Exploring the Green World:20 Best Houseplants for Beginners

Last updated on March 21st, 2024 at 01:58 pm

Do you want to bring some green inside your home? Trying out houseplants, especially if you’re new to them, is a fun adventure. Whether you’re just starting and want to enjoy the calmness of plants or you’ve had a few troubles before, going on this green journey is nice and makes you happy.

These best houseplants for beginners are like friendly helpers. They’re easy to take care of, even if you forget about them sometimes. From the strong Snake Plant to the beautiful Peace Lily, these plants are not just pretty, they’re also tough and don’t need a lot of looking after.

So, let’s get started! These plants will make your home more beautiful and peaceful. Put them near a sunny window or in a cozy corner, and they’ll make you smile daily!

20 Best Houseplants for Beginners

We’ve made a list of the 20 best houseplants for beginners that are just right for them. Let’s get started! These plants will make your place look nice and peaceful without giving you a hard time.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Snake plant sometimes called the “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,” this tough plant is one of the best houseplants for beginners. It’s a real survivor and can handle different types of light, making it perfect for almost any room in your home. What’s great is that it doesn’t demand much attention, so even if you forget about it for a while, it’ll still keep going strong. With its tall, sword-shaped leaves standing proudly, it not only adds a touch of style but also brings a sense of calmness to any space.

The Snake Plant is more than just a pretty face; it’s a real workhorse. Besides looking great, it helps clean the air by removing toxins, making your home a healthier place to be. Plus, it’s known for its ability to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night, so it’s an ideal bedroom companion, too.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) 

When it comes to the best houseplants for beginners, the Pothos is a superstar. This trailing vine is like a tough warrior in the plant world. Even if you forget about it or don’t have the brightest spot for it, it won’t mind at all. It happily thrives in low-light conditions, making it a perfect fit for almost any corner of your home.

The best part? It’s not fussy about watering either. Pothos is quite forgiving when it comes to occasional watering, so you don’t have to worry too much about giving it a drink every single day.

Its heart-shaped leaves cascade elegantly, adding a touch of natural beauty wherever it hangs or trails. Pothos is not just a houseplant; it’s a loyal companion that purifies the air by removing harmful substances, ensuring you breathe fresher, cleaner air.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The Spider Plant is the most adaptable option among the best houseplants for beginners. Its arching leaves and tiny plantlets give it an endearing appeal, making it a charming addition to any space. Not only is it visually captivating, but it’s also a hardy and air-purifying plant, ensuring a healthier indoor environment effortlessly.

What makes the Spider Plant even more special for beginners is its easy-going nature. It thrives with minimal care and even generously produces baby plants, allowing you to propagate and share its beauty with friends and family. With its resilience, captivating appearance, and propensity to multiply, the Spider Plant remains a top contender for beginners venturing into the world of indoor gardening.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) 

The ZZ Plant is a champion among the best houseplants for beginners. It’s practically unstoppable, loving low light and not fussing about irregular watering. This plant is a dream for forgetful beginners, as it keeps thriving even if you occasionally forget to water it.

Its resilience is remarkable. The ZZ Plant is a true survivor, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their plant journey. With its ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions, it’s a reliable and low-maintenance green companion for any home.

Peace Lily(Spathiphyllum)

Among the best houseplants for beginners, the Peace Lily stands out for its graceful white blooms. Thriving in low to medium light, it’s a perfect fit for various spaces. An interesting feature for beginners is its way of telling you when it needs water by slightly drooping—making it easier to know when to water.

This elegant plant not only adds beauty to your home but also provides a helpful cue for watering, making it an excellent choice for those new to plant care.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) 

The Rubber Plant is a star among the best houseplants for beginners. With its broad, glossy leaves, it brings a touch of elegance to any room. What makes it a top choice for beginners is its forgiving nature. It can handle different light conditions and quickly rebounds from occasional neglect.

