The 9 Easiest Houseplants Any Beginner Can Keep Alive (Really!)
Houseplants have long been a quick way to add a touch of nature and tranquility to your living space. For beginners, though, the world of indoor plants — with so many varieties and care requirements — can be overwhelming. I have good news: There are plants out there that require very minimal attention in order to thrive (really!). Below, I share the easiest houseplants for beginners that any plant newbie will want at the top of their list.
What Makes a Plant “Easy” for Beginners?
Emily Bergman, a longtime plant collector and aficionado who hosts regular plant education workshops where she lives in Harrisburg, Illinois, believes the key to an “easy” plant is understanding that labels aren’t always accurate. “I think I have been in the houseplant-loving world long enough that I genuinely chuckle or grimace every time I see [something] that says ‘Beginner houseplants that are virtually indestructible!’” she says.
“I’ve lost enough of those ‘beginner’ houseplants that I’ve come to the conclusion that they are not easy; they are just perhaps, a little less stressful and a little more forgiving,” she adds. (Note: When something is “easy” by plant care standards, you still have to do some work, so there are no zero-effort plants.)
What is the trick for beginners? Bergman says you need to understand what your plants actually need from you (e.g., a specific light type, watering cadence). But all plants are not created equal, and some are far more forgiving than others. Here are the key traits to look for if you’re just starting out, according to Bergman.
Resilience: It has the ability to survive occasional neglect, like infrequent watering or less-than-ideal lighting.
Adaptability: It thrives in a range of conditions, from low light to bright indirect light, and varying humidity levels.
Low-Maintence: It requires minimal upkeep, with no need for specialized tools or advanced gardening knowledge.
The Easiest Plants for Beginners
As someone who has plenty of plant experience myself, I tapped a couple of plant pros — Bergman, and Carissa Halbmaier, manager at Flower + Furbish in Paducah, Kentucky — to create a helpful list of truly approachable easy plants. But maybe don’t buy all of them at once. I recommend starting with just one or two plants to help you gain confidence to grow your collection.
Remember, the goal is to enjoy the beauty and benefits of houseplants without the stress! With all that in mind, here are nine easy houseplants you can choose from that are great for beginners.
Snake Plant
The snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) is the ultimate beginner plant. Known for its striking upright leaves, this plant is as hearty as it looks. It’s a favorite among busy people and anyone new to growing plants.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Snake plants thrive on neglect, tolerating low light and infrequent watering. They come in eye-catching varieties with gorgeous coloring and leaf patterns, so you won’t have to sacrifice style for ease.
Best Environment: Low to medium light. A snake plant can even survive in fluorescent office lighting, making it a great desk companion.
Easy Care Tip: Water sparingly — only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering is the snake plant’s only real kryptonite, as it can lead to root rot.
Pothos
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a fast-growing vine that’s as forgiving as it is beautiful. Its leaves come in a variety of colors, from golden to marble. This plant is often called “devil’s ivy” because it’s nearly impossible to kill, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Pothos can bounce back from overwatering, and it’s also incredibly easy to propagate, making it a fun plant to share with friends.
Best Environment: Low to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Easy Care Tip: Propagate easily by placing cuttings in water or soil. Once roots form, you can plant them in a new pot to expand your collection. Pothos is perfect for hanging baskets or trailing down shelves.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a true survivor, thriving in conditions that would make other plants wilt. This plant is native to drought-prone regions of Africa, which explains its ability to look lush with minimal care.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: It’s nearly indestructible, tolerating low light and infrequent watering. Its glossy, dark green leaves add a touch of elegance to any space.
Best Environment: Low to bright indirect light. It can even thrive in a windowless room with fluorescent lighting. It’s a great office plant!
Easy Care Tip: Water only when the soil is dry — this plant stores water in its roots, making it drought-tolerant.
Spider Plant
The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is hardy and fun, and it produces “babies” that you can propagate to grow your collection. Known for its arching leaves and tiny plantlets that dangle like spiders on a web, this plant is a joy to grow.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: A spider plant is resilient and adapts well to different environments. It’s also nontoxic to dogs and cats, making it a safe choice for homes with those pets.
Best Environment: Medium to bright indirect light. It can tolerate lower light but may grow more slowly.
Easy Care Tip: Mist occasionally to maintain humidity, especially in dry climates. Spider plants love a bit of extra moisture in the air.
Peace Lily
The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a classic choice for beginners, thanks to its chic white blooms and low-maintenance nature. This plant is known for its ability to thrive in low light and its dramatic way of communicating when it needs water.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: It tolerates low light extremely well and will droop slightly when it needs water, making it easy to care for. It’s also an excellent air purifier.
Best Environment: Low to medium light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Easy Care Tip: Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free and shiny. This helps the plant absorb more light and stay healthy.
Succulent
Succulents (like Echeveria and Haworthia) are perfect if you love a modern, minimalist aesthetic. These plants come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so they’re a versatile choice for any home. Their ability to store water in their leaves and stems makes them incredibly low-maintenance.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: They require minimal watering and thrive in bright light. Their unique shapes and textures make them a favorite among plant lovers.
Best Environment: Bright, direct light. A sunny windowsill is ideal.
Easy Care Tip: Use well-draining soil and water only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering is the most common cause of succulent death.
Cast Iron Plant
True to its name, the cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is tough. This plant has been a favorite for centuries, thanks to its affinity for low-light environments. It’s nice to look at, too.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: It thrives in low light and can handle irregular watering. Its dark green, leathery leaves add a touch of sophistication to any room.
Best Environment: Low light and varying humidity. It’s perfect for dimly lit corners or rooms with little natural light.
Easy Care Tip: Avoid overwatering — this plant prefers to stay on the drier side. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Kentia Palm
If you’re looking for a tropical vibe, the Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) is a great choice. This palm is native to Lord Howe Island in Australia, and it’s a popular pick for offices and homes because of its adaptability and low-maintenance nature.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: It’s a slow-growing plant and adapts well to indoor conditions. Its feathery fronds create a lush, tropical atmosphere.
Best Environment: Medium to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Easy Care Tip: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Kentia palms prefer consistent moisture but can tolerate occasional dryness.
Rubber Tree
The rubber tree plant (Ficus elastica) is a stylish addition to any home, with its dark green leaves. Native to Southeast Asia, this plant can grow quite tall, given the right conditions.
Why It’s Great for Beginners: It’s low-maintenance and can grow into an impressive tree-like statement piece. It’s also an excellent air purifier.
Best Environment: Bright, indirect light. It can tolerate lower light but may grow more slowly.
Easy Care Tip: Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free and shiny. This helps the plant absorb more light and stay healthy.
Further Reading
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