Houseplants are extremely popular, and they’re featured in a lot of homes. They can spruce up an area, clean the air, and give you something to take care of. Overall, they’re fantastic to have.
But every good thing comes with downsides, and the downside of owning one or more houseplants is that they can be a lot of responsibility. And while this may be okay for some people, others would prefer a more hands-off experience.
Plus, many people are getting houseplants for the first time. And a plant that requires a lot of specific care might be out of their comfort zone.
So for these reasons, we’ve compiled a list of twenty houseplants that we consider to be easy to take care of. These plants won’t require as much time and effort to keep alive, and they’re perfect for those that haven’t perfected their green thumb.
Table of Contents
1. Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese evergreen is our first selection because one of its best-known characteristics is the fact that it’s easy to care for. People suggest it for novice gardeners, and for people who can’t spend too much time taking care of houseplants.
And not only is this plant easy to care for, but the environment isn’t as big of a factor for the Chinese evergreen as with some other varieties. Meaning that if you have a small apartment with little to no light, want to spruce up your cubicle at work, or anything along those lines then you’ll have no problems growing this plant.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because this plant is easygoing it means it’s less beautiful. The waxy, oval leaves of this plant will stay a beautiful green all year round and brighten up any area it’s placed in.
2. Parlor Palm
The parlor palm might seem like an unorthodox option, as many people think that they can’t keep a palm as a houseplant. But rest assured that not only can you have a parlor palm in your home, but it’s also a lot easier to grow than you think and is considered more low-maintenance than many other houseplants.
Although there’s no denying that it will take up quite a bit of space with its large, bamboo-like trunks and long, delicate fronds. Some people actually prefer large houseplants though, and if you’re one of them then you might find this article on large houseplants interesting!
If you do decide to get a parlor palm then you should be aware that although it doesn’t take much care to survive, you do need to be careful about drainage.
3. Spider Plant
The spider plant is not only a beautiful houseplant, with its long arching leaves that spread out from the mother plant, but it also doubles as an air purifier! Most plants are good at taking carbon dioxide out of the air, but the spider plant goes a step further and takes out other toxins as well.
And in addition to all of these other benefits, the spider plant is quite hardy and it adapts well to a multitude of environments. With a minimal amount of effort and gardening skill, this variety will usually live about 20 years.
But a challenge for you if you’re more experienced would be to extend its life as much as you can, some experts have managed around 50 years!
4. Cast Iron Plant
The cast iron plant may just be the only plant on this list that was actually named in honor of its hardiness! It’s referred to as “cast iron” because many gardeners believe this plant is almost indestructible and could handle various forms of neglect or mistakes in its care without suffering.
It’s also easier to please in terms of environment than most other plants, partly because it originated in the shady forests of China and Japan. This means that the cast iron plant can easily be kept in shady areas of your home where other plants may be unable to thrive.
As far as appearance goes, the shape of this houseplant’s foliage is almost like that of a sword. And the leaves are a beautiful glossy, dark green color.
5. Swedish Ivy
The Swedish ivy, sometimes known as the Swedish begonia, has quite the reputation in certain parts of the world. One fun backstory of this plant is that it was given to former US President, John F Kennedy, in 1961 and ever since then there has been a Swedish ivy present in the White House!
And it’s easy to see why this plant would be so popular, its small and glossy leaves have serrated edges which give the plant a very unique look. Not to mention the fact that it’s known to be easy to maintain.
The biggest part of a Swedish ivy’s care will simply be making sure it stays pruned. Don’t let that intimidate you though, this plant isn’t too sensitive to pruning which means that even beginners can pull it off.
6. Ficus
Ficus is actually a genus of plants, with each variety being as easy to care for as the last. So no matter which type of ficus you choose, you’ll know your getting a low-maintenence plant. Two of the varieties we’d suggest would be the fiddle-leaf fig and the rubber plant.
Both of those types of ficus were actually listed on this article about plants with large leaves, so if you’re interested in other houseplants like it then you should check out that article.
