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15 Easy Indoor Plants for Beginners

 Grow beautiful, lush houseplants with minimal effort

Contributors: Janet Loughrey

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Houseplants add a living touch to indoor decor, helping to cleanse the air and lift the spirits. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can still become a good plant parent by choosing easy houseplant varieties. 

All plants need light, water and nutrients to survive. Those needs can vary widely depending on the type of plant. Houseplants will perform best when grown in conditions that closely mimic their native habitat. Some varieties are more forgiving than others, making them more suitable for beginners. 

By starting out with houseplants that are easy to care for, you can be well on your way to a stunning collection of lush indoor greenery. Here are some of the best houseplants for beginners.

monstera

1. MONSTERA

Monstera spp.
Low to medium light
60-85 °F 

Also known as Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron, these popular indoor plants are revered for the bold heart-shaped green leaves that develop vertical holes and slits as they mature. These climbing tropical plants, which can be trained on a moss pole or other support, are easy houseplants to grow when provided regular water and a humid environment.

Pictured: Mysteria Deliciosa

spider plant

2. SPIDER PLANT

Chlorophytum comosum
Medium to high light
60-85 °F

Spider plant is characterized by its grass-like cascading green or variegated foliage. Mature plants send out long arching stems that produce white star-shaped flowers and baby plants resembling spiders that can be snipped off to create new plants. Spider plant is easy to grow and great for beginners, performing best with higher humidity and bright indirect light.

Pictured: Urban Arches Night Out

pothos

3. POTHOS

Epipremnum spp.
Low to high light
60-85 °F

This philodendron look-alike produces heart-shaped green, yellow or variegated leaves. These trailing plants are quick growers and can easily be rooted from stem cuttings to produce new plants. Pothos are easy plants to grow inside and are tolerant of different humidity and light conditions. Avoid placing in direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.

Pictured: Beautifall® Summer Nights

philodendron

4. PHILODENDRON

Philodendron spp.
Low to high light
60-85 °F 

Philodendron, which is native to tropical rainforests, comes in a dazzling array of colors, sizes, forms and leaf shapes to complement any style of home decor. These easy-care indoor plants come in compact or vining forms. Allow plants to trail down the side of containers, grow up a trellis, or train around windows. Provide well-draining soil, moderate water and high humidity. Learn more about growing philodendron.

Pictured: Prismacolor Birkin

rubber plant

5. RUBBER PLANT

Ficus elastica
Medium to high light
60-85 °F 

Rubber plant, named for the milky sap that is used to make rubber, has an upright growth habit and large, thick oval leaves in shades of green, burgundy or variegated patterns, some with colorful stems and new growth. Native to southeast Asia, this tropical requires evenly moist soil, moderate humidity and regular fertilizer in order to thrive. Plants are sensitive to drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Pictured: Chroma® Abidjan

Learn more about growing ficus plants

Chinese evergreen

6. CHINESE EVERGREEN

Aglaonema commutatum
Medium to bright indirect light
65-80 °F 

Also known as Chinese evergreen, this tropical houseplant comes in an array of vibrant leaf hues and patterns, adding bright splashes of color to indoor living spaces. Plants are slow growing and stay compact, making them suitable for displaying on end tables, bookshelves and small spaces. Place these easy care houseplants in a warm spot with high humidity such as a kitchen or bathroom, providing well-draining soil and moderate water.

Pictured: Igneous Ruby Crab

prayer plant

7. PRAYER PLANT

Calathea spp.
Low to medium light
60-85 °F 

Named for the leaves that fold up at night, resembling praying hands, this vibrant tropical plant comes in many leaf shapes, hues and patterns. Prayer plants are easy indoor plants to grow when given the right growing conditions. Place in a draft-free room with bright indirect light and high humidity, such as a bathroom or kitchen. Provide regular water and fertilizer.

Pictured: Color Full® Thoreau

crassula

8. CRASSULA

Crassula spp.
Medium to high light
60-85 °F 

Crassula is a large genus of succulents, with varieties in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colors. One of the most popular crassulas to grow is jade plant. This fleshy-leafed houseplant, which can be grown outside during warmer months, prefers bright light, low humidity, and little fertilizer or water, making it virtually carefree when placed near a south or west-facing window.

