The Best Houseplants for Beginners: Hard to Kill and Easy to Love

Hey Babes,

Are you someone who admires plants but finds it difficult to keep them alive? If so, you are not alone. Many people enjoy the beauty of plants and flowers but struggle with caring for them properly. Fortunately, I’ve found 7 different houseplants that thrive with very little maintenance and will add a touch of nature to your living space.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Photo via: Green Thumb Nursey

Snake plants are famous for purifying the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. They can withstand drought and thrive in low-water environments. Allow the soil to dry completely before watering, typically every 2-8 weeks. Snake plants offer health benefits, such as reducing headaches, eye irritation, and respiratory issues, while also enhancing concentration and productivity.

  • Light: Medium, indirect light; tolerates sun and shade
  • Water: Water regularly, allowing soil to dry well before re-watering.
  • Care: Rich, well-draining potting mix

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Photo via: Green Thumb Nursey

Spider Plants easily adapt to different indoor conditions and can tolerate various light levels and temperatures. They have specific watering preferences but are resilient if you forget a day or let the soil dry out too much. If they become too bushy, you can trim them back and use the cuttings to grow new plants. Spider plants are also known to purify the air by removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, although you would need multiple plants to see a significant impact. Like other houseplants, they release fresh oxygen, which can improve our mood and freshen stale indoor air, especially during the winter.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
  • Water: When soil is dry; this is usually infrequently
  • Care: Well-drained, standard potting mix

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Photo via: Green Thumb Nursery

Golden Pothos is a low-maintenance plant that thrives with minimal care, needing water sporadically and can grow in low light. Studies suggest that touching its leaves can have a calming effect. It also helps increase humidity, benefiting skin and respiratory health. Propagating is simple – just cut, root, and wait. It is a great plant to share and expand your green family easily. Golden Pothos can adapt to various light conditions, from low light to sunny windows, making it suitable for any room. Additionally, it is safe for homes with pets as it is non-toxic to animals.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate partial shade or artificial light
  • Water: Allow to dry completely between watering; water thoroughly if leaves droop
  • Care: Ordinary potting mix that drains well

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)

Photo via: Green Thumb Nursey

Peace lilies help eliminate household odors and regulate humidity levels indoors by releasing moisture into the air. They are effective in reducing mold spores and are particularly beneficial in damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Peace lilies thrive in indirect sunlight and require only moderate watering, making them ideal for both beginner and experienced indoor plant growers.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light is best; avoid direct sunlight 
  • Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing it to dry out slightly between waterings
  • Care: Use a well-draining potting mix

Air Plant (Tillandsia xerographica)

Photo via: Green Thumb Nursery

Scientists have discovered that Tillandsia and other plants can purify the air by removing contaminants. Air plants are small and can be placed anywhere at home or in the office. They are safe for pets, do not need soil, and can last for years if properly cared for. Air plants absorb moisture and nutrients from the air through their trichomes, eliminating the need for constant watering.

  • Light:  Indirect light and shade
  • Water: A humid environment and misting can replace watering
  • Care: No soil needed

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

Photo via: Red Square Flowers

Thriving on neglect, Jade plants are perfect for those with no green thumb or busy lifestyles. These plants clean the air and are believed to attract wealth. In some cultures, a Jade plant near the entrance brings good luck. Overwatering can kill your Jade plant, so only water when the top inch of soil is dry. Jade plants store water in their leaves and only need minimal watering.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal
  • Water: Water deeply only when the top 1-2 inches of soil is completely dry, allowing it to fully drain
  • Care: Use a well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix

Zebra Plant (Haworthiopsis attenuata)

Photo via: Green Thumb Nursery

The Zebra plant has striking striped leaves designed to capture light efficiently, making it ideal for indoor spaces with limited light. It stays at a manageable size and maintains its appealing appearance throughout the year. This plant releases moisture through transpiration, increasing indoor humidity levels naturally. Higher humidity can help with respiratory issues, keep skin hydrated, and prevent items from drying out.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Water: Water regularly, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy; allow the top inch to dry out slightly before watering again
  • Care: Use a well-draining potting mix with peat moss

Opting for low-maintenance houseplants provides a simple and effortless means to incorporate some greenery into your living space. No matter your level of experience with plant care, there are options available that will flourish. Don’t be afraid of bringing the outdoors inside and allow these low-maintenance plants to bring a sense of brightness to your living area!

Until next time,
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