You should keep in mind that the only thing that really bothers a ficus is too bright sunlight, since it could scorch those gorgeous leaves. But aside from that, you won’t have a problem caring for this genus.
7. Snake Plant
The snake plant could’ve easily been on the top of this list, because it’s one of the most popular houseplants of all time, and also one of the toughest. It’s virtually impossible to kill a snake plant, even if you’re brand new to taking care of plants. So this might be our top selection for beginner friendly houseplants.
It’s also a very distinctive plant, with sword-shaped, pointy leaves that are a stunning shade of green. Sometimes due to these strange leaves, the snake plant is actually called the “mother-in-law’s tongue”.
This one of a kind plant actually used to belong to an entirely different genus and be called sansevieria trifasciata, but it was later changed to be part of the draecena genus instead. So if you’re reading up on this variety, then you should be aware of both names.
8. Peace Lily
Don’t be fooled by the name, the peace lily is not actually a lily at all. Whereas true lilies are part of the genus, liliaceae, the peace lily is actually a member of the araceae family.
And furthermore, this plant’s bloom is not the white, spoon-shaped leaves that resemble a flower, but instead it’s actually the spiky object in the middle that the white leaves are protecting.
But despite these misconceptions about the peace lily, one thing that everyone knows is that it’s extremely easy to care for and don’t require a well lit environment in order to thrive.
9. Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant is well known because of the gel that its leaves contain, which has been proven to have healing qualities. But there is a lot more to like about this interesting succulent, aside from it’s sap.
As you may have guessed by its placement on this list, the aloe plant is quite easy to grow. But one thing that is important for keeping this easygoing plant healthy is to water it from the bottom, since wetting its leaves isn’t the best for it.
Aside from that and the other basic needs a houseplant has, you can simply sit back and enjoy this plant and its gel which can be harvested during the spring or summer as long as your plant is fully mature.
10. English Ivy
The English ivy might be the trickiest plant we’ve put on this list, but it’s still easy to take care of. The main issue is providing it with an environment where it can thrive and not with its day to day care, which is what this article is about.
Aside from putting it in a place where it has regular access to indirect sunlight and a good deal of humidity, the care routine for this houseplant is actually pretty basic. Even beginners won’t have an issue with its watering, pruning, or repotting needs.
And you’ll be rewarded with a woody vine that can act as a hanging plant or a climber, depending on which style you like the most. Plus, it has some really fantastic air purifying qualities as well.
11. Arrowhead Plant
The arrowhead plant comes in several different varieties but although they come in a wide array of colors, one thing they all have in common is their arrow shaped leaves that will eventually split into 3 to 5 sections as the plant gains maturity.
Another trait they all share is their fast growth speed, about 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 centimeters) per year, which doesn’t take much encouragement at all to obtain. In fact, arrowhead plants do best when they’re left alone for the most part, which is perfect for you if you don’t have much time to spend nurturing houseplants.
12. Christmas Cactus
If you have pets or small kids then the Christmas cactus may be one of the best options for you on this list. Because, unlike a lot of other popular houseplants, this cactus variety isn’t toxic when ingested.
We’d also suggest the Christmas cactus if you have friends or family with the same problem, since in addition to being easy to grow, this houseplant is actually easy to propagate as well. So you can share it easily with friends, and surprise them with a non-toxic plant that’s safe for their family.
And the Christmas cactus is a beautiful plant as well, with bright red flowers that bloom in the winter and give some much-needed color to dreary days.
13. Anthurium Plant
The flamingo flower, or as it’s sometimes known… the anthurium plant, is much like a peace lily in the way that its “blooms” aren’t actually flowers at all. Instead they are colored leaves that are meant to protect the small flowers inside, which, if you think about it, is a very clever design.
Some people see the anthurium as a picky sort of plant, but it isn’t as long as you understand what not to do. It doesn’t require much care, there are just certain mistakes that could harm it. Such as not letting the soil dry between watering it.
