For those of you starting your plant journey, getting a houseplant that can survive the occasional neglect is the best way to build confidence. With these hardy plants, you won’t need to worry about forgetting a watering session or lacking the perfect amount of sunlight.
Here’s a list of beginner-friendly houseplants that practically take care of themselves.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant is often referred to as the “beginner’s best friend” because it practically thrives on neglect. Its upright leaves not only add a modern, architectural look to your home, but they also store water, making the plant drought-resistant.
Care
Humidity: This plant doesn’t mind dry air, so it’s great for homes with inconsistent humidity. In fact, it prefers drier environments.
Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix, such as cactus or succulent soil, to prevent root rot. It can survive in poorer soils but thrives in loose, well-drained conditions.
Temperature: Ideal in temperatures ranging 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.
The snake plant is also very forgiving if it’s root-bound, meaning it can stay in the same pot for a long time before needing to be repotted.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ plants are perfect for busy people or those who tend to forget about their plants. With its glossy, dark green leaves, it adds a touch of elegance to any room, and its underground rhizomes store water, so it can handle weeks of neglect.
Care
Soil: Use well-draining potting soil. If you’re unsure, mix regular soil with some sand or perlite for extra drainage.
Temperature: This plant prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F but can survive slightly outside of this range.
Zz plant is toxic to pets, so make sure to keep it out of reach of dogs and cats.
Over time, you may notice yellow leaves. Don’t panic – this usually happens when the plant is either overwatered or placed in too much direct sunlight. Move it to a shadier spot and cut back on watering.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a plant lover’s classic and a staple for beginners. Often called “devil’s ivy” because of its ability to survive in the darkest corners of your home, pothos is ideal if you want a lush, trailing plant.
Care
Humidity: This plant thrives in humidity but can also tolerate drier conditions. It’s great for bathrooms where it gets a natural boost in moisture.
Soil: Like the ZZ and snake plants, pothos prefer a well-draining soil mix. They grow well in a standard potting mix combined with perlite or sand for better drainage.
Propagation: Pothos is very easy to propagate. Just snip a 4-6 inch section of vine below a node (the little bump where the leaf meets the vine) and place it in water. In a few weeks, roots will develop, and you can plant it in soil.
Pruning: Pothos grow fast and can get a little wild. Regularly trim the vines to maintain the shape you want.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are perfect for hanging baskets, and they’re excellent at producing “pups” or baby plants. They are incredibly low-maintenance and are known for their ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.
Care
Humidity: Spider plants prefer moderate humidity, but they can handle dry air. If the tips of the leaves turn brown, it could be a sign of low humidity or fluoride in the water.
Soil: Spider plants aren’t too picky but will appreciate a loose, well-draining soil mix.
Baby plants: Spider plants are known for growing small baby plants (or “spiderettes”) at the ends of long stems. You can leave them on the mother plant or snip them off to start new plants. Just plant them in moist soil, and they’ll root quickly.
Watering note: This plant may be sensitive to tap water with high mineral content, so consider using distilled or rainwater.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is a beautiful plant that’s famous for its white blooms. Even though it requires slightly more attention than other plants on this list, it’s still very forgiving and will reward you with its blooms if cared for properly.
Care
Humidity: Peace lilies love humid environments. If your home is dry, consider placing it in the bathroom or using a humidity tray (a tray filled with water and pebbles).
Soil: It prefers a rich, loose potting mix that retains some moisture but also drains well. A mix of peat, pine bark, and sand works great.
Droopy leaves: The plant is known for wilting when it’s thirsty. It’s a helpful reminder that it needs water, but make sure to water it right after, and it’ll perk up within hours.
Toxicity: Be cautious with peace lilies around pets as they are toxic when ingested.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is not only a useful plant with its gel being handy for burns, but it’s also incredibly easy to care for. As a succulent, it stores water in its leaves, so you don’t need to worry if you miss a watering session.
Care
Humidity: Aloe doesn’t need high humidity and does well in dry air.
Soil: Aloe thrives in a cactus mix or any soil with good drainage. Make sure the pot allows for good airflow around the roots.
Sunlight: Aloe loves bright sunlight, so a south-facing window is ideal. However, be careful with scorching direct sunlight as it can cause the leaves to turn brown.
Repotting: Aloe plants grow quickly, so they’ll need to be repotted every year or two into a slightly larger pot.
7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens are one of the most adaptable plants on this list. Their colorful foliage, which ranges from deep green to red, pink, and even silver, makes them a favorite for brightening indoor spaces.
Care
Humidity: Aglaonemas love humidity but are forgiving in lower humidity environments. For optimal growth, consider misting the plant every few days.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is essential. These plants dislike sitting in water, so avoid heavy soils.
Fertilizing: Feed your plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Temperature: While hardy, Chinese evergreens prefer warmth. Keep them in a room where temperatures don’t drop below 60°F, as they’re sensitive to cold.
Extra Care Tips for All Plants
Choosing the Right Pot
It’s easy to overlook the importance of pot choice, but the right pot can make all the difference in keeping your plants alive. Here are a few pointers:
Drainage holes: Always ensure your pot has holes for water to escape. Without drainage, water can accumulate at the bottom, leading to root rot.
Material: Terra cotta pots are great because they allow air to flow through the walls, preventing moisture buildup. Plastic pots, while affordable and lightweight, can trap moisture, so be mindful of watering.
Common Plant Problems and How to Solve Them
1. Yellowing leaves: This is a common issue and can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or poor light conditions. Check your watering routine and move the plant to a brighter spot if needed.
2. Brown leaf tips: Often a sign of low humidity or salt buildup from hard water. Try misting the plant or using filtered water.
3. Drooping leaves: This can mean the plant is either thirsty or overwatered. Feel the soil – if it’s dry, water the plant. If it’s still moist, give it some time to dry out before watering again.
By choosing the right plants and keeping an eye on these simple care tips, you’ll have a house full of thriving, green friends in no time!
