Ten Easy Houseplants For Beginners

So many options, yet so little knowledge. The list of plants touted as beginner-friendly is extensive. With numerous suggestions from internet experts, where should you begin? It's advisable to research and determine if the plant's requirements align with your routine, environment, and lifestyle. Drawing from our experience, we've compiled a reliable list of low-maintenance plants perfect for beginners, designed to boost your confidence as a plant owner. Once you experience the joy of keeping plants healthy and thriving, you'll be eager to try those with higher maintenance needs.

Snake Plant 'Laurentii' in a Terracotta Pot, showcasing its distinct tall, green leaves with yellow edges, perfect for indoor decoration and air purification.

1.) Snake Plant (Sansevieria) is our top pick for the "Most Indestructible Houseplant." These incredibly tough plants are only at risk from overwatering or exposure to freezing temperatures. Perfect for beginners, they adapt well to various lighting conditions and almost thrive on neglect. Often regarded as one of the best low-light plants, this reputation is well-deserved. While they can tolerate the darkest areas of your home, they will only survive in such conditions, not flourish. Some plant owners are content with this, making it a personal choice. Ideally, snake plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can also adjust to full sun outdoors. They need watering just once or twice a month, and even less frequently in winter. Make sure the soil dries out completely between waterings, much like caring for a cactus. Overwatering will result in mushy leaves and root rot.

A vibrant ZZ plant in a terra cotta pot, showcasing its glossy green leaves and upright stems, perfect for adding a touch of greenery indoors.

2.) ZZ plant/Zanzibar gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)  - Another popular super-plant is the ZZ plant. Its large rhizomatous root systems store water, making it particularly drought-resistant. Watering once a month is usually enough, and if you forget and go longer, the ZZ plant is forgiving. In winter, reduce watering even more! ZZ plants also thrive in humidity, like most tropicals, making them an excellent choice for a low-light bathroom. Indoors, the ZZ grows slowly, but it will grow rapidly when placed outdoors under a tree in the summer.

A vibrantly green corn plant with elongated leaves in a small brown pot, showcasing its striking yellow stripes.

3.) Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) - This upright plant is known for its striking appearance, featuring multiple unbranched stems with rosettes of arching, broad evergreen leaves. The leaves have a wide central yellow stripe contrasting with deep green foliage, enhancing its ornamental value. As it matures, it forms an elegant tropical clump, making it a captivating backdrop or standalone feature in garden designs. Its compact growth habit is ideal for low-maintenance containers, suitable for patios, balconies, and indoor spaces with abundant natural light. Thriving in both sunny and partially shaded areas, its resilience makes it popular among gardeners. Whether in a tropical-themed garden, mixed container, or as a houseplant, it brings elegance and tranquility to any setting.

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A lush Marble Queen pothos showcases its striking variegated leaves against a soft peach background. 

4.) Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) - Everyone should experience having a versatile pothos, as they grow rapidly, are simple to propagate, and look beautiful when hung in a basket or trained to climb. Their vines can extend beyond 8 feet, and if allowed to climb, the leaves will grow quite large. Pothos can thrive in low and fluorescent light, making them ideal for offices, but they will grow more vigorously with brighter light. Moreover, increased light exposure enhances their variegation. Pothos are incredibly resilient, though it's advisable not to overwater them frequently. Popular varieties include 'Marble Queen,' known for its striking green and white variegated pattern, and 'Jade,' which features solid green elongated leaves.

The aglaonema "Wishes" showcases its vibrant variegated leaves in shades of pink and green, thriving in a simple white pot.

5.) Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.) - Aglaonema is a reliable grower. They are among the few plants that thrive in low light and continue to produce abundant new growth even in the shadiest areas of your green space. Like many other plants, there are nearly endless varieties of Aglaonema to match your style. Popular choices include 'Wishes' and the vibrant 'Siam Aurora.' Place your aglaonema in a north or east-facing window and water it when the soil feels dry. The most certain way to distress your aglaonema is by exposing it to full sun or temperatures below 60 degrees F.

A vibrant Philodendron BTASIL in a terracotta pot, showcasing its lush green leaves with a hint of variegation.

6.) Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendon hederaceum) - Philodendron hederaceum is a classic, recognizable houseplant. Similar to the pothos in terms of looks and care, they're hard to tell apart at first. The surest way to tell the difference between the two is to look at new leaves - philodendron leaves will emerge from a papery sheath, while new pothos leaves do not. There are a multitude of ways to differentiate between the two, but for now let’s keep it simple! Philodendrons do best in bright, indirect light, but are surprisingly tolerant of a low north-facing window. Even in the gray days of winter, expect to see continual new growth. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings, but don't let it dry out completely so that the edges of the soil pull away from the sides of the pot. 