Pictured: Mirage Rosie Posie Calico Kitten

begonia

9. BEGONIA

Begonia masoniana
Bright indirect light
60-85 °F 

Begonias are the perfect pick for houseplant enthusiasts seeking ease and beauty. Give them consistent conditions when it comes to watering, temperature, and light and you'll be rewarded with captivating lush foliage. Begonias gracefully enhance any indoor space, making them a popualr choice for either seasoned or novice plant parents.

Pictured: Criss Cross

Learn more about growing begonias

nerve plant

10. NERVE PLANT

Fittonia albivenis
Low to high light
60-85 °F 

Nerve plant, which is sometimes confused with polka dot plant, is distinguished by the distinct white, pink or red leaf veining and creeping habit. This tropical plant grows best in moist, well-draining soil, and needs a high humidity environment such as a terrarium. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.

Pictured: Network News World Views

peperomia

11. PEPEROMIA

Peperomia spp.
Medium to high light
60-85 °F 

Peperomia is a large genus of tropical plants with colorful leaves and an upright, mounding or trailing habit. This easy-care beginner plant thrives in well-draining soil, warm temperatures and medium to high humidity. Allow soil to dry out between waterings and avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. To retain vibrant foliage coloring, place in spot with medium to bright indirect light.

Pictured: Savory Delights Sweet and Sour

drop tongue plant

12. DROP TONGUE PLANT

Schismatoglottis wallichii
Low to medium light
60-85 °F 

Also known as green shield, this unusual aroid is coveted by avid houseplant enthusiasts for the striking variegated leaves that can reach 18 inches long. Native to southeast Asia, this slow grower prefers regular water and high humidity. The tendency to wilt when plants begin to dry out can be instructive to beginners, serving as a reminder to check on other houseplants. Avoid direct sunlight and cold drafts.

Pictured: Art Deco Rivera

arrowhead vine

13. ARROWHEAD VINE

Syngonium podophyllum
Low to medium light
60-85 °F 

Arrowhead vine produces distinctly arrow-shaped leaves in a range of colors including green, chartreuse, pink, white and variegated patterns. Plants are upright and compact, developing a trailing habit as they mature. This easy-to-grow houseplant prefers high humidity and evenly moist soil. Allow soil to dry out in between waterings, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Pictured: Falling Arrows® Ruby Reign

purple tradescantia

14. PURPLE TRADESCANTIA

Tradescantia spp.
Medium to high light
60-85 °F 

Purple spiderwort can be grown indoors as a houseplant or outdoors during warmer months. This trailing tropical plant is grown for the lance-shaped foliage that comes in an array of colors including green, purple, pink or variegated. Plants are tolerant of different levels of light, water and humidity, making purple spiderwort suitable for beginners.

Pictured: New Vogue Feeling Flirty

dracaena

15. DRACAENA

Dracaena spp.
Bright indirect light
65-80 °F, though some varieties may tolerate cooler temperatures 

This attractive spiky plant has an upright habit, producing strappy foliage in colors of green, burgundy, red or variegated. Dracaena can be grown indoors as a houseplant or outside during warmer months. Plants are forgiving of a range of light and watering conditions and require little or no fertilizer, making it a good houseplant choice for beginners.

Pictured: Submerged Relics Urban Urchin

FAQ’S 

What are the easiest plants to keep alive inside?

Plants that are less finicky and more forgiving of different growing conditions are the easiest plants to keep alive. Choose plants that are more tolerant of different light, temperatures, humidity and watering needs.

What is a good starter houseplant?

There are many indoor houseplants such as pothos, philodendron, zz plant and snake plant that are easy to grow. Pothos is especially hard to kill and very forgiving of inconsistent watering. 

How many houseplants should I start with?

Evaluate your home’s growing conditions before buying indoor houseplants to find out what types of plants will do best in your home. Start out with one or two plants and see how well they do before adding more. 

Where to buy leafjoy® indoor plants near you: 

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