Plants give any yard or room a natural and lively look. Beautiful, lush plants lining your front porch or lawn will not only look amazing but will also be something that you can take pride in as something you care for. Having indoor plants that fill your home with a wonderful natural aroma as well as an organic look can be a welcomed addition for the same reasons. Understanding some low maintenance outside and inside plants that might work for you, as well as some tools to help you take care of them, will hopefully set you on a path to having plants that you are proud to display.
While I do mention that these plants are low maintenance, there is always going to be some work required. Plants need care and consideration. While these plants once planted are perhaps more low maintenance and less finnicky compared to others, you cannot hope for them to thrive if you do not contribute any time and attention.
For outside plants, prior to doing anything, you should try to understand the area you want to put the plants in. For example, learn what kind of soil is there and how much sun it gets so that you can determine what kind of plants would successfully grow there. Then, you should take some preparatory steps. If you add a nice layer of organic material (compost, manure, etc.) on the bed where you plan on planting, it will help your plants get all the nutrients they can from the soil. It also helps if you do this a few weeks or even a couple months in advance to really prepare the soil and set your future flowers and plants up for success. Then, one of the most important steps of having plants is getting the right ones that will thrive in your environment. Because we live in Tallahassee, we do have the occasional freeze unlike some other parts of Florida, but at least our yards are not getting covered in inches of snow. On the other hand, though, our summers can very easily become scorchers and dry out plants quickly.
Plants, like esperanza, that can bloom beautifully in the summer, become dormant in the winter, and grow back again in the spring are plants that you should consider putting outside. Esperanza is better placed outside than inside not only because of its tolerance to weather but also because it can grow quite large. Esperanza does not need to be pruned and also likely will not attract pests. Another good outside plant for those who do not have too much experience is the antique rose. Like esperanza, it can take the heat in the summer and grow quite large. Unlike esperanza, however, if the winter is mild, the antique rose will continue to bloom and grow. Antique roses do occasionally need to be pruned in order to keep them from outgrowing their area. Other than that, antique roses will grow just fine with a watering that reaches the deep roots once a week, at least six hours of direct sunshine, and a good layer of mulch applied two to three times a year. In the summer, you might need to water more depending on how hot and dry it is outside. Comparatively, in the winter, you should still water the roses with the same consistency; you just do not need to give them as much water at each watering. While both of these plants will need to be watered regularly and placed so they are not always in direct sunlight, neither of them are prone to disease or attracting unwanted insects.
If growing plants outside is not something you feel you can keep up with or want to do, then indoor plants might be more appealing. Indoor plants are relegated to a pot instead of a large bed, which will, in turn, be easier to take care of for the most part. If you are looking for a plant that is relatively small, succulents or desert cacti might be something to look into. They do not need much more than good soil, occasional sunlight, and watering around once a week or less depending on the type. If you are looking for something a bit bigger, maybe consider a snake plant. The snake plant prefers to be in partial shade (meaning that it likes direct sunlight but not all the time) and does not need to be frequently repotted or pruned. Another plant to look into could be a peace lily. While intolerant of the cold, it does not require much more than consistent watering, partial sun, and an annual repotting. The one drawback is that peace lilies can be potentially poisonous if consumed, so they are best kept out of reach of curious pets.
Especially for new plant owners, it can be hard to keep and maintain a consistent schedule of care for your plants. Until you have your routine down, it might be beneficial to have a written schedule and/or download an app that keeps track of those things for you. On the other hand, if taking care of outdoor plants does not appeal to you but you would love to still have them, hiring a professional to take care of your lawn, garden, etc. might be something to consider. They will not only take care of the plants the way that they need, but they will also know the correct materials to use and when to use them. Consulting local landscape experts or a local nursery could also help you learn which plants would work best for you and the space you have.
There are many different options for plants that do not require constant attention. The ones listed will mostly only need consistent watering, good soil, mulch, organic matter, and the right amount of sunlight to make sure they are thriving and beautiful. If keeping track of everything or taking care of the plants yourself is not something you are interested in or you want a specific look that you really love, you can always hire a gardener or landscaping company, or you can consult a local nursery. They will not only know how to take care of any and all plants but can also help ensure that the plants you want will thrive in the Tallahassee environment. There are so many different types of plants that there is more than likely going to be one that fits your desires. 
Caroline Murkey
Home & Yard Magazine