A vibrant Chinese money plant with its distinctive round leaves is nestled in a simple terracotta pot.

7.) Peperomia Plant (Peperomiaa ssp.) - Originates from Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean, the Peperomia genus encompasses a diverse array of plant species that are well-adapted to various environments. These plants typically exhibit thick, fleshy leaves, which serve a crucial function in enhancing their drought resistance and overall robustness. The succulent nature of their foliage allows them to store water efficiently, enabling them to thrive in conditions where other plants might struggle. Furthermore, all Peperomia varieties are known for their low maintenance requirements, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. They grow slowly, which means they do not require frequent repotting or pruning, allowing for a more relaxed approach to plant care. This slow growth rate also contributes to their longevity, as many varieties can live for several years with proper care. Additionally, their unique leaf shapes and colors offer a decorative appeal that can enhance any space, from homes to offices. The variety in leaf texture, size, and coloration among different Peperomia species allows for creative combinations and arrangements, making them a favorite among interior decorators and plant lovers alike. Peperomia plants are not only resilient and easy to care for but also versatile in their aesthetic contributions, making them a valuable addition to any plant collection.

A vibrant spider plant in a simple terracotta pot, showcasing its arching green and white-striped leaves.

8.) Spider plant/airplane plant (Chlorophyllum comosum) - The spider plant is one of the easiest and most popular houseplants around, and I can remember seeing them in just about every doctor and dentist office as a kid. Besides being a superb novice plant, it's scientifically proven to rid the air of pollution AND is non-toxic for pets! Seems like a winner all around! Additionally, spider plants shoot out "runners" that will produce little baby spider plants called "plantlets" at the end. These plantlets are easily rooted to make even more spider plants, making it a great plant to experiment with propagation for the first time. Spider plants do best in moderate to bright light, but I've known them to acclimate to a few hours of full sun outside. They're also surprisingly drought-tolerant, but repeated drying out can stress the plant. Try to water your spider plant when the soil is dry 1-2 inches down. One caveat about this plant that it's sensitive to tap water; fluoride can cause the tips to turn brown, so distilled water or rainwater are excellent choices. Otherwise, these are pretty lenient plants that will last for years if taken care of well.  

9.) Arrowhead vine (Syngogium podophyllum) - Arrowhead vines are one of the fastest growing plants, constantly unfurling new leaves. They're another shade-loving plant and will happily grow in a north-facing window, but wouldn’t mind some direct sun from a west-facing window either!  As tropical plants, arrowheads enjoy a bit of extra humidity, but they are surprisingly toleratant of standard household humidity. Water your arrowhead plant when the soil is dry a good 2-3" down; the new growth will start to yellow if the soil stays too wet. These plants look lovely in a hanging basket when allowed to vine, but can also be trained to climb a trellis. Check out varieties like 'Ciffon Allusions' (pictured above) or 'Regina Red' for stunning shades of pink and copper.

A vibrant peace lily in full bloom, showcasing its dark green leaves and elegant white flowers, potted in a black container.

10.) Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) - Peace lilies are not true lilies; they are tropical, evergreen plants from the Arum family, originating in the tropical regions of Central and South America. These plants flourish on the forest floor, where they receive filtered sunlight and consistent moisture and humidity. To keep your peace lily thriving at home, it's important to replicate these conditions. With adequate light, peace lilies produce white to off-white flowers beginning in early summer and can continue to bloom throughout the year if conditions are favorable. Most indoor peace lily varieties grow up to 16 inches tall, while larger outdoor types can have leaves reaching up to 6 feet in height.

Whichever decision you make regarding your plant owning endeavors, whether it involves selecting the right plants, choosing the appropriate soil, or deciding on the best watering schedule, take the time to truly enjoy the process of nurturing your plants. Plant nurturing is not just about the end result of beautiful blooms or abundant harvests; it is also about the journey and the moments spent connecting with nature.

As you care for your plants, observe their growth and changes, and immerse yourself in the rhythms of the seasons. Each plant has its own unique needs and characteristics, and understanding these can deepen your appreciation for them. Pay attention to how they respond to sunlight, water, and nutrients, and adjust your care accordingly.

Engage in the tactile experience of gardening—feel the soil between your fingers, inhale the fresh scents of your plants, and listen to the sounds of nature surrounding you. This mindful approach can transform caring for a plant into a meditative practice, allowing you to find tranquility and joy in the simple act of caring for living things.

May your efforts yield flourishing plants that not only beautify your space but also bring you a sense of fulfillment and happiness. May the experience of nurturing your houseplant enrich your life and provide you with countless moments of joy and satisfaction. Remember, the happiness derived from gardening often comes as much from the journey as it does from the final outcome.