Latest news with #lowmaintenance
UAE Moments
15-07-2025
- General
- UAE Moments
9 Indoor Plants That Practically Thrive on Neglect
Living in a fast-paced city can leave little time for plant care. But a touch of greenery boosts mood, improves air quality, and livens up your space—without demanding daily attention. That's where indoor plants that practically thrive on neglect come in. These plants are perfect for professionals balancing work, social life, and apartment living. In this guide, you'll find nine of the easiest-to-care-for houseplants—plus care tips, placement advice, and smart hacks to help them flourish despite erratic schedules and low light. Whether you're a total beginner or just forgetful, these tough plant picks will add life to your home—and survive your busy rhythm. Why Hardy Plants Fit City Living Low-maintenance plants are ideal for apartment life. They tolerate low light, indoor heating, and forgetful watering schedules—common urban challenges. Studies show even a few resilient plants can improve concentrate and reduce stress. For young professionals, these greenery companions offer mental health perks without the guilt of neglect or fuss. They're reliable roommates that brighten your space—and won't die when life gets busy. Plant #1: Snake Plant (Sansevieria) Hardiness: Tolerates shade, drought, irregular water Care: Water every 2–3 weeks; thrives in bright to low, indirect light. This classic tough plant can survive in near-darkness and withstand infrequent watering, even rebounding from dry soil. Its vertical leaves add a modern, sculptural vibe to any city apartment. Bonus: it also filters indoor air pollutants . Plant #2: ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) Hardiness: Thrives in low light; rhizomes store water Care: Water once a month or less With glossy, dark-green stems and thick leaves, ZZ plants survive sub-30-minute watering routines and dim lighting. Their drought-tolerant rhizomes make them nearly indestructible—a plant that actually likes to be forgotten. Plant #3: Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) Hardiness: Low light and erratic watering friendly Care: Water only when soil is dry; tolerates varied light Pothos is an easy vine with heart-shaped leaves that adapts to almost any lighting situation. It grows fast, brightens shelves, and keeps its foliage even after a few missed waterings . Plant #4: Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) Hardiness: Thrives with minimal care; pet-safe Care: Water weekly; prefers bright, indirect light Spider plants are known for their air-cleaning abilities and baby 'pups' that sprout easily. They resist drying out and revive well after drought—plus they're safe around pets. Plant #5: Aloe Vera Hardiness: Drought-resilient succulent Care: Water every 2–3 weeks; needs indirect bright light Aloe is perfect for city life—just a little water and moderate light, and it'll thrive. Bonus hack: use its gel to treat minor burns, making it both decorative AND useful. Plant #6: Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) Hardiness: Slow-growing, water-storing succulent Care: Water once every 3–4 weeks; bright indirect light Jade thrives on neglect. Its thick, fleshy leaves store water, making it forgiving of irregular schedules—and it adds a minimalist, zen vibe to a desk or shelf . Plant #7: Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) Hardiness: Nearly indestructible—even in low light Care: Water every 4–6 weeks; tolerates temperature swings True to its name, this plant is rugged. It tolerates dim corners and temperature fluctuations, making it ideal for forgetful plant parents and spaces with air conditioning or draft zones. Plant #8: Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Hardiness: Shade‑tolerant and forgiving of occasional neglect Care: Water when soil feels dry; thrives in indirect light The Chinese Evergreen offers decorative leaves and hardy survival. It helps filter indoor air and withstands inconsistent environmental conditions. Plant #9: Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) Hardiness: Large leaves need minimal care Care: Water every 2–3 weeks; low to medium indirect light With glossy, bold foliage, rubber plants make a dramatic statement. They survive low-traffic care, but occasional leaf-wiping keeps them dust-free and thriving in apartments. Tips for Caring Less—and Loving More Choose well-draining soil to prevent root rot from overwatering. Ensure pots have drainage holes, and empty excess water after watering. In low-light rooms, use mirrors or grow lights to boost light exposure. Avoid common pest-prone plants; stick to hardy picks above for simplicity. Quick Takeaways Nine indoor plants can survive low light and irregular care. Options include succulents, and shade-tolerant greenery. Minimal watering cycles: monthly or bi-monthly. Use drainage-friendly pots and soil. Air quality and mood benefits come almost for free. Great for homes, offices, and apartments. Pet-safe options included. City life doesn't have to be plant-unfriendly. These nine tough-as-nails houseplants thrive despite stale air, questionable lighting, and sporadic watering. From the sculptural Snake Plant to the air-purifying Spider Plant and the drought-resistant succulents, each pick offers beauty, resilience, and mental wellness aids. For mid-20s urban dwellers, they strike the perfect balance—vibrant greenery that complements your space without demanding your schedule. Stick to a weekly check-in, maintain simple care routines, and you'll be a proud plant parent—even with a packed workflow and limited time. Let nature be your daily reset, no green thumb required. FAQs What low-light indoor plants are easiest to care for? Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Cast Iron Plant, Chinese Evergreen —these thrive with minimal light and water. Can I overwater these 'neglect' plants? Yes—most prefer to fully dry out between watering. Watch for yellow leaves as a sign of overwatering. Do these plants help improve indoor air quality? Absolutely—Spider Plant, Snake Plant, Rubber Plant, and Chinese Evergreen are known for their air-filtering abilities. Are these plants safe for pets? Spider Plant and Snake Plant are generally safe; avoid Aloe, Rubber Plant, or ZZ Plant if you have curious pets. How should I care for them during winter? Water less (every 4–6 weeks), keep them away from cold drafts, and supplement low light with gentle grow lights if needed.
