7 easy care houseplants for beginners
1. ZZ plants
The ZZ Plant is famously indestructible. It can handle low lighting conditions, making it ideal for apartments and offices where sunshine is limited. Let the soil dry completely between waterings (usually every 2–4 weeks) and give it a little fertilizer once or twice a year. ZZs are also easy to propagate, so one plant can eventually turn into many.
2. Snake Plant
Snake Plants are another classic for beginners. They thrive in medium light but can adapt to lower-light conditions. Watering every 2–6 weeks is usually enough, and they’re comfortable in both humid and dry environments. They’re also highly pest-resistant, which makes them a true low-maintenance star.
3. Peperomia
Peperomias come in many shapes and patterns, all of them compact and charming. They like bright, indirect light and weekly watering. These plants prefer warmer temperatures (60°–80°F) and thrive in loose, airy soil. If you live in a humid city, Peperomia will feel right at home.
4. Cactus
Cacti are desert dwellers, so they love sunny windowsills with plenty of airflow. Place them in kitchens or bathrooms where the air circulates regularly. During summer, water deeply but let the soil dry out between waterings. In the winter, scale back to light sips, always in pots with excellent drainage.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is both beautiful and useful. It loves bright, indirect light (think west- or south-facing windows) and only needs water every three weeks or so. Keep it in temperatures between 55°F–80°F, and fertilize lightly—no more than once a month. Bonus: you can use the gel inside the leaves for soothing burns or skin irritation.
6. Succulents
Succulents come in endless varieties and colors. They thrive on half a day of direct sunlight and prefer infrequent watering—less is more here. The key is a well-draining soil mix and pots with drainage holes. Rotate your succulents often to keep them growing evenly toward the light.
7. Pothos
Pothos are the ultimate “starter plant” for good reason. They’re fast growers, tolerant of a wide range of conditions, and nearly impossible to kill. Pothos can thrive in low to bright indirect light, making them versatile for any space. Water them once the top inch of soil is dry, usually every 1–2 weeks. They don’t mind a little neglect, and they’ll happily trail from a hanging basket or climb up a moss pole. With a little care, they can grow into lush, cascading vines that instantly green up a room.
