Indoor plants bring life to any space, but if you don’t have a green thumb, keeping them alive can feel impossible. Some plants require constant care, while others thrive on neglect. The key is choosing plants that fit your lifestyle and environment. Whether you tend to forget to water, live in a low-light home, or just want something easy to care for, there are plenty of options that are nearly impossible to kill.
Here are 13 beginner-friendly indoor plants that will stay happy and healthy with minimal effort.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant is one of the most low-maintenance plants you can own. Its upright, sword-like leaves thrive in low light or bright, indirect sunlight, and it only needs watering once every two to three weeks. Because it stores water in its thick leaves, it’s incredibly drought-tolerant. Even if you forget about it for a month, it will still survive!
Snake plants are also known for their air-purifying abilities, filtering toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air. If you’re looking for a plant that requires almost no attention but still makes a bold statement, a snake plant is the perfect choice. Just be sure not to overwater—it prefers dry soil and will rot if left sitting in water.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
The pothos plant, also known as devil’s ivy, is one of the easiest plants to grow, even if you tend to neglect it. It thrives in low to bright, indirect light and can tolerate irregular watering. Pothos is a trailing plant, meaning it looks great in hanging baskets or draped across shelves.
One of the best things about pothos is how easy it is to propagate—simply cut a piece of the vine, place it in water, and watch the roots grow! While pothos loves humidity, it can adapt to nearly any indoor environment, making it a must-have for beginner plant owners.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
If you want a plant that can handle almost complete neglect, the ZZ plant is the one for you. It does well in low-light environments, making it perfect for offices or dimly lit rooms. ZZ plants are also highly drought-tolerant and only need watering once a month.
The waxy, dark green leaves add a modern touch to any space, and since they grow slowly, they require little maintenance. Because the ZZ plant stores water in its rhizomes (underground stems), it can survive long dry spells without showing signs of distress. If you tend to forget to water your plants, this one will forgive you every time.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are not only easy to care for but also rewarding, as they produce baby offshoots (spiderettes) that you can replant or share with friends. These plants prefer bright, indirect light, but they can also tolerate low-light conditions. They only need watering once a week, and their long, arching leaves make them perfect for hanging planters.
Spider plants also help remove toxins from the air, making them a great choice for bedrooms and living spaces. If the tips of the leaves turn brown, it’s usually due to fluoride in tap water—switching to filtered water can help.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are among the easiest flowering plants to care for. They prefer low to moderate light and only need watering once a week. One of the best features of the peace lily is that it tells you when it needs water—its leaves will dramatically droop, and after watering, they perk right back up.
Peace lilies also act as natural air purifiers, filtering harmful toxins from the air. They do well in humid environments, so they’re a great choice for bathrooms. However, they are mildly toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach if you have furry friends at home.
6. Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant is not just low-maintenance—it’s also useful! Aloe vera thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and only needs watering every two to three weeks. The gel inside its thick leaves can be used to soothe burns, moisturize skin, and treat minor wounds.
Just be sure to let the soil dry out completely between waterings, as aloe plants are prone to root rot if they sit in water for too long. If you tend to overwater your plants, this is a great one to train yourself to water less.
7. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
As its name suggests, the cast iron plant is incredibly tough. It can handle low light, infrequent watering, and temperature fluctuations with ease. This plant is perfect for busy people or those who travel often, as it thrives even with minimal attention.
It prefers dry soil between waterings and does well in shaded areas where other plants might struggle. Because of its resilience, it’s one of the best choices for beginners who want a hardy, fuss-free houseplant.
8. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The jade plant is a slow-growing succulent that requires very little attention. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and only needs watering every two to three weeks. Since it stores water in its thick leaves, it can withstand long periods of drought.
Some people believe jade plants bring good luck and financial prosperity, making them a popular housewarming gift. With proper care, a jade plant can live for decades!
9. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants are known for their large, glossy leaves that add a bold, modern touch to any space. They thrive in medium to bright, indirect light, but they can also tolerate lower light conditions, making them adaptable for most homes. One of the biggest mistakes people make is overwatering—rubber plants prefer their soil to dry out slightly between waterings, so they only need water every one to two weeks. They’re also great at purifying the air, removing toxins like formaldehyde. With proper care, they can grow several feet tall, making them a striking addition to any living space.
10. Philodendron
Philodendrons are one of the easiest houseplants to grow, making them perfect for beginners. They have trailing vines with lush, heart-shaped leaves, making them ideal for hanging baskets or climbing a trellis. These plants tolerate low light, irregular watering, and dry indoor air, so they’re incredibly forgiving.
Water them once a week and they’ll reward you with fast-growing, vibrant foliage. If you want a plant that’s both decorative and low-maintenance, philodendrons are a great choice. Plus, they’re easy to propagate—just snip a cutting, place it in water, and watch the roots grow!
11. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The Chinese evergreen is a hardy plant that can survive in almost any indoor environment. It thrives in low to moderate light, making it great for dimly lit rooms or offices. One of its best features is its beautiful, patterned leaves, which come in shades of green, silver, and even pink.
Unlike finicky plants, the Chinese evergreen can tolerate inconsistent watering, so if you occasionally forget to water it, it won’t punish you. However, it does appreciate slightly moist soil, so aim to water it every 7–10 days. With its vibrant foliage and easy-care nature, this plant is a perfect addition to any home.
12. Dracaena
Dracaena plants add a modern and tropical feel to any space, and their tall, upright growth makes them a fantastic statement plant. They thrive in moderate to bright, indirect light, but they can also adapt to low light conditions—just expect slower growth.
Dracaenas don’t need frequent watering and actually prefer dry soil, so you only need to water them every 10–14 days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so letting the soil dry out between waterings is key. With minimal maintenance and elegant, sword-like leaves, dracaenas are a great option for anyone looking to bring greenery indoors without too much effort.
13. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
If you love lush, cascading greenery, the Boston fern is a perfect choice. It thrives in humid environments, making it ideal for bathrooms or kitchens where moisture levels are naturally higher. Boston ferns prefer bright, indirect light and need to be watered regularly to keep their soil slightly moist—but never soggy.
If the air in your home is dry, misting the leaves occasionally will help keep them looking fresh. Unlike many houseplants, Boston ferns enjoy cooler temperatures, making them great for shaded spots indoors. With proper care, this plant will reward you with full, vibrant fronds that bring a touch of nature inside.
*This article was created with the help of AI.