While searching for our first home, the main thing we were looking for was A LOT of natural light. The first time we say our condo, we fell in love because of the number of windows. The first few weeks after moving in, I sat in our empty dining room at sunrise and watched the light pour in because it made me SO happy. My #1 goal was to fill our home with beautiful, REAL plants and most importantly, KEEP THEM ALIVE! In this post, I’m sharing 10 of the best indoor plants for beginners + instructions to care for each of them.
I’ve never had a green thumb. Throughout my 8 years of apartment-living, I killed many plants. I had the best intentions but always managed to let them die within a few months. Plants arent cheap when you factor in the cost of dirt and pots. Each plant has unique needs and I never learned how to care for each of them properly. Nowadays, every time I get a new plant, the first thing I do is take note of the care instructions and set a reminder to water it.
When you buy a new plant:
- Take a photo of the care instructions, stick in on the fridge or somewhere else you will see it daily, OR make a note in your phone. Include the name of the plant, how much light it needs, and how often it needs to be watered
- Create a reminder in my phone to water it weekly, bi-weekly, etc. Be sure to include the name of the plant in your reminder (i.e. “soak air plants for 30 minutes”).
I’m really proud of how well I’ve taken care of my plants so far because many of the ones I got in November are still THRIVING. I have only had one plant die… a little rock fern (ferns are NOT beginner-friendly). All of the indoor plants below are PERFECT for beginners, super easy and straight-forward to care for, and BEAUTIFUL.
Comment if you love plants too and tell me your favorites please!! I’m always looking for new ones to add to my collection.
10 Best Indoor Plants for Beginners:
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia (aka ZZ Plant)
- Extremely durable & hardy, nearly impossible to kill!
- Light: Prefers bright, but indirect sunlight. Can survive in areas with lower light which makes them perfect for rooms with few windows.
- Water: Let the soil dry out between watering. The easiest way to kill a ZZ plant is to overwater (it should never sit in water). I water mine every 8-10 days.
- Temperature: 65-75 degrees.
- Snake Plant
- Very similar to ZZ plant, extremely tough and low maintenance!
- Light: Tolerant to various light conditions but prefer indirect light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry completely between watering. Don’t overdo it – water every 2-3 weeks. I water mine every 14-18 days.
- Temperature: Can tolerate a wide range of temperatures indoors and can grow outdoors as well, except during frost/snow.
- Monstera
- A beautiful, tropical plant that grows like crazy! Needs a lot of space & support (small trellis or pole).
- Light: Thrive in bright, indirect light. No direct sunlight.
- Water: Once a week. Let soil dry between watering (1-2 inches of soil should be dry).
- Temperature: 65-85 degrees
- Pothos (aka Devil’s Ivy)
- This pretty, cascading tropical plant is air-purifying and perfect for hanging planters or high shelves. It is extremely easy to care for and can survive being neglected.
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate low-light conditions.
- Water: Allow soil to dry between watering. First 2 inches of soil should be dry, roots should stay moist. Do not allow them to stand in water.
- Temperature: Can tolerate 55-90degrees but preferer higher humidity and temperatures (70+).
- Air Plant
- These easy plants don’t live in soil so you can place them anywhere! They can survive periods of drought but prefer to be watered on a regular basis.
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight. A few hours of direct sunlight is fine.
- Water: Soak, fully immersed, in room temperature water once a week for 30 minutes. After, shake off water.
- Temperature: 50-90 degrees
- Heartleaf Philodendron
- Means “love tree” in greek. With the right care, they grow quickly and can be trained to climb or hang.
- Light: Prefers indirect sunlight but can survive in almost any lighting condition.
- Water: Keep the soil moist. Allow the first 1/2-1 inch of soil to dry between watering. Mist with water every few days.
- Temperature: 65-75 degrees
- Hoya Carnosa Compacta (aka Hindu Rope Plant)
- This pet-friendly plant with draping vines that resemble ropes is perfect for high shelves or hanging.
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can survive in low light conditions.
- Water: Water when the soil is almost dry while it is growing (spring/summer) and less during the winter. While watering, flood the pot then allow it to drain.
- Temperature: 60-70 degrees
- Anthurium (aka Flamingo Plant)
- Great for beginners, this pretty flowering plant requires minimal care.
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight.
- Water: Let soil partially dry out between watering.
- Temperature: Prefers warmer temps, 70-90 degrees.
- Parlor Palm
- A popular, easy to care for palm, that grows to 3-4′ (slowly) and cleans the air.
- Light: Prefers medium to bright indirect light. Can also tolerate lower light.
- Water: Avoid overwatering and and water less during the winter. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering.
- Temperature: 65-85 degrees
- Aglaonema Commutatum (aka Philippine Evergreen)
- One of the MOST durable houseplants that needs rotating often so it grows evenly. Clean the leaves with a soft, damp cloth!
- Light: Medium to low indirect light. Don’t place in bright, direct sun.
- Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry and allow water to soak through to the roots then drain.
- Temperature: Keep away from drafty windows or vents. 65+ degrees
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