This resilient plant isn’t just about its looks; it’s a reliable companion for those starting their plant journey. Its ability to endure varied light and bounce back from lapses in care makes it a perfect addition to any beginner’s indoor garden.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

Among the best houseplants for beginners, Aloe Vera is a standout. This succulent is packed with benefits and is incredibly forgiving. It thrives with infrequent watering and enjoys bright, indirect sunlight.

Its forgiving nature makes it a great choice for beginners venturing into indoor gardening. Besides being a low-maintenance plant, Aloe Vera offers various health benefits and is a wonderful addition to any home.

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

 The Jade Plant is a top choice among the best houseplants for beginners. Its miniature tree-like appearance adds a unique touch to any space. Known for its resilience, this plant needs minimal water, making it an ideal pick for new plant parents.

Its easy-care nature and charming appearance make the Jade Plant a perfect addition to beginner-friendly indoor gardens.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

As its name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant is a true survivor, making it an exceptional choice among the best houseplants for beginners. Its ability to tolerate low light, low humidity, and even occasional neglect makes it a sturdy and hassle-free plant.

This resilient plant is perfect for those who are just starting their plant journey. It’s like having a reliable friend who can handle a bit of forgetfulness or less-than-ideal conditions without losing its charm. With its deep green, leathery leaves, the Cast Iron Plant brings a touch of natural elegance to any corner of your home.

The Cast Iron Plant’s toughness and adaptability make it a standout choice for beginner plant enthusiasts looking for an easy-going and enduring companion to add a green vibe to their space.

Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)  

The Philodendron, with its heart-shaped leaves cascading gracefully, is a versatile choice among the best houseplants for beginners. It easily adapts to different light conditions and doesn’t need frequent watering.

The Philodendron’s charming appearance and adaptability make it a perfect green companion for those just starting their plant journey, adding a touch of natural beauty to their homes.

Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)

Renowned for its long, slender leaves that add a touch of exotic allure to any room, the Dracaena Marginata stands out as an excellent choice among the best houseplants for beginners. Its striking appearance and effortless care requirements make it a standout addition to indoor spaces.

Not only does this plant thrive in moderate light and require only occasional watering, but it also serves as a stunning statement piece. Its architectural elegance adds a tropical flair to any space, creating a captivating focal point.

The Dracaena Marginata’s resilience and striking aesthetic make it an ideal choice for beginners seeking a plant companion that elevates the ambiance of their home while being undemanding in terms of care and maintenance.

Schefflera (Schefflera actinophylla)

Also known as the Umbrella Tree, the Schefflera is a hassle-free and adaptable choice, making it an excellent addition to the best houseplants for beginners. Its flexibility in adjusting to various light conditions, coupled with its straightforward growth, makes it a top pick for those starting their plant journey.

This plant not only effortlessly adapts to different lighting but also offers a lush, tropical appearance with its umbrella-like foliage, instantly transforming any space into a green oasis. Its hardiness and ease of care allow beginners to enjoy the benefits of having a vibrant indoor plant without overwhelming maintenance needs.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Thriving in low to moderate light, the Chinese Evergreen brings not only vibrant colors but also serves as an efficient air-purifying plant. Its variegated leaves contribute to a healthier indoor environment by filtering out toxins.

 What’s remarkable about this plant among the best houseplants for beginners is its resilience to irregular watering, allowing newcomers to enjoy its benefits without worrying too much about a strict watering schedule.

This versatile plant isn’t just a visual delight; it actively works to enhance indoor air quality, making it an excellent choice for those starting their indoor gardening journey. Its ability to tolerate varying light levels while being forgiving of watering inconsistencies ensures that beginners can relish the beauty and health benefits of this low-maintenance plant without added stress.

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

With its graceful and delicate fronds, the Parlor Palm is not just a solution for low-light areas; it’s a statement of elegance. Its feathery foliage brings a touch of lushness to spaces with limited natural light, creating a serene ambiance. 

Among the best houseplants for beginners, its low-maintenance nature and adaptability to low-light conditions make it an exceptional choice for those aiming to infuse sophistication into spaces that lack ample sunlight.

