It can be a little bit daunting when you get your first houseplants. You to begin caring for and looking after them and hoping you won’t get anything wrong.
Having those first houseplants die on you is, understandably, going to knock your confidence!
Thankfully there is a way you can reduce the risk. The following ten houseplants are perfect for beginners because of their resilience and the fact they’re so hard to kill! They are not only easy to care for but look great too.
So choose one or more of these houseplants if you’re new to growing and caring for plants and be confident they’ll survive whatever you do.
1. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, the snake plant is a hardy species that thrives on neglect. It tolerates low light conditions and infrequent watering, making it ideal for those new to plant care.
Care Tips:
- Light: Adaptable to various light conditions, from low to bright indirect light.
- Water: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings; overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C).
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant has glossy, deep green leaves and a remarkable tolerance for low light and drought. It’s a perfect choice for those who might occasionally forget to water their plants.
Care Tips:
- Light: Thrives in low to bright indirect light.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry; it’s better to underwater than overwater.
- Temperature: Does well in typical household temperatures, 65-75°F (18-24°C).
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, with its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, is both attractive and forgiving. It’s known for its ability to purify indoor air and can thrive in various environments.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Water: Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch to dry out between waterings.
- Temperature: Ideal range is 60-80°F (16-27°C).
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are known for their arching, striped leaves and small white flowers. They are easy to care for and propagate, making them a favorite among beginners.
I’ve left my spider plants for weeks without water and they always bounce back.
Care Tips:
- Light: Enjoys bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light levels.
- Water: Water when the soil feels dry to the touch; avoid waterlogging.
- Temperature: Thrives between 55-80°F (13-27°C).
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are appreciated for their elegant white blooms and air-purifying qualities. They are relatively low maintenance and can signal when they need water by drooping their leaves.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers low to medium light; direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy; water when the leaves begin to droop slightly.
- Temperature: Favors temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
6. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name the cast iron plant is nearly indestructible. It tolerates low light, temperature fluctuations and infrequent watering, making it a good choice for any indoor space.
Care Tips:
- Light: Thrives in low to moderate light conditions.
- Water: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings; overwatering can cause root rot.
- Temperature: Performs well in a range of temperatures, ideally between 60-75°F (15-24°C).
7. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The jade plant, with its thick, succulent leaves, is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. It’s a resilient plant that can withstand periods of neglect too.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright light, including some direct sunlight.
- Water: Water sparingly; allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Temperature: Ideal temperatures are between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
8. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe vera is not only valued for its medicinal properties but also for its ease of care. Its thick, fleshy leaves store water, allowing it to endure periods of drought.
Care Tips:
- Light: Requires bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct sunlight.
- Water: Water deeply but infrequently; let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
- Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 55-80°F (13-27°C).
9. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
With its broad, glossy leaves, the rubber plant makes a bold statement in any room. It’s adaptable and can thrive with minimal care.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.
- Water: Keep the soil moist during the growing season; reduce watering in the winter months.
- Temperature: Ideal range is 60-75°F (15-24°C).
10. Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Philodendrons are known for their lush, green foliage and adaptability. They can thrive in various indoor conditions, making them a favorite among plant enthusiasts and beginners alike.
Care Tips:
- Light: Thrives in low to bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; they’re forgiving if you miss a watering or two.
- Temperature: Performs best in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
How to Keep Your “Impossible to Kill” Plants Happy
Even though these plants are tough they still appreciate a bit of TLC. The following are some essential tips so you can make sure your plants stay vibrant and healthy:
1. Use the Right Pot
- Make sure your pot has a drainage hole to prevent water from pooling at the bottom, which can lead to root rot.
- If your pot doesn’t have drainage use a well draining soil mix and water very cautiously.
2. Avoid Overwatering
Overwatering is the number one killer of houseplants – even the indestructible ones. Always check the soil before watering by sticking your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days.
3. Give Them Some Light
While most of the plants listed above can tolerate low light they’ll grow better with some indirect sunlight. Find a spot near a window where they can soak in the rays without getting scorched.
4. Dust Those Leaves
Dust can accumulate on leaves over time, blocking sunlight and reducing photosynthesis. Give your plants a quick wipe down with a damp cloth every month or so.
5. Rotate Your Plants
If your plant leans toward the light, it’s time to rotate it. This helps make sure of even growth and prevents one side from getting leggy.
Common Questions About Beginner-Friendly Houseplants
1. What if I Forget to Water for a Long Time?
Most of these plants are drought-tolerant, so forgetting occasionally won’t harm them. Plants like the snake plant, ZZ plant and aloe vera can go weeks without water.
2. Can I Keep These Plants in a Low-Light Room?
Absolutely. Most of the plants on this list, like the peace lily and pothos, thrive in low light. If the room has zero natural light you can use a grow light to help out.
3. Do I Need to Fertilize These Plants?
While these plants are tough they’ll benefit from occasional feeding during their growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the recommended strength.
4. How Do I Know If I’m Overwatering?
Look out for yellowing leaves, a mushy stem or a foul smell coming from the soil. These are telltale signs that you’re watering too often.
Creative Ideas to Display Your “Impossible to Kill” Houseplants
Once you’ve mastered the basics have some fun showcasing your plants. Here are a few ideas:
- Hanging Planters: Perfect for pothos or philodendron, letting their vines cascade beautifully.
- Bookshelf Accents: Small plants like the snake plant or jade plant make great additions to bookshelves.
- Bathroom Greens: Many of these plants thrive in the humidity of a bathroom, such as peace lilies or spider plants.
- Terrariums: Use aloe vera or jade plants in an open terrarium for a modern touch.
Final Thoughts
Getting started with houseplants doesn’t have to be intimidating. These ten hard-to-kill plants are forgiving, low in maintenance and perfect for beginners. Start small, build confidence and soon you’ll be adding more plants to your collection.