15 types of houseplants you should try as a beginner

Indoor air quality can be a significant concern for many people, particularly those who spend a lot of time inside their homes. With the increasing use of chemicals and synthetic materials in our daily lives, finding ways to improve the air quality in our living spaces is essential. One of the most effective ways to do this is by incorporating houseplants into our homes.

According to research conducted by NASA, certain houseplants can effectively filter out potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. These VOCs include common pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene, which can be released by everything from furniture to cleaning products.

In addition to improving indoor air quality, houseplants can positively impact our mental health and well-being. Studies have shown that being around plants can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase productivity. They add a natural touch to any room, creating a more welcoming and calming atmosphere.

If you’re new to indoor gardening or have struggled to keep plants alive in the past, don’t worry. There are plenty of low-maintenance houseplants that are perfect for beginners. When selecting a plant, look for ones with deep green leaves, as they tend to perform best in low light and require less water.

What are the Best Types of Houseplants for Beginners?

Some great options for low-maintenance houseplants include snake, Pothos, spiders, ZZ, and peace lilies. These plants are all easy to care for and can thrive in various conditions, making them perfect for those new to indoor gardening or who have busy lifestyles.

Deciding which ones to try can be overwhelming if you’re new to houseplants. To help you get started, here are 15 types of houseplants that are easy to care for and perfect for beginners in no particular order:

1. Snake Plant: Scientifically known as Sansevieria trifasciata, it is a beloved houseplant due to its numerous benefits and ease of care. It’s commonly referred to as “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue” because of the shape and texture of its long, pointed leaves. One of the most notable features of the Snake Plant is its incredible durability. This plant is virtually indestructible, making it an ideal choice for those new to indoor gardening or with a track record of killing off their plants. It can handle low light conditions and infrequent watering, which is a great option for people with busy schedules or who travel frequently. In addition to its low-maintenance requirements, the Snake Plant is also known for its air-purifying properties.

2. Pothos: Also known as Devil’s Ivy, it is a popular houseplant loved for its stunning variegated leaves and low maintenance requirements. This trailing plant is native to the Solomon Islands and can be found in various colors, ranging from vibrant greens to deep purples. One of the most attractive features of the Pothos plant is its heart-shaped leaves that have a marbled appearance. Pothos is easy to care for, making it an ideal choice for beginners. It can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions, from bright, indirect light to low light, and only needs to be watered once a week. Overwatering is one of the main causes of plant failure with Pothos, so it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings.

3. Spider Plant: The Spider Plant, also known as Chlorophytum comosum, is a popular and easy-to-grow houseplant native to tropical and southern Africa. It’s named for its spider-like shoots, which can grow up to three feet long and produce tiny white flowers. The Spider Plant is known for its air-purifying abilities. It only needs to be watered once or twice a week.

4. ZZ Plant: The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a popular houseplant known for its glossy, dark green leaves and ability to tolerate low light and minimal watering. It is native to Africa and is a member of the Araceae family. The ZZ plant is known for its tolerance to neglect and can withstand periods of drought,

5. Jade Plant: The Jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a popular succulent houseplant known for its thick, fleshy leaves and ability to thrive in bright, indirect light while requiring very little water. The Jade plant is native to South Africa and is a member of the Crassulaceae family. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 3 feet tall if given the right conditions.

6. Peace Lily: The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular houseplant known for its beautiful white flowers and its ability to tolerate low light and infrequent watering. The Peace Lily is native to tropical regions of the Americas and is a member of the Araceae family. It is a relatively easy plant to care for and is a popular choice for beginners. One of the benefits of the Peace Lily is its tolerance to low-light conditions. It can grow in areas with low to medium light, but it will not thrive in direct sunlight. 

7. Rubber Plant: The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is a popular houseplant known for its large, shiny leaves and ability to add a statement piece to any room. One of the benefits of the Rubber Plant is its ability to grow into a large statement plant. With the right conditions and care, it can grow up to 8 feet tall indoors, making it a great option for those looking for a plant that can fill a large space.

8. Dracaena: Dracaena is a genus of plants that includes many species and is known for its versatility and variety. Dracaena plants come in various sizes and colors, with leaves that can be green, yellow, red, or variegated. Regarding care, Dracaena plants prefer to be kept in well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important not to water too frequently. Dracaena plants also benefit from occasional misting to increase humidity levels around the plant.

9. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera (Aloe vera) is a popular succulent plant known for its medicinal properties and ability to handle bright, indirect light and minimal watering. One of the benefits of aloe vera is its ability to tolerate bright, indirect light. It can also handle some direct sunlight, but too much direct light can burn the leaves. Aloe vera is also known for its air-purifying properties, which can help to improve the air quality in your home or office. Regarding its medicinal properties, aloe vera is known for its ability to soothe skin irritations and burns. The gel inside the plant leaves can be applied topically to help alleviate symptoms.

10. Boston Fern: The Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a popular houseplant that adds a touch of green to your home. It is known for its long, flowing fronds and ability to thrive in bright, indirect light and moist soil. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that prefers to be kept in moist soil. It’s important to water the plant regularly, but not to the point of waterlogging the soil. The Boston Fern also benefits from occasional misting to increase humidity levels around the plant.

11. Chinese Evergreen: The Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is a popular houseplant known for its beautiful variegated leaves and ability to handle low to medium light and infrequent watering. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that prefers well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In addition to its beautiful variegated leaves, the Chinese Evergreen is also known for its air-purifying properties. It can help remove harmful toxins from the air, making it a great plant in your home or office.

12. Philodendron: Philodendron is a genus of plants that includes many species and is known for its versatility and ease of care. Philodendron plants come in various sizes and colors, with leaves that can be green, yellow, red, or variegated. Philodendron plants are native to tropical regions of the Americas. They are a popular choice for indoor plants due to their ability to tolerate a range of light conditions and their ease of care. They are a great choice for beginners and experienced plant owners alike.

13. Boston Fern: The Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a popular houseplant that adds a touch of green to your home. It is known for its long, flowing fronds and ability to thrive in bright, indirect light and moist soil. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that prefers to be kept in moist soil. It’s important to water the plant regularly, but not to the point of waterlogging the soil. The Boston Fern also benefits from occasional misting to increase humidity levels around the plant.
14. Golden Pothos: Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a trailing plant that is great for adding a touch of green to your space, but it does not typically have a lot of colors. Its leaves are usually a vibrant green, although some variegated cultivars have white or yellow accents. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that prefers to be kept in well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

14. English Ivy: English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a popular trailing plant that adds a touch of green to your home. It is known for its long, trailing vines and ability to thrive in bright, indirect light and moist soil. It is a relatively easy plant to care for. However, one thing to remember is that English Ivy can be sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. It’s important to keep the plant in a relatively stable environment and avoid placing it near drafts or areas with fluctuating temperatures.

15. Cactus: Cacti are a popular group of plants known for their unique shapes and ability to thrive in arid environments. They are a great option for adding a touch of green to your home and require minimal watering.

With these 15 houseplants, you can add some greenery to your home and gain confidence in your ability to care for plants. Remember to research and provide your plants with the right conditions to help them thrive.