This palm species not only thrives in dimmer environments but also contributes to indoor air purification, enhancing the overall indoor environment without demanding much attention. Its ability to add a sense of refinement while requiring minimal care is a boon for beginners looking to introduce greenery into their homes with ease and grace.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Renowned as a classic choice for beginner plant enthusiasts, the Boston Fern is more than just a beautiful addition to your indoor space. Its preference for high humidity and indirect light creates a captivating display of lush, vibrant green foliage that adds a touch of natural elegance to any room. Among the best houseplants for beginners, its forgiving nature and remarkable resilience make it an excellent choice for those seeking a plant that thrives without demanding excessive care.

This fern variety not only embellishes your space with its gracefully arching fronds but also contributes to air purification, promoting a healthier indoor environment. Its ability to flourish in conditions conducive to its growth, coupled with its visually appealing display, ensures that beginners can relish the beauty of this plant without being burdened by intricate care routines.

Calathea (Calathea ornata) 

With its breathtakingly patterned leaves reminiscent of natural artwork, the Calathea stands out as an enchanting choice for indoor greenery. Flourishing in moderate indirect light, this plant showcases its intricate patterns, which seem to dance with the changing light. As part of the best houseplants for beginners, its captivating aesthetics and manageable care routine make it a delightful and visually striking addition to any room.

This tropical beauty not only offers a visual feast with its ornate foliage but also responds to a bit of extra care by exhibiting its leaves’ mesmerizing movements, known as “praying” or “sleeping” at night. Its ability to captivate with its stunning appearance while remaining manageable in terms of care ensures that beginners can enjoy the artistry of this plant without overwhelming maintenance demands.

Pilea (Pilea peperomioides)

Renowned as the “Chinese Money Plant,” this delightful species earns its spot among the best houseplants for beginners due to its uncomplicated care routine. Its distinctive pancake-shaped leaves create a charming visual appeal, making it an instant conversation starter. Thriving in bright, indirect light, the Pilea effortlessly infuses indoor spaces with a unique touch of greenery, requiring minimal attention from plant enthusiasts.

Beyond its eye-catching appearance, this plant’s easy-going nature allows beginners to relish its beauty without worrying about intricate care. Its rapid growth and propensity to produce small offshoots, known as “pups,” also offer a chance for enthusiasts to propagate and share the joy of nurturing this distinctive plant with friends and family.

Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) 

With its iconic Swiss cheese-like leaves, the Monstera remains a sought-after choice among the best houseplants for beginners. Its distinct foliage instantly brings a tropical vibe to any space, requiring moderate light and intermittent watering. Beyond its striking appearance, the evolving leaf fenestrations add an intriguing dimension, captivating both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Its vigorous growth and manageable care routine make it an enchanting addition for beginners embracing indoor gardening.

Hoya (Hoya carnosa)

Hoya Known as the Wax Plant, Hoya embodies effortless elegance among beginner-friendly houseplants. Flourishing in bright, indirect light with minimal watering needs, its charming, waxy foliage creates an enchanting display. Beyond its captivating appearance, Hoya surprises with clusters of star-shaped flowers emitting a delightful fragrance, offering a sensory delight for plant enthusiasts. Its easy care, cascading growth, and occasional fragrant blooms make it a delightful addition, providing both beauty and simplicity for beginners exploring indoor gardening.

Tradescantia (Tradescantia zebrina) 

With its eye-catching purple and green leaves, the Tradescantia is a resilient trailing plant that adapts effortlessly to various light conditions. Its hardy nature allows it to thrive in diverse environments, making it an ideal choice among the best houseplants for beginners. This plant’s ability to withstand fluctuations in light and adapt to different spaces demonstrates its adaptability, ensuring a hassle-free experience for newcomers nurturing indoor plants.

The Tradescantia’s charming foliage not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also serves as a testament to its enduring nature. Its capacity to flourish with minimal fuss and adjust to varying light intensities makes it an excellent companion for beginners venturing into the realm of indoor gardening, offering a touch of natural beauty and resilience to their spaces.