When I learned about my husband’s work relocation, I was immediately looking forward to all the affordable houseplants in Jakarta. I knew this is one of the best places blessed with plants you can dream of having.

But I also knew I needed to stick to a budget as I can’t bring these plants with me when the time will be up for us to leave the country. So, just like other expats who want to make their temporary houses a home, I made sure to seek out plant stalls and have a few in the house.

As it turns out, the best place to buy plants here in Jakarta is in the roadside nurseries which are all over. Just look at the streets and they usually occupy a long side street. As for me, I buy from roadside nurseries in Senopati and Dharmawhangsa. They also have pots, both plastic and ceramics, and soil. I think they have everything you would need for your house plants.

Please know that not everything is cheap in these plant shops, locally known as toko tanaman. And you can bargain, too. Here are some affordable house plants I have, and they are easy to take care of, too.

1. Rubber Plant

This is literally one of the easiest to grow. It doesn’t need much effort to be taken care of. Water and indirect sunlight are good enough. It grows fast, too. I bought two rubber plants last July 2021 and it has grown to a foot tall each so they are now taller than me. Rubber plants do not need a lot of water. I usually let the soil dry first before watering them again so really, this is a low maintenance plant. Rubber plants are also said to help clean your indoor air from pollutants.

2. Sansevieria

Of course, this is easy to take care of, too. In fact, this does not need frequent watering. And do not make the same mistake I did. I watered directly into the plant, around the bottom part. I shouldn’t have because it immediately caused some stalks to be mushy. I had to remove some of them. Now, I water very sparingly and only when the soil is dry.

I also tried to propagate it by cutting some of its leaves. Some were successful, some were not. Now, I am looking forward for the good ones to grow taller so I can re-pot them.

3. Monstera Adansonii

This Swiss Cheese or Monstera Adansonii is probably my favorite affordable and easy to take care of houseplant. In fact, I have propagated several plants from the one plant I bought July of last year.

How easy is it to propagate? Just cut a leaf making sure you got a node with it and put it in water. As soon as it starts to have roots, you can re-pot it. Sounds simple, and it is really simple and easy. I have some surviving on water and I have some potted already. I have been working on my adansonii wall and it’s progressing slowly but healthily. I am excited to share this project as soon as the leaves are vining up so to make my adansonii wall.

4. Philodendron Giganteum

The Philodendron giganteum is not as expensive as everyone thinks it is just because it grows so big. That is why it is called a giganteum. But when it becomes so huge, you can beautifully make it a centerpiece in your house. You can check my video below to see where I put this philodendron giganteum.

I have since propagated from these plants and I have smaller ones now. They are very easy to grow though you have to be patient with it. The moment you take a cutting the existing leaves wilt but new ones would appear. And they sprout leaves fast. I was worried at first when the leaves wilted but I have learned from this propagating experience since.

5. Money Tree

Do you also believe in the good luck and prosperity that a money tree brings to your home?

I think it is not so bad to indulge yourself into thinking that way. This is one of the plants I want to have in my house. I am not so particular about its feng shui placements to attract prosperity. In my case, I just want to believe its current location in my house shows it is welcoming all the good luck and prosperity it can give to us. We welcome these with open arms by putting my money tree right beside the stairs which is also facing our main door. More importantly, it has ample indirect sunlight.

6. Philodendron Burle Marx

Philodendrons are easy plants to take care of and propagate but this Burle Marx is probably the easiest of them all. They are everywhere here in Jakarta and they look so good outdoors. But they are equally good-looking indoors. These plants thrive in water, too. Burle Marx plants are both exotic and elegant. I love them!

7. Peace Lily

Who can deny the beauty of these peace lilies? Especially when they produce those white dainty flowers. This is not an expensive plant to buy. And easy to maintain, too. It is not demanding of your time as long as you give it enough water and sunlight. Little effort for the beauty it gives.

8. Pothos or Devil’s Ivy

When one thinks about easy and affordable houseplants, pothos easily comes to mind. Pothos won’t give up on you even if you think they look like they’re dying. They easily spring back to life. I have in soil and in water. They survive in both. And they can survive without much light, too. That’s how versatile they are. And they are beautiful anywhere you put them inside the house.

My sons appreciate being surrounded by all the greens so I get inspired having them around. I have controlled myself from buying plants already as I am now just propagating what I have. Much as I want to have more variety, I know we are not living here forever. All expat wives can relate to this so we enjoy what we can and what we have while we are where we are.

Updates on my houseplants here: House blooms and house plants

What kind of plants do you have that don’t make a big dent in your pocket?

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