32 Easy Houseplants Perfect For Beginners

Kaitlyn Yarborough

Sat, January 19, 2019 at 1:33 PM UTC

17 min read

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Plants that can be forgotten about and live to tell the tale.

*Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kathleen Varner; Capella wallpaper in Blush by Thibaut*

While a houseplant can purify your air and bring life to your home, some of us don't have a natural "green thumb." For those looking for an easy houseplant—maybe you're always busy or just a little forgetful—we've come up with a list of the best indoor plants that'll take the work out of plant parenting. Here are the 32 easy houseplants for those who want a plant but don't necessarily have the right color of thumb for it.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Botanical Name: Ficus lyrata
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Type: Well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (5.5-7.0)

We consider this indoor plant the exotic cousin of the Ficus—which means it's just the low-maintenance indoor plant to spice things up in your home. It's a flowering plant in the mulberry and fig family that only requires watering two or three times a week. Give them bright, indirect light, and keep them away from air vents and drafts. This plant's leaves are elegant, and its upright growth and size bring drama to any indoor space.

Aloe Vera

Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis miller
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Type: Well-drained
Soil pH: Slightly acidic (6.0)

We love how fresh and modern this indoor plant looks in any space. Its long green triangular leaves with spiny edges grow in a rosette shape. Aloe vera is a cactus-like succulent species. This evergreen perennial plant is considered invasive in certain regions. Native to warm, dry environments, place aloe vera in a sunny spot and water every two to three weeks. Extracts are known to have many medicinal uses, including as a topical gel to treat sunburns.

Split-Leaf Philodendron

Botanical Name: Monstera deliciosa
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, organic, rich
Soil pH: Slightly acidic (6.0-6.5)

Highly coveted in Southern homes, this plant's shiny and lush leaves brighten any space. It feels a bit tropical, making it perfect for a summertime refresh. Also known as the Swiss cheese or window leaf plant, the split-leaf philodendron is native to tropical forests in Central America, including Panama and southern Mexico. This ornamental plant's leaves can grow as much as 18 inches wide. Put them in a sunny spot—they can take full sun—and water about once every 7-10 days.

ZZ Plant

Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Sun Exposure: Partial, shade
Soil Type: Well-drained, organic
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

Consider the glossy greatness of this plant. Its deep green glossy leaves are super attractive and will still be alive if left under low light without much water for up to four months. In other words, even the most forgetful person can safely tote it home. This tropical, perennial plant is native to eastern Africa. It is a hardy plant that is considered toxic to people and pets.

Hen-and-Chicks Succulents

Botanical Name: Echeveria
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy
Soil pH: Slightly acidic (6.0)

Practically made for your tabletop or windowsill, succulents don't ask for much. Just somewhere to get their sunning on. Tip: Don't over-water. Plant in well-draining soil so it doesn't get soggy, and give them lots of sun. This succulent is native to Mexico, South America, and the United States. Echeveria is a small, hardy plant available in various colored leaves.

Peace Lily

Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained, loamy
Soil pH: Acidic (5.8-6.5)

It doesn't get more classic than the peace lily. It'll look cozy when nestled in a corner or beside the sofa. Let it purify your air while looking pretty in a woven basket. White flowers bloom frequently among glossy green leaves and pale as they age, providing beauty for weeks. Native to jungle environments, peace lilies need well-drained and aerated soil and bright, indirect light. If your plant has brown tips on its foliage, sagging leaves, or yellowing, these are symptoms of soil imbalance. Peace lilies are toxic to pets and people.

Pothos Neon

Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum 'Neon'
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained, loamy
Soil pH: Acidic (6.1-6.8)

This variant comes with a wonderfully bright hue, and we think it's just the thing our home needs come springtime. With neon green and heart-shaped leaves, this plant has an easy-to-care-for and vining growth habit, making this an excellent houseplant for tall containers where creeping or trailing foliage can grow freely. One thing to note about these pothos is all parts are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and people if ingested.

