Introduction
Indoor plants make a home feel alive. They add color to a shelf, soften a bare corner and give you something green to care for. If you have never kept a plant before, starting can feel risky. You may have seen a plant turn brown in a week and wondered what went wrong. The good news is that some plants are very forgiving. The eight plants in this guide survive busy owners, low light and the odd missed watering. Pick one or two to start, learn their simple needs, and add more when you feel ready.
Snake Plant
The snake plant is the classic starter plant. Its tall, upright leaves grow in green and yellow stripes, and it tolerates almost anything. Put it in bright light if you can, but it also copes with a shady corner. Water it only when the soil is fully dry, which may mean once every two or three weeks. The biggest mistake is watering it too often, because wet soil rots its roots. It also survives dry air and cold rooms better than most houseplants.
Pothos
Pothos is a trailing vine with heart shaped leaves in green, gold or marble white. Hang it from a shelf or let it climb a small trellis. It grows fast in almost any light, from bright rooms to dim halls, though the marbled types need more light to keep their colors. Water when the top half of the soil feels dry, about once a week in summer and less in winter. If a vine gets too long, cut the tip off and put it in water. It will grow roots, and you can pot it for a free new plant.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is useful as well as pretty, since its gel soothes minor burns. It likes strong, direct sunlight, so a sunny windowsill is the best spot. Its thick leaves store water, so it needs very little care. Water about once every three weeks, and let the soil dry out fully between waterings. Use a pot with drainage holes and sandy, free draining soil. Do not let water sit in the rosette of leaves, because it can cause rot.
Spider Plant
The spider plant is named for the small baby plants it grows on long stems, which look like spiders hanging from the mother plant. It is one of the easiest plants to grow. Give it bright, indirect light and water when the top few centimeters of soil are dry. Brown leaf tips are usually a sign of tap water salts or dry air, so try rainwater or leave tap water out overnight. The baby plants can be cut off and potted to start new plants.
Peace Lily
The peace lily adds flowers to a plant collection, with white spathes rising above glossy green leaves. It prefers low to medium light and does well in bathrooms, where the humidity is higher. Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy, watering about once a week. If the leaves droop, water it and it will usually recover within hours, which makes it a good plant for beginners who are learning the signs their plants give. Wipe dusty leaves with a damp cloth.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant has shiny, waxy leaves on thick stems and looks far more delicate than it is. It tolerates the lowest light of any plant on this list and stores water in its thick rhizomes, so it forgives irregular watering. Water only when the soil is completely dry, which may be once a month or even less. It copes with dry office air and neglect. The one thing it cannot tolerate is sitting in wet soil, so always give it a pot with drainage.
Jade Plant
The jade plant is a small succulent with thick, round leaves that looks like a little tree as it ages. It is often given as a symbol of good luck. It likes plenty of sunlight, so a south facing window is ideal. Water sparingly, about every two to three weeks, and let the soil dry completely between waterings. Overwatering makes the leaves soft and fall off. Use a small pot, since jade plants prefer to be slightly root bound.
Philodendron
The philodendron is a fast growing tropical plant with large, heart shaped leaves that come in green or burgundy. The heartleaf type trails nicely from a hanging basket, while other types climb if you give them a support. It grows best in bright, indirect light but copes with lower light too. Water when the top of the soil is dry, about once a week, and wipe the leaves occasionally so they can absorb light. It handles average home humidity well and grows quickly in spring and summer.
Beginner Rules That Keep Plants Alive
Do not overwater. More houseplants die from too much water than from too little. Check the soil with your finger before you water, and if the top two centimeters are still damp, wait another day or two.
Every pot needs drainage holes. Without them, water collects at the bottom and the roots rot. If a decorative pot has no holes, keep the plant in its nursery pot inside it and empty any water that collects.
Learn your light. Bright, indirect light suits most houseplants. A spot near a window that does not get harsh midday sun is a safe start. If a plant leans toward the window or its leaves fade, move it or rotate it weekly.
Know when to repot. Small plants need repotting every one to two years, when roots grow out of the drainage holes or growth slows. Move up just one pot size, use fresh potting mix, and water lightly after repotting.
FAQ
Which indoor plant is the easiest to keep alive?
The snake plant is usually the easiest. It needs little water, tolerates low light and survives weeks of neglect. The ZZ plant is a close second for even darker rooms.
How often should you water indoor plants?
Most beginner plants need water once a week or less. Always check the soil first with your finger. If the top few centimeters are dry, water thoroughly and let the excess drain away.
Do indoor plants need direct sunlight?
Most do not. Direct midday sun can scorch leaves. Bright, indirect light near a window is best for most plants on this list. Only a few, like aloe vera and jade, enjoy strong direct sun.
Conclusion
Starting with indoor plants is easier than it looks. Choose one or two hardy plants from this list, give them the right light and water, and let them teach you what a healthy plant looks like. A plant that survives your first few months will give you confidence to try more. If you live in a small home, see our ideas for small apartment storage to find space for a small plant shelf. Plants also fit a fresh air home routine, so read our ideas on the Health category page for more ways to keep your home feeling bright. Start small, water less than you think, and enjoy watching something green grow in your home.
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