30 Easy Houseplants Even Beginners Can't Kill
- 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. This growth makes 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 animals and people if ingested.
- 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. This plant's leaves are elegant, and its size brings drama to any indoor space.
- 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. 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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. This succulent is native to Mexico, South America, and the United States. Echeveria is a small, hardy plant available in various colored leaves.
- 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 this diamond-weave basket. Native to jungle environments, peace lilies need well-drained and aerated soil. If your plant has brown tips on its foliage, sagging leaves, or yellowing, these are symptoms of soil imbalance.
- 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 with 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.
- 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. 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.
- 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, where this plant got its nickname: prayer plant. The wavy leaves have dark, distinguishing marks on this evergreen, perennial plant. Native to South America, this flowering plant blooms in the spring with small yellow flowers.
- 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. 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 fruit—berries in various colors.
- 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 take care of than most plants. It's best to let the soil dry out in between waterings, not overwater it. Native to southern Africa, this succulent is also known as "Mother-in-Law's Tongue."
- 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. Its colorful, long-lasting blooms only impress us more since it takes very little upkeep. 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.
- 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 container or hanging plant when given the space to grow freely.
- 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 weary 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.
- 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.
- 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, no? These houseplants are easy to grow and propagate, making them a longtime staple of beginner gardeners. This plant produces tiny, white flowers in the summer and grow relatively quickly. Solid green and variegated varieties are available.
- 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 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 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.
- 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. 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.
- 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. Native to South America, this evergreen perennial is a creeping flowering plant.
- Botanical Name: Saintpaulia ionantha
- Sun Exposure: Partial
- Soil Type: Loose, Well-drained
- Soil pH: Slightly Acidic (6.0-6.5)
This flowering plant 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.
- 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.
- 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. 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.
- 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-tolerate and only requires watering when half the soil feels dry. The flowers make this plant spectacular, but the large, oval, silvery-green foliage is impressive.
- 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 in the spot 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.
- 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 maintaince 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 greyish-blue, speckled leaves.
- 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 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 like white or yellow stripes and yellow and white speckled dots are available.
- 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, using fast-draining soil helps this slow-growing, long-living plant. 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.
- 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. 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.
- 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.
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. This growth makes 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 animals and people if ingested.
Try as we might, the word "green thumb" won't necessarily make it onto the resumé anytime soon. While an indoor plant can purify your air, bring life to your home décor, and make you feel like you're a productive member of the ecosystem, some of us don't have time for a high-maintenance houseplant. For those who feel the same way—always busy, juggling more things than a circus clown, or maybe 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.
Certain types of houseplants won't wilt, droop, or shrivel up at the first sign of neglect, and we'll side with that science any day. Here are the 30 best houseplants for those who want a plant but don't necessarily "speak" plant.
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