Top 10 Beginner House Plants
If you're just starting to test the waters of houseplants, choose varieties that tolerate occasional missed waterings, adapt to average indoor light, and don't demand constant attention. Choosing for these qualities will give you the greatest chance of success as you learn.
1. Snake Plant
Why it's great: Nearly impossible to kill.
- Light: Low to bright indirect light
- Water: Every 2 to 4 weeks
- Best feature: Handles drought extremely well
2. ZZ Plant
Why it's great: One of the toughest houseplants available.
- Light: Low to bright indirect light
- Water: Every 2 to 4 weeks
- Best feature: Thick roots store water, making it forgiving.
3. Golden Pothos
Why it's great: Fast growing and forgiving.
- Light: Low to bright indirect light
- Water: When the top inch of soil is dry
- Best feature: Easy to propagate from cuttings.
4. Heartleaf Philodendron
Why it's great: Similar to pothos but with softer, heart-shaped leaves.
- Light: Medium to bright indirect light
- Water: Weekly, depending on conditions
- Best feature: Excellent trailing plant for shelves.
5. Spider Plant
Why it's great: Very adaptable and produces baby plants.
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Water: About once a week
- Best feature: Great for hanging baskets.
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Why it's great: Beautiful foliage with very little effort.
- Light: Low to medium light
- Water: When the top inch of soil dries
- Best feature: Available in many colourful varieties.
7. Peace Lily
Why it's great: Lets you know when it needs water by drooping.
- Light: Medium to bright indirect light
- Water: Keep lightly moist
- Best feature: Produces elegant white flowers indoors.
8. Cast Iron Plant
Why it's great: Lives up to its name.
- Light: Low light
- Water: Every 2 to 3 weeks
- Best feature: Extremely tolerant of neglect.
9. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Why it's great: Compact and perfect for desks or small spaces.
- Light: Medium to bright indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Best feature: Thick leaves make it drought tolerant.
10. Hoya carnosa (Wax Plant)
Why it's great: Long-lived and easy to care for.
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Water: Let soil dry well before watering
- Best feature: Can produce clusters of fragrant flowers as it matures.
My recommendations for absolute beginners
If someone has never owned a houseplant before, I'd recommend starting with:
- Snake Plant
- ZZ Plant
- Golden Pothos
- Heartleaf Philodendron
- Chinese Evergreen
These five are extremely forgiving and still look beautiful even if you occasionally forget to water them.
Beginner care tips
- Water less often than you think. Overwatering is the number one reason houseplants die.
- Place plants near a bright window, but avoid harsh afternoon sun unless the plant prefers it.
- Use a pot with drainage holes whenever possible.
- Don't fertilize heavily. A balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month during spring and summer is usually enough.
- Check the soil with your finger before watering. If the top inch is still damp, wait a few more days.