A good way to start with houseplants is to get one that will survive some neglect. That way you can build your confidence even if you do things wrong or forget about it for a while.
A tough plant that can withstand a few the wrong amount of light or having a watering session missed. That’s perfect if you’re feeling your way in to growing and looking after houseplants.
So use this list of beginner friendly houseplants that practically take care of themselves to find the perfect one for you.
1. Snake Plant
Snake plants are often called a ‘beginners best friend’ as they do so well even when they’re neglected. Basically they’re very difficult to kill!
They store their own water so can tolerate droughts and not being watered. And the way the leaves grow upright adds a modern look to your home.
Care
Humidity: Snake plants don’t mind dry air so it’s great for homes where the humidity is inconsistent. In fact it prefers drier environments.
Soil: Snake plants can survive in poor soil but does best when it’s loose and drains well. So use a mix that fits that, something like succulent or cactus soil. You’ll stop your snake plant from getting foot rot this way.
Temperature: Best temperatures would range from 55°F to 85°F, though it can survive temperatures as low as 40°F.
If the leaves start to curl that’s a sign it might be underwatered or in too much sunlight.
Snake plants are also not particularly bothered about being root bound. So you can keep it in the same pot for a long time before it needs to be repotted.
2. ZZ Plant
ZZ plants are perfect if you’re busy or you tend to forget about your plants. They’re elegant and good looking plants and as it can store water you can neglect it for weeks without it getting unhappy.
Care
Soil: Soil that drains well is important. If you’re not sure about your soil then take some regular soil and mix it with sand or perlite and it will improve it’s drainage.
Temperature: Likes temperatures between 60°F and 75°F but can survive if they are slightly outside of this range.
Be aware though: ZZ plants are toxic to pets. So make sure you keep it away from or out of reach of any cats or dogs.
If you find your ZZ plant leaves turning yellow over time this is down to either getting too much sunlight or being overwatered. The fix is simple: put it in a shadier spot and water it less.
3. Pothos
Pothos, which is also called “devils ivy” because it can survive in dark spots others wouldn’t, is perfect if you prefer plant that trails.
Care
Humidity: Does best in humidity but can also survive in drier conditions. And it’s a great choice for bathrooms as the moisture helps them grow.
Soil: Like the ZZ and snake plants pothos prefers a soil mix that has good drainage. They grow well in a standard potting mix that you can improve the drainage of by adding sand or perlite.
Propagation: Propagating pothos is very easy. Just snip a 4 to 6 inch section of vine below a node (that’s the little bump where the leaf meets the vine) and put it in water. In a few weeks roots Harold develop and you can plant it in soil.
Pruning: Pothos are fast growing and can get a bit wild if you let them. So trim the vines on a regular basis to keep your pothos in the shape you want.
4. Spider Plant
Spider plants are great for hanging baskets and you can get lots of baby plants from them. On top of that they survive in a most conditions and require very little in the way of maintenance.
Care
Humidity: They like moderate humidity but will be fine if the air is dry. If the tips of the leaves turn brown, that’s a sign of low humidity or maybe fluoride in the water.
Soil: A loose soil mix that drains well is best but spider plants don’t care too much about their soil.
Baby plants: One of the best parts of spider plants are the baby plants you get from them (know as “spiderettes”). You can leave them on the mother plant or snip them off and start some new plants. All you have to do is plant them in moist soil and they’ll root quickly.
Watering note: Spider plants can be sensitive to tap water if it has lots of minerals in it. So you might want to use distilled or rainwater.
5. Peace Lily
With lovely white blooms the peace lily is a beautiful plant. It does need a little more attention than the other plants on this list but it’s still very forgiving.
Care
Humidity: Peace lilies love humid environments. If you have a dry home then you might want to use a humidity tray (that is a tray filled with water and pebbles).
Soil: Likes rich and loose potting mix that hold on to moisture but also drains well. A mix of sand, pine bark and peat works really well.
Droopy leaves: Peace lilies will droop when it’s thirsty. It can be a helpful reminder than you need to water it but do it quickly when you notice the drooping. It should perk up again within a few hours.
Toxicity: Peace lilies can be toxic to pets if they eat them. So keep them away from yours.
6. Aloe Vera
Easy to care for and its gel can be used for burns m, Aloe Vera is an excellent houseplant. And as it’s a succulent it stores water in it’s leaves so you don’t have to panic if you miss watering it.
Care
Humidity: Aloe doesn’t need high humidity and does well in dry air.
Soil: A cactus mix or any soil that drains well will be good enough. The pot should be big enough to let air flow around its roots.
Sunlight: South facing windows are the best spot for Aloe as the like bright sunshine. But too much will burn the leaves and turn them brown, so be careful with over doing it.
Repotting: They grow quickly so you will have to repot them every year or two and move them into a bigger pot.
7. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreens are probably the most adaptable plant on this list. They’re very good looking though and have wonderfully colorful foliage that comes in reds, pinks, silver etc. So they can brighten any spot indoors.
Care
Humidity: Chinese evergreens love humidity but will happily get by in lower humidity. If you want them to really shine then you can mist them every few days.
Soil: A potting mix that drains well is important. They hate sitting on water so don’t use a heavy soil.
Fertilizing: Use a liquid fertilizer and feed your Chinese evergreen once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Temperature: Chinese evergreen is tough but does prefer warmth. So try to keep the temperature above 60°F as they’re sensitive to the cold.
Extra Care Tips for All Plants
Choosing the Right Pot
It’s easy to think that the pot your plant grows in isnt that important but it can make all the difference.
Here are a few pointers:
Drainage holes: Your pot must have a drainage holes. Without them the water will build up at the bottom and cause root rot.
Material: Terra cotta pots are great because they let the air flow through the walls which stops the moisture from building up. Plastic pots, while cheap and lightweight, can trap moisture so if you’re using one be careful when you’re watering.
Common Plant Problems and How to Solve Them
1. Yellowing leaves: This is common and usually a sign of overwatering, underwatering or not enough light. Move your plant to a spot that has more light and look at how much you’re watering.
2. Brown leaf tips: Often a sign of salt building up from hard water or from low humidity. Use filtered water or mist your plant.
3. Drooping leaves: Usually means your plant is either thirsty or overwatered. Check the soil to see if it feels dry. If so then water it. If it’s still now it then let it dry out and then try watering again.
Get your choice right with your plant and follow the simple care tips and you’ll have a house full of wonderful houseplants that are thriving.
