Taking care of houseplants should be simple. The key is to choose plants that are well-suited for the indoor environment. Many common houseplants are beginner-friendly and don’t require much maintenance. If you’re not confident in your plant care skills, consider opting for these low-maintenance indoor plants.
Easy-to-care-for indoor plants share a few characteristics. They don’t require excessive watering or intense light, as they are used to the stable conditions found in most homes. They are also generally tolerant of occasional neglect. Some of these plants are toxic to pets, so be cautious if you have animals in the house.
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is tops at infrequent watering
The ZZ plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a great option for those who forget to water their plants regularly. The ZZ plant comes in various varieties with different leaf colors. They do well in indirect or low light and can be watered about once a month due to their moisture-retaining rhizomes.
Clearing the air about pothos (Epipremnum)
Pothos, specifically golden pothos, is a popular choice for indoor plants. These plants have heart-shaped leaves that grow on vines and thrive in indirect light. It’s generally safe to let the soil dry out between waterings, and they can help purify the air in your home.
Snake plants need little water and no Sansevieria
Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, are easy to care for as they require minimal watering. Different species have varying water needs, but in general, they prefer dry soil before being watered. Some species need more light than others, so ensure they get enough indirect light.
Dracaena prefers lower indirect light
Dracaena plants come in various species, with different care requirements. They prefer loose soil that retains some moisture and should be watered when the top layer of soil is dry. Most Dracaena species are toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach of animals.
Bird’s nest fern are pet (and bird) friendly
Bird’s nest ferns are easy to care for and pet-friendly. They prefer slightly moist soil and can be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. They do well in bright, filtered light and are tolerant of low-light conditions.
Spider plants like a bright room
Spider plants are known for their striped leaves and are easy to grow in bright, indirect light. They should be watered when the soil is dry, but be cautious not to overwater. Spider plants can produce new plants from their flowers, so they are a great choice for beginners.
Philodendron is phun and phunky
Philodendron plants come in many varieties, each with its own care requirements. They prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top layer of soil is dry. Philodendrons are known for their unique spadix, which is a stem covered in tiny flowers.
Aloe is the frenemy of the succulent world
Aloe plants are easy to grow but require bright light to thrive. They should be watered when the soil is completely dry and prefer well-draining soil. Aloe is toxic to pets, so keep them away from animals.
Haworthia is noob-friendly, and pet-friendly
Haworthia plants are small succulents that are easy to care for and pet-friendly. They can be watered about once a month and prefer partial shade or full sun. Haworthia plants are slow-growing and can live for many years.
Peperomia belongs on a windowsill, not a pizza
Peperomia plants resemble succulents but are actually rainforest plants. They can be watered when the top layer of soil is dry and prefer bright, indirect light. Peperomia plants can tolerate low-light conditions as well.
Spiderwort (Tradescantia) like occasionally bathing in the purple rain
Spiderwort plants come in various colors and varieties, and they prefer bright, indirect light. Water them when the top layer of soil is dry, and make sure they are planted in a soilless potting mix.
Dwarf umbrella tree (Arboricola) embody and invite weird metaphors
Dwarf umbrella trees are easy to care for and can grow up to four feet tall indoors. They prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered when the soil is dry. They are adaptable to different light conditions.
Jade (Crassula) turn neglect into an art form
Jade plants are unique-looking succulents that prefer bright, indirect light. Water them when the soil is dry and keep them away from pets. Jade plants are easy to care for and can live for many years.
Even Patrick Ewing can’t lose with a Hoya
Hoya plants are vining houseplants that prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered when the soil is dry. They can tolerate occasional missed waterings due to their water-storing capabilities.
Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) looks nice after you kill it
Cast iron plants are low-maintenance and can tolerate various light conditions. They prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil and should be watered when the soil is dry. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Neon or Algerian Ivy
Neon or Algerian ivy is a beautiful and low-maintenance plant that thrives in bright, indirect light. Water it when the soil is dry and avoid direct sunlight. It’s a great choice for indoor spaces.
