When life gets hectic, maintaining a garden can feel overwhelming, especially if you have plants that require constant attention. Some plants need frequent watering, pruning, or specific care routines, making them difficult to manage for someone with limited time. In this post, we’ve lined up some plants you may want to avoid if your schedule doesn’t allow for daily garden upkeep.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
If you’re looking for a plant that thrives on neglect, the fiddle leaf fig isn’t it. This fussy plant needs consistent watering, specific light conditions, and regular leaf cleaning. It also hates being moved around and will drop its leaves in protest if it’s unhappy. For busy folks, keeping this plant healthy can become a time-consuming challenge.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are beloved for their lush, feathery fronds, but they require constant care to stay vibrant. This plant thrives in high humidity and needs to be misted frequently, in addition to regular watering. If left too dry, the fronds will brown and shed, which can be frustrating for anyone without the time to keep up with its needs.
Gardenia
The beautiful, fragrant blooms of gardenias come at a cost—these plants are notorious for being high-maintenance. They demand high humidity, consistent watering, and bright, indirect light to thrive. Additionally, gardenias are prone to pests, which means they need regular monitoring. For those with a packed schedule, their care requirements can quickly become overwhelming.
Azalea
Azaleas bring vibrant color to any garden, but they’re best suited for someone who can commit to regular upkeep. These plants need acidic soil, consistent moisture, and protection from direct sunlight. Miss a watering or neglect their soil conditions, and they’ll wilt or become susceptible to pests, making them a poor fit for those with little time.
Bonsai
Bonsai trees are captivating, but their beauty comes with a hefty time commitment. They require regular watering, careful pruning, and precise light conditions. The artistry involved in maintaining a bonsai tree isn’t for the faint of heart, and for someone juggling a busy schedule, keeping a bonsai healthy may be too much to handle.
Peace Lily
Though peace lilies are often thought of as easy-care plants, they need more attention than most realize. They require consistent watering, as they quickly wilt when their soil dries out. Overwatering is also a concern, which means peace lilies need close monitoring. For someone who can’t check in on their plants frequently, this one might be too demanding.
Orchids
Orchids are known for their exotic beauty, but they’re also quite temperamental. These plants require just the right balance of light, water, and humidity to bloom. Miss a watering or provide too much light, and the plant may struggle to flower again. If your schedule doesn’t allow for consistent plant care, orchids could be more trouble than they’re worth.
Hibiscus
With their stunning tropical blooms, hibiscus plants are eye-catching, but they require constant attention. These sun-loving plants need frequent watering and regular fertilizing to maintain their vibrant flowers. A missed care routine can lead to dropped blooms or a stressed plant, which is difficult to recover from if you’re stretched for time.
Croton
Croton plants are known for their bold, colorful foliage, but they’re not the easiest to care for. They need plenty of light and consistent moisture to keep their colors vibrant. Without proper care, crotons tend to drop their leaves or lose their brilliant hues. Busy plant owners may struggle to meet this plant’s specific requirements.
Maidenhair Fern
If you’re after a delicate, graceful plant, the maidenhair fern fits the bill—but only if you have the time to care for it. This fern needs constant moisture and high humidity, which can be tricky to maintain. It also doesn’t tolerate drought well, so even missing a day of watering can lead to wilting and browning leaves.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas offer large, showy blooms that can make any garden pop, but they are very thirsty plants. They require frequent watering, especially during hot weather, and neglecting this routine will cause them to wilt and lose their beautiful flowers. For those with limited time, hydrangeas can become more of a burden than a joy to maintain.
Calathea
The calathea plant is a favorite for its stunning, patterned leaves, but its high humidity and moisture needs make it difficult to care for. It’s a sensitive plant that reacts quickly to changes in its environment, such as dry air or inconsistent watering. If you don’t have time to monitor its conditions closely, calathea may not be the best choice.
Bird of Paradise
Bird of paradise plants make a bold statement with their large, tropical leaves, but they require more care than you might think. These plants need regular watering and plenty of sunlight to bloom. They’re also slow to flower, so patience and consistent attention are key. For someone with a hectic lifestyle, this plant might become frustrating to maintain.
Camellia
Camellias produce gorgeous, rose-like blooms, but they are not forgiving when it comes to their care. They need acidic, well-drained soil and consistent watering to thrive. If you forget to water them or don’t provide the right soil conditions, they are susceptible to diseases and pests, making them a challenge for busy gardeners.
African Violet
African violets are prized for their small, colorful flowers, but they can be surprisingly difficult to care for. They require consistent moisture, indirect light, and specific potting conditions to bloom. They are also sensitive to water on their leaves, which can cause damage. For those with limited time, keeping African violets in bloom can be tricky.