ABC News
10-07-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Farmer works to create crossbred sheep to cut down labour and increase profit
Producers are working to breed "low-maintenance" sheep as farmers and workers continue to walk away from the agricultural sector. Leo Tompkins said finding shearers and labourers was getting harder, even in the sheep country of Central West New South Wales, so he has been developing his own "super breed". "What we're trying to do is create a sheep that's a low-input sheep, or a low-maintenance sheep, that is going to be as productive or more productive and more profitable than other competing breeds at the moment," he said. Mr Tompkins started with the meat-producing Wiltshire horn breed, which has a shedding coat and does not need to be shorn. "What we're finding is that many shedding breeds, because they are in their infancy in the industry, they haven't really achieved those production goals to compete with other wool sheep at the moment … like your Poll Dorsets or your white Suffolks," he said. "There are a lot of other producers doing really great work … we just want to work in conjunction and collaboration with those breeders and producers and to produce and to create something that will complement what's already there." Mr Tompkins also introduced the Persian, Damara, East Friesian and Finnsheep breeds, which are known for high fertility rates and do not have tails, which eliminates the need for mulesing. The number of farmers across the country has decreased by more than 22 per cent since 2006, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Rising input costs, heavy workloads and tough seasonal conditions are making life difficult in the agricultural sector, according to the NSW Farmers Association. Mr Tompkins said he hoped the new sheep breeds would make living on the land a little easier. "We found more people wanting self-reliance, self-sufficiency, and producers out west wanting just a lower-input sheep because they couldn't find the labour to shear them, to do other contracting roles that they needed to do," he said. Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) sheep genetics operations manager Peta Bradley said the organisation had observed an increase in general composite breeding. "We are certainly seeing a lot of interest in new traits, like shedding, starting to do some preliminary work to develop breeding values around tail length as well, so breeding sheep with shorter tails," she said. "Those really easy care traits are becoming more important in … breeding programs and as a result we're working with the scientists to try and develop breeding values. "For the first time, all our industry indexes now include an emphasis on … shrinkles [skin wrinkles] … breeding to alleviate the need for surgical procedures like mulesing," Ms Bradley said. According to Sheep Producers Australia data, the proportion of merino breeding ewes that were joined to merino rams fell to less than 50 per cent for the first time in 2022. Sheep Producers Australia chief executive Bonnie Skinner said shedding varieties such as Aussie whites and ultra whites were becoming more popular. "The discussions that we have with producers are around, 'What is the best fit-for-purpose animal for my area and my personal circumstances that is going to help me have a profitable business?'" she said.
The Sun
05-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I put three cleansers that also remove your make-up to the test
MY skincare routine is very low maintenance and I don't buy into double cleansing. With the right formula, you can remove your make-up and clean your face in just one step. It's faster and saves space and money. This week, I test out three. Budget Curél Hydrating Make-up Cleanser, £16.50, 200ml, Boots: 4 I never thought I'd like a cleanser you didn't have to use in tandem with a flannel and warm water – but this clever product has changed that completely. Thanks to the hydrating formula, you can go rinse-free and your skin won't end up dry or rough, which is a revelation. I've been using it for a couple of weeks, and the convenience of being able to sit in bed while removing my make-up with a cotton pad is unrivalled. It also means any excuses of being too tired/drunk/lazy to cleanse my face are redundant. Mid-range Designed to be truly universal, it's suitable for dry, oily, combination, acne-prone and sensitive skin – which is no mean feat. It's the only cleanser I've been loyal to for the last few years, going back to it frequently as I know my skin will appreciate it. True to its name, it has a milky consistency that lightly foams but doesn't dry skin out, removing every last scrap of make-up and grime in less than a minute. With every day use, a tube lasts me a good few months, so I don't mind paying slightly more as I know it works and will last. It's a pair of safe hands. We tried six lipsticks we'd never normally go for - here's what worked & what didn't Luxury 4 This was the only cleanser I used for five years when I had severe cystic acne, so I needed a face wash that would clean my skin without too much rubbing – as touching my skin caused more inflammation. I recently rediscovered the thick-gel formula, and it's just as good as I remember. On contact with skin, it quickly turns into a rich foam that dissolves grime and sloughs away dead skin cells thanks to the exfoliating acid ingredient. It's best for oily skin or when you're wearing lots of make-up. Pick of the week RoC Lip Volumizer, £29.99, 10ml, I keep a wide berth from any lip products labelled as 'plumping'. I have chronically dry lips and a very low spice tolerance, so they're usually more hassle than they're worth – but I've just found one that works, and doesn't cause me pain. This product contains peptides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and a plumping complex that delivers a noticeable difference in three minutes.
