3 Easy Ways to Bring Nature Into Your Home if You Always Kill Houseplants

No maintenance required.

Some people are naturally gifted when it comes to caring for houseplants and have thriving pothos, philodendrons, and fiddle leaf figs arranged throughout their homes. But what do you do if you simply aren’t one of those people? If you can't keep houseplants alive, that doesn't mean you need to give up plants altogether. You just need to get creative. Here are a few easy ways to bring nature into your home if caring for a collection of houseplants isn't in the cards.

Related:16 Low-Maintenance Houseplants Most Likely to Survive All Year Long

Decorate With Eternity Flowers

While fresh flowers and plants look beautiful, opting for an arrangement that can last a year (or possibly longer) is the easiest way to add a pop of nature with zero effort. Venus et Fleur is best known for its beautiful selection of eternity roses, which are made in a variety of styles and colors. Eternity roses are real roses that have been treated with preservatives and dyes so they look fresh for up to 12 months. Available in vases and boxes, these blooms look beautiful in just about any room.

The brand also recently launched long stem eternity baby’s breath, which lends a whimsical, romantic aesthetic to a room. Available in three colors with a choice of three vases, these textural arrangements can be a great, space-saving alternative to pampas grass.

Arrange Some Fresh Flowers

If you have trouble maintaining plants, fresh flowers can be an easy alternative. After all, you won’t feel bad when they die because they aren’t meant to last forever. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, consider a subscription to Bouquet Box instead of having standard arrangements delivered. This monthly box comes with a deconstructed flower arrangement and “paint by numbers” instructions, along with floral shears and other essential tools. There are even two packets of floral food included, which help extend the life of these beautiful blooms.

If you have a backyard, garden, or access to wildflowers, cut some stems to make your own arrangement. Or pick up some inexpensive grocery store flowers—just look for whatever bundles are freshest. When you get home, remove the lower leaves from the stems and trim the ends of the stems on an angle before placing in fresh water.

Opt for Faux Plants

You can't kill a fake plant. But that’s not the only benefit to going faux—they’re a far safer choice for homes with young children and pets.

Another good reason to choose fake plants over real ones (and why you may be killing your houseplants despite your best efforts)? Your home lacks natural light. “Some plant parents don't have the means of natural lighting in their space and don't want to install grow lights to compensate, which is why they purchase faux plants since they require no maintenance or light," says Paris Lalicata, plant expert for The Sill.

If you’re the kind of person who loves the aesthetic of plants but travels a lot or simply doesn't have time for extra chores in a busy schedule, you may also want to pick faux plants over real ones.

Houseplants for People Who Are Terrible at Houseplants

If you're bad at houseplants but would still like to give indoor gardening a go, start with plants that are exceptionally easy to maintain. Lalicata recommends purchasing snake plants or ZZ plants, which can thrive in suboptimal conditions. “They are both versatile and drought tolerant,” she explains. “They can even go up to two or three weeks without water.”

Agave (yes, the plant used to make tequila) is another option to consider, according to Sara Bendrick, STIHL national spokesperson. These plants can thrive when left alone. “Agaves are monocarpic, meaning they flower once and die. This takes many years and then a flower stalk will grow quickly,” she says. Agave plants don't need much water, but be sure to place them in a spot with good sun.

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