First of all, if you are a beginner plant owner, we are so happy to see you here joining the plant community with your first plants! If you are a plant lover who is just here for more information, glad you are here and we hope that the information in this article will inspire even more love for plants. 🙂
Keep in mind that this list is based on plants that can tolerate the conditions mentioned. All the plants listed can thrive when properly cared for and grown in their ideal environment.
Here is a list of the most commonly recommended plants for new plant parents:
1. Pothos
The plant that will forgive you the most. Pothos is so popular because it is so easy to care for. Like most plants, pothos will do best when in indirect bright light, but it can still do good when in low light. This makes a pothos ideal for places that are hard to reach or have lower light like on top of the fridge, on top of a shelf or in a corner that doesn’t get much light. Also, pothos can thrive when grown on moss poles, which can increase its health and growth potential.
TIP: Water when leaves look droopy.
2. Spider Plant
One of the most popular houseplants. Similarly to pothos, the snake plant can adapt to various lighting conditions and can tolerate less water. Spider plants are fantastic air purifiers and produce tons of babies (spiderettes) that are extremely easy to propagate.
TIP: water when fully dry and mist to avoid pests.
3. Sansevieria
Also known as the ‘Snake Plant’ or ‘Mother-in-Law’s Tongue.’ Snake plants are one of the hardiest indoor plants and have beautiful green patterns that can add life to any place. Snake plants can be easily propagated in water or soil.
TIP: Water when soil is dry to the touch.
4. Dracaenas
Here is a plant that comes in many colors, leaf variegations and leaf patterns to add fun and life to your space.
BONUS: NASA lists dracaenas as an air purifying plant.
5. Succulents
If you think you’ll forget to water your plant, succulents and cacti are perfect for you. Succulents store water in their plump leaves and can go for a while without water. If you’re going succulent shopping soon, check out these three unique succulents to add to your wishlist.
TIP: Place under bright sunlight and water when soil is completely dry or spray daily.
6. Vining Philodendron
Philodendrons are like the prettier versions of pothos and are quite low maintenance. Check out our full guide on ‘How to Keep Your Philodendrons Alive’.
TIP: Place philodendrons under indirect bright light and water when leaves start drooping.
7. Peace Lily
With this plant you do not need to wonder when to water it. A peace lily will tell you when they are thirsty. This plant’s leaves will droop all the way to the floor demanding water. Once you water the peace lily those leaves will pop right back up! If you do suspect your peace lily isn’t thriving, learn from our experience on diagnosing a peace lily.
BONUS: NASA lists peace lily as an air purifying plant.
8. Peperomia
Here is another easy but pretty plant! Peperomias come in lots of shapes and patterns that will add color and cuteness to the space. Peperomias need moist soil and some humidity.
TIP: If the leaves are soft and droopy, it’s time for some water.
9. ZZ Plant
Will you forget your plant? If yes, then this is your plant. The ZZ plant is easiest to care for when you leave it alone and water it only when you remember it.
TIP: water when completely dry and if you want it to thrive, place the ZZ in indirect bright light.
10. Bromeliad
There are many varieties with beautiful foliage that add that tropical feeling to your place.
TIP: Make sure these plants stay moist but not soggy.
Before you go and buy your plants, if you have pets at home make sure to check out our “Safe plants for pets and toxic plants to avoid” article and if you’d like recommendations on what are the basic tools for gardening, take a look at our “7 recommendations for tools that every gardener should have” article.
Now that you have chosen your plant, go forth and grow these plants! 🙂 We hope you enjoy your plants and keep adding to your collection.
