Plants have a way of making a home feel more put together, even if everything else is a mess. A few well-placed greens can make a room look intentional, freshen up the air, and give people something to compliment when they walk in. But not all plants are worth the effort—some are picky, some are downright dramatic, and some just sit there looking sad no matter what you do.
If you want plants that actually impress people without turning into a full-time job, I’ve got you covered. These nine stunners bring personality to your space, don’t need constant babysitting, and will have your guests asking, How do you keep your plants so happy? (They don’t need to know the secret is picking the right ones.)
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf figs look amazing, but they can be a little dramatic if they don’t get what they want. They love bright, direct sunlight but will tolerate indirect light if they have to. Move them around too much, and they’ll start dropping leaves like they’re offended.
Watering is where people mess up the most. Too much, and the roots will rot. Too little, and the leaves dry out. Stick to watering every 7 to 10 days, letting the soil dry out between drinks.
String of Pearls
This plant is like living jewelry, with long, trailing vines covered in little green beads. It does best in bright, indirect light but can handle a little morning sun. If it starts looking stretched out, that’s a sign it’s not getting enough light.
Watering is where most people go wrong. Since it’s a succulent, too much water will turn it into a soggy mess. Water every two to three weeks, and let the soil dry out completely in between. And if you’ve got pets, keep this one up high—it’s toxic to cats and dogs.
Money Tree
If you’ve ever been gifted a plant for “good luck,” there’s a good chance it was a money tree. With its braided trunk and bright green leaves, it’s a favorite for offices and homes alike. It does best in bright, indirect light—too much direct sun, and the leaves can scorch.
The biggest mistake people make is overwatering. This plant likes its soil to dry out between waterings, so every one to two weeks is usually enough. If you want it to grow tall and full, rotate it now and then so it doesn’t start leaning toward the light.
Chinese Evergreen
If you want a plant that’s nearly impossible to mess up, this is it. The Chinese evergreen can handle anything from low to bright indirect light, and some varieties even have silver or red streaks on the leaves.
Watering is easy—every five to ten days is usually enough, just don’t let it sit in soggy soil. It’s a great low-maintenance plant, but if you’ve got pets, keep it out of reach. It’s toxic to cats and dogs, and they don’t need that kind of drama.
Orchid
Orchids get a bad rap for being fussy, but they’re actually pretty easy once you know what they need. They like bright, indirect light and only need watering once a week. The trick is making sure their roots don’t sit in water—let them drain well, or they’ll rot.
They’re a great way to add a little elegance to any space, and they last way longer than a bouquet of flowers. If you’ve got an office or a sunny corner at home, an orchid will look great without much effort. Just don’t panic if the flowers drop—it’s normal, and they’ll come back.
Air Plants
If you’re looking for the easiest plant to keep alive, this is it. Air plants don’t even need soil. You can tuck them into a decorative bowl, hang them in a terrarium, or place them anywhere they’ll get bright, indirect light.
Watering is simple—just dunk them in water for a couple of hours every 10 to 14 days, or mist them a few times a week. That’s it. They’re basically as low-maintenance as it gets, and they add a cool, modern touch to any space.
Peperomia
Peperomia is one of those plants that looks fancy but is secretly super easy to care for. Its thick leaves hold water, so it doesn’t need constant attention. Just water it every one to two weeks, making sure the soil dries out in between.
It does best in medium to bright, indirect light, so a spot near a window (but not in direct sun) is perfect. With so many colorful varieties to choose from, it’s a great way to bring a little personality to your space without a lot of effort.
Dracaena Marginata
This plant is perfect if you want something cool-looking but don’t have the best track record with houseplants. It thrives in low to bright indirect light and doesn’t need much watering—once every one to two weeks is plenty.
With its spiky leaves and slim trunk, it adds height and texture to any room. Over time, it can grow up to three feet tall. Just keep in mind that it’s toxic to pets, so if you have cats or dogs that like to chew on things, you’ll want to keep this one out of reach.
Snake Plant
If you’ve ever killed a plant, a snake plant is your redemption arc. It’s practically unkillable, thanks to its stiff, water-storing leaves. You only need to water it once a month, and it’s happy in anything from low to bright indirect light.
It’s also one of the best plants for improving indoor air quality, making it a solid choice for bedrooms. Just be careful if you have pets—snake plants are toxic to cats and dogs, so keep them somewhere paws can’t reach.
*This article was created with the help of AI.