Houseplants offer a variety of benefits: they purify the air, boost your mood, and elevate the overall aesthetic of any room.

Over the past four years, I’ve slowly grown my indoor collection to nearly one hundred plants, and let me tell you—it has transformed my home! The lush greenery adds a sense of calm, and caring for them has become an incredibly rewarding hobby.

However, as much as I love my growing plant family, I also know that some houseplants can be a bit... high-maintenance. Here's a list of my favorite low-maintenance houseplants for those just starting their plant journey—or anyone looking to add more greenery without extra stress. These beauties are easy to care for and will thrive even if you’re a busy person or a first-time plant owner.

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1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos are a classic "easy-to-care-for" plant. They grow quickly in a variety of environments and are incredibly forgiving. You can grow them in potting soil or even place a cutting in water and watch it root.

Light: Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light but adapts well to low-light conditions. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves and damage the plant.
Moisture: Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Keep the soil slightly moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. The plant tolerates average indoor humidity but benefits from moderate to high humidity.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a standard indoor mix or a blend of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to avoid water accumulation. I prefer an aroid mix like this.

I grow mine as trailing vines, letting them cascade down the sides of their pots or using clips to guide them up the wall. I fertilize once biweekly throughout the year, though some people say it’s fine to do so less frequently in the winter, such as once or twice a month.

2. Monstera Adonsonii

Monstera Adonsonii is one of the most visually appealing plants. With its unique fenestrated (holey) leaves, it’s a showstopper! This plant is a beauty and very easy to care for.

Light: Monstera adansonii thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat under forest canopies. It can tolerate lower light levels but will grow slower and may develop smaller leaves. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate foliage.
Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. High humidity levels (60% or more) are ideal for lush growth; consider misting or using a humidifier in dry environments.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. A mix of peat-based soil with perlite or orchid bark works well, providing aeration and retaining enough moisture for healthy root development such as this.

Monstera Adonsonii is a vine perfect for trailing or training up a trellis or moss pole. Plus, it propagates easily, which means you can share with friends and family or expand your own collection quickly!

3. Philodendron Mican

If you’re looking for a charming vine with soft, velvety leaves, the Philodendron Mican is for you.

Light: Philodendron micans prefer bright, indirect light, which enhances their velvety, vibrant foliage. They can adapt to lower light conditions, but prolonged exposure to low light may cause slower growth and duller leaf colors. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
The leaves stay green in lower light but develop a lovely reddish-maroon hue when given brighter light.
Moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist, allowing the top inch to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Micans thrive in moderate to high humidity; keeping them in the bathroom or kitchen or placing them near a humidifier helps maintain healthy foliage in drier environments.
Soil: A well-draining, airy potting mix is ideal, such as one designed for aroids or a blend of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Though more finicky than Pothos and slower to grow roots, I have had great success with propagating cuttings in water!

4. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The Snake Plant is known for being incredibly tolerant, thriving in almost any condition.

Light: Snake plants are highly versatile and thrive in various light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect light. They perform best with moderate to bright indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight for short periods.
Moisture: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Snake plants are drought-tolerant and prefer infrequent watering; overwatering can lead to root rot. During winter, reduce watering frequency further as the plant enters dormancy.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, such as this one formulated for succulents or cacti, with sand or perlite to promote aeration and prevent water retention. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.

I have a Snake Plant in my windowless bathroom, and it has thrived under a simple LED light bulb, even producing several pups! Snake Plants are also known for their air-purifying qualities, making them perfect for any home.

5. Arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum)

Syngonium podophyllum, or the Arrowhead plant, is a fast-growing vine that looks best when attached to a pole or trellis. Without support, it will likely flop over, which does not look attractive for this plant in my opinion.

Light: Arrowhead plants (Syngonium podophyllum) thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light conditions. Variegated varieties maintain their vibrant patterns better in brighter light.
Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
Moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and reduce watering in the winter when growth slows.
These plants prefer high humidity, so misting or using a humidifier can help prevent leaf edges from browning in dry environments.
Soil: Use a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix, such as this one formulated for houseplants, with added perlite or peat moss to enhance aeration and moisture retention.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

I water mine when the soil is slightly moist but not WET. A self-watering pot keeps the moisture level consistent, allowing me to water once weekly.

6. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a succulent that thrives on neglect (well, not complete neglect, but you get the idea).

Light: Aloe plants thrive in bright, indirect light and can handle direct sunlight for several hours daily. However, prolonged harsh sunlight may cause the leaves to scorch.
A sunny windowsill or spot with plenty of natural light is ideal.
Moisture: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Aloe is drought-tolerant and should be watered sparingly, typically every 2-3 weeks, depending on the environment.
Overwatering can cause root rot, especially in winter when the plant's growth slows.
Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix designed for succulents or
cacti such as this one. A combination of potting soil, sand,
and perlite works well to prevent water retention.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes to avoid water accumulation.

