direct sunlight and watch them grow.  They often require very little water and will normally survive on typical rainfall.

6. Saliva (Salvia splendens) 

Water: When the top inch of soil is dry

Sun: Full Sun

Red Salvia is a beautiful and striking flower to add to your garden, but which are also really easy to maintain.

They can grow really successfully in bright light and require water only when the top inch of soil begins to feel dry.

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During the pandemic we spent much of our time at home which meant that the indoor plant craze became evermore popular. However, keeping indoor plants alive is a challenge. 

For the house plant these are the best low maintenance indoor plants. 

1. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Raddianum)

Water: Every other day

Sun: Partial Sun / Shade

Maidenhair Ferns are a popular house plant and have delicately shaped plant leaves that give it a pretty lace texture that instantly adds character to a room.

In nature, these plants are used to growing on forest floors that makes them tolerant to low light conditions. They grow better with plenty of water but can withstand short spells of drought.

2. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema Commutatum)

Water: Once or twice a week

Sun: Partial / full shade

If you are looking for an easy-care plant that does not require much maintenance to stay healthy then adding a Chinese Evergreen to your home can be a great option.

These plants do well in partial shade and only require a drink once or twice a week when the weather is warm and even less during the colder months. Remember that the lighter the leaves on your plant, the more sun they will need. 

3. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata)

Water: Once every one to two weeks

Sun: Full/indirect

For those that forget to water their plants, the Ponytail Palm can be the perfect addition to your home without needing much maintenance.

Place your foliage in a bright corner of your home where it gets the most sun and remember to water it once every one to two weeks. We also recommend leaving plenty of space for it to grow as it could potentially grow as high as 1.5 metres.

4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum) 

Water:  Once a week

Sun: Partial Sun/Shade

Another low-maintenance plant is a Spider Plant, but don’t worry – they aren’t as scary as they sound.

Amongst the most popular house plants out there, Spider Plants not only have pretty stripey leaves, but they are also super easy to take care of. Place them in light shade and water them once a week and you will have a perfectly healthy plant.

5. Zebra Cactus (Haworthia) 

Water: Once every two weeks

Sun: Full sun/partial shade

The Zebra Cactus is a succulent that gets its name thanks to the white speckles all over its leaves.

The plant is generally easy to grow and can go as long as two weeks before it needs a drink again. If you are looking for the ideal soil type, we recommend getting a succulent or cactus mix that has good drainage. Place it in indirect sunlight and your cactus will stay healthy all year round.

6. Burros Tail (Sedum Morganianum)

Water: Wait until the soil dries out

Sun:  Full sun

If you are looking for a plant that is low maintenance but looks a bit different then why not opt for a Burros Tail? The plant is easy to grow and comes with teardrop hanging leaves that make it the perfect addition to any room in your house.

As with a lot of succulents, these plants will need plenty of sunlight so choose a sunny window sill or a place where it will get plenty of rays throughout the day. Though they might require good light you can normally wait until the soil dries out before needing to water it again.

uswitch.com/gas-electricity/low-maintenance-plants-report