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The relentless desert heat in Las Vegas might have you questioning whether you can keep anything alive inside your home or in your backyard. But owning plants doesn’t have to be a lesson in frustration. Adding greenery to your space is not just a way to beautify your home, it’s also a hobby that connects you to your environment and teaches you about nature’s resilience.
At Mojave Bloom Desert Nursery & Decor, owner Norm Schilling and assistant manager Aysia Tamules have decades of experience and are happy to share their horticulture wisdom. From outdoor trees that thrive in the heat to indoor houseplants that are practically impossible to kill, here are five plants to consider adding to your home environment.
HEARTLEAF PHILODENDRON
The heartleaf philodendron is a must have for those looking for a simple, forgiving plant to start their indoor plant journey. Tamules swears by it. “They’re hearty and pretty forgiving with watering. They handle a variety of light conditions,” she says. This lush, vining plant can easily grow in both low and bright light settings, making it ideal for homes with limited sunlight.
Watering: Let the top third of the soil dry out before watering again.
Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Tip: A wonderful hanging plant or shelf companion, it’s perfect for someone who just wants to fill their space with some effortless greenery. If you have cats, be aware that philodendron are poisonous to them.
CEBU BLUE POTHOS
A relative of the classic pothos, the Cebu blue offers striking blue-green foliage that’s more dramatic than your typical houseplant. It’s easygoing in terms of care, making it a great addition to any home, even for the most forgetful plant owner.
Watering: Water when the soil feels dry.
Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light but can handle lower light conditions as well.
Tip: Cebu blue is a fast grower, great for those who want to see their plant flourish quickly. Same as philodendron—heed that pothos are poisonous to cats.
DRACAENA
This minimalist beauty has become a favorite for its sleek, tree-like structure and forgiving nature. Over time, the dracaena can grow into a small tree, making it perfect for a statement piece in any room. “A lot of people are really just digging them for the minimalist, Dr. Seuss vibe,” says Tamules.
Watering: Water when the soil is dry to the touch.
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light environments.
Tip: Ideal for modern interiors, the dracaena can become a sculptural element in your home. Just make sure it gets enough light to keep its vibrant and spiky leaves.
DWARF OLIVE TREE
If you want a tree that thrives in a pot, the dwarf olive is your best bet. This compact tree not only produces olives, but also is remarkably drought-tolerant, making it perfect for your patio
or backyard.
Watering: If you keep it in a pot, water it one to two times per week. If it’s in the ground, every couple of weeks will suffice. Keep in mind it will pull some water from nearby plants.
Sunlight: Full sunlight is a must.
Tip: A little olive tree like this could serve as a centerpiece for your garden or patio, creating a Mediterranean feel.
TOTEM POLE CACTUS
Sculptural, towering, and tough as nails, the totem pole cactus is a thornless plant that demands attention. It looks like melted wax, with arms that gradually grow and spread, making it a visual anchor in your outdoor space. According to Schilling, it thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile, beginner-friendly plant.
Watering: Cacti are famously low maintenance so water sparingly.
Sunlight: Tolerates both direct sunlight and light shade.
Tip: Think of it as living art. Vertical cacti like the totem pole add an aesthetic touch, whether you’ve got a contemporary desert garden or a classic xeriscape setup.
Where to find your next plant babies
Cactus Joe’s Nursery 12740 Blue Diamond Road, 702-875-1968, cactusjoeslv.com. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
LV Plant Collective 1028 E. Fremont St. #116, 702-786-5971, lvplantcollective.com. Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Rooting for You 2380 N. Buffalo Dr. #115, 702-445-6903, rooting-4u.com. Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 12 p.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Iron Rose Plants and Vintage 525 Nevada Way, Boulder City, 702-721-7696, ironroseplantsandvintage.com. Monday, Thursday & Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Mojave Bloom Desert Nursery & Decor 1401 Searles Ave., 702-279-2789, mojavebloomnv.com. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
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