Besides being an incredibly low-maintenance plant, Aloe Vera is also useful for skin care and treating burns, so it’s a great addition to any household.

7. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ Plant is another low-maintenance gem. This plant is perfect for beginners because it thrives in versatile conditions.

Light: ZZ plants thrive in low to bright, indirect light, highly adaptable to various lighting conditions. However, they grow best in medium to bright, indirect light.
Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.
Moisture: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. ZZ plants are drought-tolerant and should be watered sparingly; overwatering is a common cause of root rot.
Water approximately once every 2-3 weeks, adjusting based on the environment and season.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, such as this one
formulated for succulents or cacti. Adding sand or perlite
to standard potting soil can improve drainage.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

The ZZ plant’s waxy, deep green leaves make it a striking addition to any room. My personal favorite is the Raven ZZ, which has darker, black leaves that contrast beautifully with my other plants.

8. Philodendron Brasil

The Philodendron Brasil is a stunning vine with vibrant green and yellow variegated leaves. This plant is incredibly easygoing and will add a beautiful pop of color to your collection.

Care needs:

Light: Philodendron Brasil thrives in bright, indirect light, which enhances its vibrant, variegated green and yellow leaves. It can tolerate lower light levels but may lose its variegation and grow more slowly.
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain. Reduce watering frequency during winter and maintain moderate to high humidity for best results; misting or using a humidifier can help in drier environments.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix with a light, airy texture,
such as a blend of standard potting soil, perlite, and peat moss.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

It’s a trailing plant that will happily climb a trellis or pole if you provide one.

9. Monstera Deliciosa

Another visual stunner and easy houseplant is the Monstera Deliciosa. It adds dynamic to any room and is sure to please!

Light: Monstera deliciosa thrives in bright, indirect light, encouraging healthy growth and large, glossy leaves. It can tolerate lower light conditions, but its growth will slow, and the leaves may become smaller.
Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves.
Moisture: Water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Monstera deliciosa prefers to be slightly moist but should not be waterlogged.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Reduce watering in the winter when growth slows.
Soil: Use a well-draining, rich potting mix, such as one
formulated for houseplants or aroid plants, which includes
ingredients like peat moss, perlite, and bark to improve aeration.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes to avoid water retention and
prevent root rot.

Monsteras do best with support, such as a pole, to climb up. I’ve had success with propagating them in water as well!

10. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The Peace Lily is a classic indoor plant known for its elegant white blooms and air-purifying properties.

Light: Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. However, they may produce fewer flowers in lower light.
Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves and cause damage.
Moisture: Peace lilies like their soil to stay consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. They also appreciate higher humidity, so misting or placing the plant near a humidifier can help maintain healthy leaves.
Be cautious of overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Soil: Use a well-draining, rich potting mix that retains moisture while allowing for good airflow around the roots.
A standard indoor potting mix with added perlite or peat
moss works well.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes to avoid water accumulation
and root issues.

I’ve found that Peace Lilies grow beautifully in water, which is an alternative to growing them in soil.

11. Orchid (Phalaenopsis)

Last but not least is the elegant orchid. These stunning plants bring beautiful blooms into your home and are surprisingly low-maintenance, making them perfect for beginners.

Light: Orchids thrive in bright, indirect light, ideally near a window with filtered sunlight. They can tolerate some direct morning sunlight, but too much direct light can scorch their delicate leaves.
Insufficient light may lead to poor blooming and leggy growth.
Moisture: Orchids prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Water them thoroughly when the potting medium feels dry to the touch; typically, once a month is sufficient, but this can vary depending on humidity and temperature.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be cautious of water buildup in the pot.
Soil: Orchids do not grow in typical potting soil. Instead, they require a well-draining orchid mix, often made up of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. This ensures good airflow to the roots while retaining some moisture.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Here’s an important tip: Do not put ice cubes on your orchids! Seriously, this can harm the roots. Orchids are tropical plants that thrive in warm, humid environments. Using ice cubes, which can shock the roots, is not a good practice and may hinder their growth.

A helpful tip from a successful orchid grower is to water them on the first day of every month. My orchids started blooming when I implemented this method into their care. Though of course any date of the month will work for you as long as it’s only once a month!

I fertilize mine weekly with this orchid spray to encourage healthy growth.

Conclusion

Vining Houseplant trailing down floating shelves

With these easy-to-care-for plants, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident houseplant parent.

Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to add some hassle-free greenery to your space, these plants are perfect for every level of plant enthusiast.

Now dust off that empty spot on the shelf and put a new houseplant there!

Which houseplants are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below!

11 Low-Maintenance Houseplants: Perfect for Beginners