Wall Street Journal
02-07-2025
- Wall Street Journal
Four Friends, Five States, One RV. What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
I like to think of myself as low-maintenance. I've spent much more time in Greyhounds than limousines and once crisscrossed South India by train. I could write a book on European hostels. But lately I've wondered if I've gone a bit soft. A few trips with friends who would sooner give up their gallbladders than their airline status has given me a taste for the finer things in life, like room service and heated pools. So when a different friend called me up and proposed a two-week tour of the South in a rented RV, it seemed an ideal way to see just how low-maintenance I really was.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rock N Block Turf N Hardscapes Transforms Las Vegas Outdoor Spaces With Expert Landscaping Services
Las Vegas residents turn to Rock N Block Turf N Hardscapes to reduce yard upkeep with thoughtful landscaping and artificial turf installations. Rock N Block Turf N Hardscapes Transforms Las Vegas Outdoor Spaces With Expert Landscaping Services Las Vegas, NV , June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rock N Block Turf N Hardscapes is reshaping outdoor living across Las Vegas with smart, low-maintenance artificial turf and landscaping solutions. As more homeowners move away from high-maintenance lawns, the company offers practical designs that conserve water without sacrificing curb appeal. Rock N Block Turf N Hardscapes provides custom solutions built for the desert. The team collaborates with homeowners and businesses to convert unused yards into functional, climate-ready spaces. Each landscaping Las Vegas project is designed to handle Southern Nevada's extreme heat while reducing water use and long-term maintenance. 'Our goal is to create landscapes that look great and make sense for this region,' said a representative for Rock N Block Turf N Hardscapes. 'What we have for our clients are proven layouts, efficient systems, and durable materials that hold up in the heat and deliver reliable performance throughout the year.' Rock N Block Turf N Hardscapes The Las Vegas landscaping company offers many services beyond turf and design work. These include paver walkways, outdoor patios, and gravel installations for clean, low-maintenance ground cover. Artificial grass Las Vegas is available in multiple formats, including options tailored to pet areas and children's play zones. Backyard putting greens can be customized for layout and terrain. Weed barriers and bender boards keep turf installations clean and contained. To make these upgrades more accessible, Rock N Block Turf N Hardscapes offers flexible financing options for qualified clients. These allow homeowners to start their projects now and pay over time, making high-quality results achievable without upfront financial strain. The program enables more residents to invest in professional Las Vegas landscaping without compromising design, durability, or functionality. For those interested in entering the landscaping industry, Rock N Block Turf N Hardscapes also offers a franchise program. Partners benefit from a proven business model, established supplier relationships, and hands-on training built on real-world landscaping Las Vegas expertise. Each stage, from customer engagement to site execution, is structured to help new Vegas landscapers gain traction and succeed in a growing market. In addition, to support long-term performance, Rock N Block Turf N Hardscapes provides warranty coverage for both the product and the installation. Turf products include manufacturer warranties, while workmanship is covered for one year after installation. This structured warranty approach helps reduce long-term maintenance costs, a key concern for many Las Vegas homeowners. Rock N Block Turf N Hardscapes continues raising the bar for Southern Nevada outdoor upgrades. With a streamlined approach covering everything from consultation to project completion, the company delivers dependable results for residential and commercial clients. Every project reflects a practical understanding of the region, the climate, and the long-term value of thoughtful, durable landscaping in Las Vegas. To explore services, view project options, or connect with the team, visit About Rock N Block Turf N Hardscapes Rock N Block Turf N Hardscapes is a one-stop shop for all things artificial turf and hardscape in Las Vegas, NV. The company specializes in artificial grass installation, landscaping, concrete work, retaining walls, paver installation, and custom putting greens. With a focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail, Rock N Block transforms outdoor spaces into beautiful, functional landscapes built to last. '' ### Media Contact Rock N Block Turf N Hardscapes Address: 3267 N Torrey Pines Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89108 Phone: (888) 894-2486 Website: Rock N Block Turf N Hardscapes Address: 3267 N Torrey Pines Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89108 Attachment Rock N Block Turf N Hardscapes Transforms Las Vegas Outdoor Spaces With Expert Landscaping ServicesError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
