8 Easy Houseplants Even Beginners Can Grow

Looking to add some greenery to your home but worried you don't have a green thumb? Don't let a lack of gardening experience stop you from enjoying beautiful and beneficial houseplants. Many types of plants are perfect choices even for total beginners.

Below are 8 easy and low maintenance houseplants that can thrive with minimal effort. These plants are resilient, forgiving, and adaptable – ideal for first-time plant parents.

Succulents

Succulents are universally recommended for beginner gardeners. These plants store water in their thick leaves and stems, allowing them to survive for extended periods without watering. Popular succulents include aloe vera, jade plants, echeveria, and snake plants. Succulents enjoy bright indirect light. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. The main rule is not to overwater, as succulents are prone to rotting. Their simple care makes succulents ideal plants to start out with.

Pothos

Also called devil’s ivy, pothos is another remarkably easy houseplant. Its leafy vines and green variegated patterns add a lush look to any space. Pothos can survive in a range of light and watering conditions, though bright indirect light is preferable. Only water when the top inch of soil is dry. Pothos is forgiving of occasional neglect, and propagates easily by trimming and planting clippings in water. Its versatility explains why pothos is ubiquitous in homes and offices.

ZZ Plant

If you have a history of struggling to keep plants alive, give the ZZ plant a try. This tropical aroid is virtually indestructible and can tolerate very low light and infrequent watering that would kill most plants. In fact, overwatering is the main hazard to avoid. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. ZZ plants have thick waxy leaves and stems for water storage, adapted for desert climates. Their resilience to poor conditions makes them ideal for beginners.

Peperomia

Peperomia is a genus of attractive ornamental plants with chubby, smooth, coin-shaped leaves. Native to South America, these plants grow naturally in shaded tropical understories. Thus, they can thrive in low to medium indoor light. Water weekly, allowing the topsoil to dry out between waterings. Provide average room humidity. Let the soil dry further in winter. With these simple care tips, peperomia plants add charm without being demanding.

Philodendron

The philodendron family features hundreds of popular houseplants known for their heart-shaped leaves. They come in vining, non-vining, and even tree-like varieties. Philodendrons tolerate a wide humidity range and adapt to regular indoor conditions. Water when the top several inches of soil become dry, and mist occasionally. Give them bright indirect sunlight; variegated types can handle more direct sun. Philodendron’s versatility makes it a foolproof choice for beginners.

Parlor Palm

A compact palm with feathery fronds, the parlor palm is a tropical plant that doubles as an air purifier. Its adaptability allows it to grow in low to bright filtered light. Water thoroughly when the topsoil dries out, taking care not to overwater. Mist the fronds occasionally and remove brown tips as needed. Slow growth and minimal pruning requirements make parlor palm suitable for beginners who want a dash of the tropics.

Chinese Evergreen

This beautifully variegated plant with patterned leaves can brighten up any space. Native to Asian tropical forests, Chinese evergreens thrive in warm indoor conditions with medium to low light. Allow the soil to partially dry out before watering. Wipe dust off the leaves periodically and remove dead leaves at the base. With medium light levels and good drainage, Chinese evergreens will delight beginners with their low maintenance nature.

Cast Iron Plant

As its name suggests, the cast iron plant has a near-invincible constitution. This hardy spike-leafed plant handles low light, infrequent watering, dry air, and other challenging conditions. Allow it to partially dry out between deep waterings. Small brown tips can be trimmed as needed. Cast iron plant's tolerance for neglect, low light, and wide temperature range makes it idea for beginners who want a sturdy, reliable green accent.

The Benefits of Houseplants

Beyond their visual appeal, indoor plants provide many health and psychological benefits including:

• Improving air quality by removing pollutants
• Increasing humidity levels for respiratory health
• Reducing stress and improving moods
• Serving as a creative and rewarding hobby
• Purifying the air of toxins like formaldehyde and benzene

Caring for houseplants also provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment for beginners. And it can be satisfying to watch your plants grow over time with minimal effort.

Get Started with Easy Houseplants

Don’t let inexperience prevent you from exploring the joys and benefits of houseplants. The varieties above are perfect starter plants that even novice gardeners can grow successfully. Start with just one or two resilient plants, and your confidence as an indoor gardener will quickly bloom.