Rubber Plant

Botanical Name: Ficus elastica
Sun Exposure: Partial shade
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-7.5)

Let's take a walk on the dark side. This plant comes in a gloriously vampy hue, making it the perfect complement to a more formal or moody space. It does well with medium light and weekly watering. Native to Asian countries like India and Indonesia, Ficus elastica is known as the rubber plant, rubber tree, rubber fig, and rubber bush, along with other names. Glossy, leathery leaves are 8-12 inches long and oval shaped.

Yucca Cane

Botanical Name: Yucca gigantea
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, dry, sandy
Soil pH: Slightly alkaline (6.0)

Talk about a houseplant with a big personality. Its long leaves grow from one strong central cane. It loves being in lightly shaded areas, but it's smooth sailing from there. Native to Guatemala and southeast Mexico, the Yucca Cane is not particular about its soil requirements. It enjoys dry, well-drained soil as it is a member of the succulent family.

Calathea Rattlesnake

Botanical Name: Goeppertia insignis
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.5)

The cool factor of this plant is second to none. Not only does it feature long, wavy leaves, but those leaves also close at night, which is where this plant got its nickname: prayer plant. The wavy leaves of this evergreen perennial plant have dark, distinguishing marks. Native to South America, this flowering plant blooms in the spring with small yellow flowers. It will thrive in warm, humid conditions with bright, indirect light and well-drained soil. Water once a week, more in a drier environment.

Anthurium

Botanical Name: Anthurium spp.
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy, rich
Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-6.5)

Give your desk a bright pop of color. This indoor plant grows best in bright, indirect light. Like orchids, these plants prefer coarse, well-drained soil. Orchid mix with sand or peat moss may be used. Keep the soil moist, but let it dry out halfway before watering again. Known commonly as the tailflower, flamingo flower, and laceleaf, the anthurium plant is native to South America, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean. This plant's flowers form in clusters and produce berries in various colors.

Snake Plant

Botanical Name: Dracaena trifasciata
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, light, loamy
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (5.5-7.0)

Characterized by its upright sword-like leaves, the snake plant makes a great air-purifying plant option for beginners. You only need to water it about once every two weeks, making it way easier to care for than most plants. It's best to let the soil dry out in between waterings and not overwater it. Native to southern Africa, this succulent is also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue. If you end up liking the plant so much, easily cut off a leaf and root it to make another.

Tufted Airplant

Botanical Name: Guzmania lingulata
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, rich
Soil pH: Slightly acidic (6.0-6.5)

This houseplant is bold and stylish, a perfect element for any room in your home. Its colorful, long-lasting blooms only impress us more since it takes very little upkeep. Keep the soil slightly moist and give it plenty of bright, indirect light. Native to rainforest environments like Central America, South America, and southern Mexico, this plant is known as the scarlet star because of its flowering shape. The long leaves have a dark green, leathery appearance once matured.

Silver Philodendron

Botanical Name: Scindapsus pictus
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, loose
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5)

This little guy is so compact and cute that we're putting one on every shelf, windowsill, and tabletop. This plant only needs watering once a week and indirect sunlight. Outfitted with heart-shaped leaves in a velvety texture, this variegated plant is an excellent hanging or container plant when given the space to grow freely.

Ficus Bonsai

Botanical Name: Ficus retusa
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, loose
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-6.5)

Bring balance and serenity to your space with this Japanese plant. You'll want to prune it to keep its shape and be wary of over-watering. From there, it's all mindful care that'll help center your soul as it's often considered an excellent bonsai for beginners. Shaped with an S-curved trunk and dark green, oval, waxy leaves, these plants prefer high humidity to help develop roots.

Chinese Money Plant

Botanical Name: Pilea peperomioides
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, rich, loamy
Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-7.0)

You don't see this houseplant quite as much as the common fern, but it's easy to care for and grows with gumption. The round leaves lend a unique look to this pick, which also lends itself to other commonly associated names like the pancake plant. When the leaves begin to look droopy, this plant needs more water. Otherwise, it would be best to let the soil mostly dry between waterings—except in sunny spaces.

