Having happy, beautiful houseplants can be easy, but it all begins with choosing the right plants. Hopefully the suggestions in this post, as well as in our Top 10 Indoor Plant Care Tips will ensure your house plants live the long and happy life!
Think you have a black thumb? Or maybe you manage to keep your plants alive, but they just don’t seem to thrive? Even if you’ve failed in the past, trust me, you can handle these 10 easy houseplants.
But first, some tips for successful house plants:
- Before you Buy: If you have a spot in your home for your plant, pay attention to how much light the area receives. Some plants require direct sunlight and others will tolerate low light.
- Make good choices: Look for plants that are healthy and pest-free. And shop your local greenhouse when you can.
- Don’t Give Up: Have a plant that isn’t doing well? Try another place in your home before you throw in the towel.
- Water: Repeat after me: I will not overwater. Many houseplants do better when they’re able to dry out between waterings! Instead of watering as part of a routine, we recommend checking each plant’s soil with a fingertip inserted an inch or two. And if it helps, set a reminder on your phone to remember to check.
- Check the temp: Put yourself in your houseplants shoes so to speak. What temperature are you most comfortable at? That’s probably what they would prefer too! Watch out for drafty windows in the winter or being blasted by hot air near a heater vent. Your plants prefer 60’s to mid 70’s, just like most people.
These plants are the perfect start for your houseplant collection. They’re easy to grow and can generally withstand erratic watering, uneven light and fluctuating temperatures.
1. Snake Plants: Aka Sanseveria
Why they’re awesome: easy to grow and nearly impossible to kill. They also do well in either light or dark corners of your house. And have you seen them?? So. Cute.
How to care for yours: Requires very little water. When in doubt, let it dry out.
2. Succulents
Why they’re awesome: low maintenance and they look great year-round! But be careful, they’re very addicting.
How to care for yours: As you might already know, they prefer dry soil, so avoid frequent watering for best results. Let them go several days, even a week or two between watering. They LOVE sunlight and need at least 8 hours of indirect sunlight each day to maintain their shape indoors. When they stretch out, it’s a sign they need more sunlight. Rotate placement in your window sills to avoid this leaning.
3. Pothos
Why they’re awesome: They’re air purifiers. They can absorb and get rid of toxins from things in your home! (like your carpet!) Does it get any cooler than that?? They work well in hanging baskets since they produce stems that trail 8-10 feet or ever longer. Plus, they’re fun to propagate. (create beginners guide to propagating)
How to care for yours: Allow soil to dry somewhat between watering. They do well in a number of room temps and with variances in lighting. The brighter the sunlight, the more variation in their leaves, so that’s fun.
4. Spider Plant
Why they’re awesome: These natural air-purifiers add visual interest to any home decor and work well as hanging plants. They’re non toxic and even edible! So great for kids and pets too.
How to care for yours: Spider plants do well with evenly moist soil and bright or medium lighting conditions. Room temperatures of 60 to 75 degrees keep them thriving.
5. Peace Lily
Why they’re awesome: This popular house plant can be found in homes everywhere because of it’s pretty white blooms and dark green leaves. Plus, it’s an easy one to grow.
How to care for yours: Peace lilies prefer low humidity, moist soil and also low light, making it great for rooms that don’t have many windows.But make sure to keep it warm–they prefer normal temps up to 85 degrees.
6. Christmas Cactus
Why they’re awesome: These beautiful flowers produce colorful, tubular blooms in pink or purple colors. They bloom a long time and are easy to care for.
How to care for yours: Plants should be kept in bright, indirect light. Christmas cacti grow well in most container soils, as long as it drains well. Make sure that your pots have drainage holes.
7. English Ivy
Why you want it: This beauty trails down furniture and shelving for a pretty effect. Plus, it’s easy to start a new plant for yourself or a friend by cutting off a section of the stem.
How to care for yours: English ivy likes moist soil and cooler room temperature conditions, ranging from the mid-50s to about 70 degrees.
8. Rubber Tree
Why they’re awesome: They can grow into an 8-foot-tall tree and add a great pop of color to any room. There’s a shiny finish on their leaves that so many people love. Oh, and like every other plant listed, they’re EASY.
How to care for yours: Let your rubber tree’s soil dry out in between watering. Medium to bright lighting is the best and they can withstand a range of room temperatures between about 60 and 80 degrees.
9. Jade
Why they’re awesome: Jade plants offer thick, lush leaves and interesting branches. Quick, go get a jade plant today. They can live for 70 to 100 years! This beauty will grow with your family for many years to come. And look neat when paired in a pot with other succulent varieties.
How to care for it: Jade plants don’t require a lot of water, so keep soil somewhat dry. It prefers bright light and ordinary room temperatures.
After planting a jade plant, don’t water it right away. Waiting anywhere from several days to a week before watering lets the roots settle and recover from any damage.
10. Aloe Vera Plant
Why they’re awesome: Aloe Vera is best known for plump leaves and medicinal properties. It’s great to have on-hand in your home to soothe cuts and burns.
How to care for yours: Aloe likes room temperatures around 70 degrees and a lot of sunlight. As you might expect for a succulent, this indoor houseplant prefers dry soil. This could mean watering as little as every two to three weeks, so avoid frequent watering for the best results.