This is why, especially if you’re a beginner, you should research each plant that you plan on getting. Even if it’s typically easy to care for, like the anthurium and other plants on this list. Because almost every plant has something that could kill it.
14. Peperomia
The peperomia is a very special plant because it’s not known for its blooms like many other houseplant variations, but rather, it’s known for its striking foliage. The leaves of the peperomia are glossy, thick, and come in a variety of colors. This genus has over 1,000 options within it!
Amazingly though, throughout all the different varieties of peperomia, one thing remains constant. And that one thing is the fact that these plants are perfect for people who tend to forget to take care of their houseplants, because all varieties of peperomia can handle quite a bit of neglect.
15. Asparagus Fern
The asparagus fern is another plant which can be a bit finicky if it’s placed in the wrong environment but is still perfect for beginners because it will teach you how to take care of a houseplant properly. Therefore, this suggestion is for those that want to up their game when it comes to in-home gardening.
And you won’t resent the little bit of extra time you have to spend with this plant. Its long stems, needle-like foliage, and soft, fuzzy looking spurs will look graceful and beautiful in whichever room you place it in.
Plus, it’s a lot less finicky than some other fern varieties. So this is as much of a beginner-friendly fern as you’re going to get.
16. Dumb Cane
The dieffenbachia, which you might be simply called the dumb cane, is known for its large leaves which give it a very unique and eye-catching look. And it can be a fairly large plant overall as well, a tall variety could reach heights of 6 feet (1.8 meters).
But although you might have to carefully consider where to place this plant because of its larger size, you won’t have to worry about where to put it based on environment because the dieffenbachia can thrive almost anywhere. And it requires minimal care as well!
17. Hoya
The hoya plant is easily one of the most diverse houseplants on this list in terms of how it can be displayed. A pot on the floor, a hanging basket in the air, or even the inside of a terrarium could be a potential home for a variety in this genus.
The one thing hoya varieties need to thrive is bright, indirect light. And if it has access to that, then your hoya can get by with minimal care for you which is perfect for the laid back gardener.
And as an evergreen, you can enjoy the fruits of your non-labor all year round because this plant is permanently a beautiful green color.
18. Wandering Jew
The wandering jew plant is known scientifically as the tradescantia, and known by some outdoor gardeners as almost a sort of weed. But don’t be alarmed, it isn’t known as a weed because of its appearance (it’s actually quite pretty with colorful leaves and small, delicate flowers) but more so because it grows and spreads quite quickly.
Ironically the same trait that causes it to be referred to as a weed, is the trait that makes it perfect for this list. The wandering jew will thrive and grow with just a basic amount of care from you!
19. Air Plant
You may have already heard of the air plant, due to the fact that it’s extremely popular because of its unique way of growing. Essentially this tiny houseplant actually attaches to pretty much anything, and will grow from it. Air plants can grow on rocks, trees, bushes, and more.
But what you may not realize is that because the air plant gets everything it needs from absorbing nutrients through its leaves, it actually requires very little care and is considered to be extremely low-maintenance.
20. Lucky Bamboo
The lucky bamboo plant is actually closer to a succulent than it is to its namesake, the bamboo plant. But lucky bamboo resembles traditional bamboo, and that’s why it’s been given this name. So if you like the look of bamboo but not the care regiment, then this might be an alternative way to achieve that aesthetic with less work.
Overall, the lucky bamboo plant doesn’t take much work at all, but you should be aware that water quality is the thing it’s most finicky about. For instance, chemicals often found in tap water could damage this plant.
Summing It Up
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of our top houseplant suggestions for beginners, and people who prefer less of a challenge when it comes to indoor gardening. All of our picks were not only easy to take care of, but diverse as well so that you can find one to suit your tastes.
If you’d like to look into some of our other lists to further help with your decision, then you could check out this list of plants that can survive in dimly lit areas or perhaps the opposite which would be this article on plants that thrive in full sun.
Thanks for reading!