Spider Plant

Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, moist, loamy
Soil pH: Slightly acidic (6.0-6.5)

This long, arched foliage is full of life, right? Spider plants are easy to grow and propagate, making them a longtime staple of beginner gardeners. This plant produces tiny, white flowers in the summer and grows relatively quickly. Solid green and variegated varieties are available. Keep them in a room with moderate to bright light, and water once a week to keep the soil slightly moist.

Asparagus Fern

Botanical Name: Asparagus setaceus
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, moist, rich
Soil pH: Slightly acidic (6.5-6.8)

Indoor hanging basket, anyone? This bright green fern will hold its own and inject some much-needed life into any bright room. It doesn't like to dry out too much between watering, so keep that in mind when taking care of this plant. The needles of the feathery foliage will start falling out when too dry. Prune asparagus ferns since they grow quickly. You can propagate this plant from the seeds found in the plant's small red berries.

Chinese Evergreen

Botanical Name: Aglaonema commutatum
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy
Soil pH: Slightly acidic (5.5-6.5)

Compact but oh-so full and bushy, the Chinese Evergreen will give a lush feel to every space. Place your plant by an east-facing window to provide the perfect balance of indirect light. Water when the top two inches of soil are dry. Additional names for this plant include the Philippine Evergreen and Poison Dart Plant. The tropical perennial is slow-growing, making it ideal for most households. It also is toxic to animals, so be cautious where you put it in your home.

Fittonia White

Botanical Name: Fittonia albivenis
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Moist but well-drained
Soil pH: Slightly acidic (6.5)

This houseplant is so pretty, it's like Picasso could've painted the vein-like details. The design gives the indoor plant its nickname: the nerve plant. Other common names include the mosaic plant and painted net leaf. Let this one dry out a little between watering. Give it bright, indirect sunlight, and filter full sunlight through sheer curtains. Native to South America, this evergreen perennial is a creeping flowering plant.

Christmas Cactus

Botanical Name: Schlumbergera
Sun Exposure: Shade
Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy
Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-6.2)

Maintaining well-draining soil is an essential factor in growing healthy Christmas cacti. Use a mix of inorganic and organic soil to mimic its native epiphyte environment. In its native coastal mountain region, such as Brazil, this plant grows on the trunks of larger trees or rocks. The flowers bloom for about a week, while the entire blooming period lasts around three to six weeks.

English Ivy

Botanical Name: Hedera helix
Sun Exposure: Shade
Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.0-7.5)

This fast-growing vining perennial is an excellent hanging basket plant because of its trailing growth. Native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa, this plant is considered carefree and often used as ground cover. Its leaves can be green or variegated with three to five lobes. English ivy, considered an invasive species, can disturb vegetation when allowed to spread, so pruning is essential. It will easily attach to tree bark, bricks, and other structures. It's great for growing indoors because it tolerates low light. Let the top two inches of soil dry out before watering again. Take care when planting because it is toxic to people, pets, and horses.

Bird of Paradise

Botanical Name: Strelitzia reginae
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Type: Well-drained, moist, loamy, chalky
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5)

Position bird of paradise in full sun to see the best flower showing, unless you live in a mainly sunny area, where some shade offers protection. This plant is relatively drought tolerant and only requires watering when half the soil feels dry. The brightly colored flowers bloom year-round for a spectacular show, but the large, oval, silvery-green foliage is also impressive.

Mini Monstera

Botanical Name: Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, rich
Soil pH: Slightly acidic (5.5-7.0)

This plant adapts well to indoor conditions even though it originates from tropical regions in Africa and Asia. In its native environment, the overhanging trees protect it from direct sunlight, so try to mimic this where you place a mini Monstera in your home. Try not to let dust collect on the porous leaves. You don't need to worry about watering when the soil is still damp—these plants are somewhat neglect-tolerant. While this small vining plant with hole-filled leaves looks like a mini version of Monstera deliciosa, they are distant relatives.

