Five Excellent Houseplants For Beginners
These days it seems every shop is selling houseplants, but for those still dabbling in taking care of foliage it can be daunting to know which plants are great for beginners or those who aren’t sure how much time they can truly dedicate to plant maintenance. We’ve edited down a list of five great houseplants that are relatively low maintenance and can thrive in a variety of indoor environments, making them perfect for those who are new to plant care.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Native to Madagascar and southern Asia, Snake Plants (also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue) are technically succulents and as such are very hardy. They can tolerate a wide range of lighting and humidity conditions which makes them a great choice for any room. We love that they also don't require frequent watering and earn their spot in the home by purifying the air.
Why We Love Them | Takes any light, not fussy about water or humidity
Size | 1-3 feet tall, 6-36 inches wide
Soil Type | Needs drainage, add some wood chips to potting soil
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos plants are one of the easiest houseplants to care for. Fast-growing, air purifying, and tolerant of low to medium light levels, this plant seems to have no dark side besides its nickname “Devil’s Ivy”. Pothos come in plenty of variations in foliage color and patterns to match your personality flair — our favorite is ‘Pearls and Jade.’ They also don't mind a little over/under watering for the forgetful first timer.
Why We Love Them | Highly tolerant of care and environment
Size | 20-40 ft long vine (but easy to keep trimmed)
Soil Type | Needs some drainage, not picky
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
No list could be complete without the African ZZ plant. They are perfect for those who can’t commit to providing reliable care but want all the benefits of a tropical houseplant. These lush, waxy-leafed perennials are perhaps the most difficult houseplant to kill. They look great in any type of light, can go for weeks without watering, and filter the air to boot. The only downside is that they’re toxic to both people and pets.
Why We Love Them | Difficult to kill, thrive everywhere
Size | 2-4 ft tall
Soil Type | Needs good drainage
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Despite the name, Spider plants are very friendly and easy herbaceous houseplants (particularly for homes with kids or pets). Adaptable and tolerant of low to medium light levels, they also don't require frequent watering. Their arched leaves make them perfect for planting in hanging baskets. In time, these popular South African plants grow a white flower at the ends of mature leaves and produce cute "spiderettes" which can be propagated to create new plants.
Why We Love Them | Easy to care for, non-toxic
Size | 6-12 inches tall
Soil Type | Needs some drainage, add wood chips to potting soil
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Originating from South Africa, Jade plants are succulents masquerading as tiny, cute trees. Nicknamed the “Lucky Plant,” they are incredibly forgiving which makes them excellent for burgeoning houseplant owners. They thrive on little water and low light levels, and only need to be fertilized once a year. They are also very easy to propagate, so you can have several backups (or free gifts for friends!). It’s no wonder they’re popular worldwide!
Why We Love Them | Adaptable, requires little water
Size | 3-6 ft tall but easy to prune
Soil Type | Needs good drainage