"easy to care for" houseplants

[gertie green fingers]

hello everyone. my youngest son has been helping me look after his grandma's houseplants and garden. He has loved the indoor plants. Which are good plants to start him off on, easy to tend, quick growing etc? We live in Birmingham, England and have north and/or south facing windowsills which can be used. Thanks for all advice! :)

[Newt]

Hi Gertie,
I'm not sure what you mean by 'easy to tend'. You also don't say how old your grandson is, but I'm thinking under 10. Does he like to water alot or forgets to water? When you say 'quick growing', swedish ivy comes to mind, but doesn't like to be overwatered or dry out too much. It will grow rather quickly and he can pinch to keep them full and keep him busy.

Also consider coleus. So many different varieties and colors, likes a bright spot, pinch frequently to keep full, water when it starts to dry out, can be rooted in water, etc.

Purple Passion has fuzzy leaves but needs good sun to hold it's color. Let dry slightly before watering.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/i...gynuraaur.html

African violets have fuzzy leaves and bloom frequently if in bright light. You can even grow new ones from leaves. Let dry out slightly between watering and don't put water on the leaves. Put a little milk in the water to keep it blooming. A tablespoon to a quart of water.

Burro's tail is interesting for kids. Let dry out between waterings. If a stem breaks off you can let it form a callous for a couple of days and put into moist soil for a new plant. Most succulents can be propagated this way.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/i.../sedummor.html

You might also find this site helpful.
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/teach/

Hope this helps,
Newt

[gertie green fingers]

I am really grateful for the help you have offered me. Yes, he loves to water plants, but is good at listening and following advice, so quite trustworthy. Thank you for the really good links. I appreciate your help.

[Newt]

You're very welcome! Glad those links will help!
Enjoy,
Newt