Silver Pothos

Botanical Name: Scindapsus pictus
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained
Soil pH: Slightly Acidic (6.1-6.5)

This hardy plant with heart-shaped silvery leaves stands out as a beginner-friendly, low-maintenance favorite because of its variegated coloring. Susceptible to root rot, use well-draining soil when planting this evergreen, climbing plant. The trailing growth makes it an excellent selection for hanging baskets. Resilient and beautiful, you'll love this plant's light gray-blue speckled leaves.

Cast Iron Plant

Botanical Name: Aspidistra elatior
Sun Exposure: Partial, shade
Soil Type: Well-drained, rich, sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-6.5)

Native to China and Japan, this easily maintained evergreen plant features long, stiff evergreen leaves and can grow up to three feet tall. Keep a consistent watering schedule at first, but after this plant matures, it is relatively drought-tolerant. Wait to water until the soil feels dry. Plant varieties featuring white or yellow stripes and yellow and white speckled dots are available.

Ponytail Palm

Botanical Name: Beaucarnea recurvata
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy
Soil pH: Neutral (6.5-7.5)

Growing well in dry, warm climates and using fast-draining soil helps this slow-growing, long-living plant. Long, leathery, grass-like leaves can have sharp edges and grow up to 6 feet long. Female ponytail plants may bear fruit after flowering, which tends to be pink, while male flowers are ivory. Flowering can occur multiple times a year, depending on your location. These plants don't require too much water, usually once every two weeks or less in cold weather months.

Emerald Ripple Peperomia

*Muhammad Mukrim Al Mabrur / Getty Images*

Botanical Name: Peperomia caperata
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Well-draining, rich
Soil pH: Slightly acidic (6.0-6.6)

This slow-growing tropical perennial can grow up to eight inches tall and wide. Its rippled, heart-shaped leaves come in silver, green, purple, or red and grow on red stalks. Native to Brazil, this plant gets its nutrients from the air, so maintaining aerated soil is critical. You won't need to water this plant too frequently. It only needs watering when the top few inches (four or five) of soil are completely dry.

Basil

Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Well-draining, rich, moist
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

If you are hesitant about growing indoor plants, try one that will be rewarding as an ingredient to add to your favorite recipes. Growing herbs is relatively straightforward in container pots, especially basil. Use well-draining soil so it's never soggy because it is susceptible to rot. If you plan to eat the basil, use an organic fertilizer to help maintain the soil's nutrients and pH level. Place it in a sunny window, such as a south-facing one.

African Violet

Botanical Name: Saintpaulia ionantha
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Loose, well-drained
Soil pH: Slightly acidic (6.0-6.5)

The African violet showcases clusters of white, blue, or purple blooms throughout the year. New flowers arrive within two months of the last flowering, making this an almost continuous way to add color to your home. Native to East Africa, these plants are relatively low maintenance, except they are susceptible to rot and fungus if overwatered.

Hoya

Botanical Name: Hoya
Sun Exposure: Partial, full
Soil Type: Well-draining
Soil pH: Slightly acidic, neutral (6.1-7.5)

Hoya is a succulent plant that can tolerate low light but thrives in bright, indirect light and airy, well-drained soil. Also called wax plants, hoyas can grow in coarse soil such as an orchid bark mix or in a succulent soil mix. Let them dry out thoroughly between waterings. Their waxy leaves and star-shaped flowers grow from long, lanky stems that trail, making them a good choice for hanging baskets.

Parlor Palm

Botanical Name: Chamaedorea elegans
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Well-draining, moist, loamy
Soil pH: Acidic, neutral (6.0-8.0)

A group of up to 20 narrow fronds make up each pinnate leaf, which grows on a bamboo-like stem. Parlor palm makes an easy houseplant because it’s not too picky about its growing conditions. It likes bright, indirect light but will adapt to low light, and it will scorch in full sun. A north- or east-facing window provides enough light. Give it water when the top inch of soil feels dry. The sap and juice can irritate human skin, but the plant is safe for pets.

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