Even those without a green thumb can appreciate the beauty of houseplants – if you're one of those people, this post is for you! We've compiled information on 51 low-maintenance plants ranging from tiny succulents all the way to small trees, something for every skill level. This outdoorsy touch is a great way to boost mood, add color to your interior, and build up gardening skill. Many people even enjoy keeping houseplants to purify the air, but it's important to consider some important caveats to that NASA study everyone keeps mentioning – with that in mind, this list focuses on attractive aesthetics and easy maintenance only. Enjoy the search!
Chinese Money Plant
Pilea peperomioides, commonly known as the Chinese money plant, has such a distinctive look with its round coin-like leaves and straight stems – they look gorgeous in short pots like the one pictured. These hardy plants grow quickly with a once-a-week watering (depending on the temperature in your home) and will happily thrive in bright spaces but don't require direct sunlight.
Oxalis
Oxalis triangularis, or false shamrock, is a houseplant native to Brazil, known for its bold and vibrant coloration that can range from violet to crimson. The included link is for the bulbs only but should sprout within a week and may even bloom into lavender flowers within 10 weeks. These look great in a light colored pot. Oxalis requires multiple hours of direct sunlight each day so they're perfect for a sunny spot in the garden too! Like many houseplants, this one is isn't good for pets to nibble on, so always exercise caution when choosing placement for display.
Croton
Croton is a plant with countless leaf patterns and colors to choose from. The beautiful croton "Petra" features variegated leaves that shift from deep emerald green to bright oranges and yellows, sure to capture attention. Crotons get a reputation for being high maintenance but these plants will thrive if two important needs are met – they need to be watered frequently, and they require all the sun you can give them. Give your croton a grow light if you cannot provide multiple hours of direct sunlight every day.
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia grow tall and substantial to make a brilliant impression in any room. They're easy to care for, preferring bright indirect light and small amounts of plant food.
Snake Plant
What most people know as the snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue, but officially known as Sansevieria Laurentii, is an exceptionally hardy and distinctive plant with high-contrast banding that is impossible to ignore. These plants grow rather tall and make a great statement piece for low tables. Snake plants are tolerant of low light and irregular watering, considered nearly indestructible by many.
Fragrant Gardenia
Growing a gardenia indoors can be a little tricky, but the payoff is tremendous! These plants require plenty of bright light throughout the winter, but need to be protected from scorching under direct sunlight in the summer. Regular fertilization and misting will make them even happier. Your efforts just may be rewarded with fragrant white blossoms that make all that care and attention totally worthwhile.
String Of Pearls
What a unique houseplant! Guests are sure to comment on the grace of your beautiful Senecio rowleyanus as its delicate tendrils of round beads overflow its planter. These are great for hanging or draping over a pedestal, preferably in a location just out of the reach of direct sunlight. Plant in loose cactus soil and be careful to avoid overwatering for best results.
Ponytail Palm
Beaucarnea recurvata can grow to around 6 feet tall indoors – but don't worry, this species is slow-growing and will give you plenty of time to figure out the logistics of having such a large houseplant. They're sensitive to overwatering and can survive a little bit of neglect, especially because their large bulbous stem stores water for times of drought. Your ponytail palm might even decide to send up "pups" that you can choose to propagate, or allow them to grow into a secondary stem to give your plant a bolder look.
Inch Plant
Tradescantia zebrina is a plant that you might know by a number of other names including inch plant, zebra plant, or just zebrina. But no matter what you call it, this plant is beloved for its vibrant variegated leaves that alternate between green and purple. They thrive in bright indirect light and need infrequent watering, but they do appreciate higher humidity so give your plant an occasional spritz to keep it happy. Fast growth requires enough fertilization to keep up.
Parlor Palm
Chamaedorea elegans is known for being one of the most beginner-friendly palm houseplants available. They do best in bright indirect sunlight with well-drained soil but they're quite adaptable and can tolerate lower light conditions as needed. These plants are slow-growing but will eventually provide the perfect opportunity to show off your larger planters. There is no need to prune these low-maintenance beauties.
Dieffenbachia
Looking for a stunning fast-growing plant for a home without pets and children? Dieffenbachia will quickly grow to steal the show if provided with partial sunlight and well-drained soil. Unfortunately, this easygoing plant is highly toxic to dogs and cats – and humans too. If you have a safe place to grow this plant, you will be rewarded with large leaves in a variety of green and cream hues.
Tillandsia
Succulents from the Tillandsia family are some of the easiest to care for – outside of an occasional misting, they'll take all the water they need right from the humidity in the air. Another benefit is the lack of root system, making it easy to create fascinating arrangements like the cool sea urchin shell planters above. Pictured are Tillandsia oaxacana, one of the most common and easy to care for species of Tillandsia.
Donkey Tail Plant
Sedum morganianum is a wonderfully unique flowering succulent that lends itself to unique planters like the ones featured above. These plants enjoy bright direct light but not extreme heat, and require regular watering in warm weather but too much watering can hurt it during its dormant winter stage. Are you curious to learn more about growing and caring for succulents like these? Succulents Simplified is a book that covers 100 low-maintenance varieties, including the donkey tail plant.
Silver Pothos
The famously easy-care pothos is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns – great for anyone who wants to diversify their plant collection without straying too far from the lower maintenance options. Scindapsus pictus "Argyraeus" features a soft satiny sheen accented with a dappled silver pattern that covers each leaf. This plant thrives on neglect and will produce long trailing vines even if you tend to skip a watering day every now and then.
Grafted Ficus Bonsai
Are you looking for a small desk plant sure to spark conversation? Ficus microcarpa "Ginseng" definitely has a very distinctive look to it. These plants are extremely forgiving, easily tolerating conditions ranging from low to bright light (but not direct sunlight) and can live through irregular watering for the most part. They are a wonderful addition to any office environment.
Money Tree
A properly-placed money tree is said to bring good fortune and prosperity, making it a popular wedding or housewarming gift. This attractive houseplant features showy leaves that branch out in an umbrella pattern and the woody trunks are often braided for a decorative effect. The thick stems store water so you won't have to worry about forgetting a watering day or two. These plants grow fast but can be kept to a modest size through careful pruning.
Alocasia Polly
Shapely edges and high-contrast veining make the Alocasia Polly an especially striking plant that provides big visual payoff with proper care. It prefers to have dappled or indirect light, but lots of it. Too much light can give the leaves sunburn or cause them to become paler. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Keep in mind that this plant may drop its leaves if it becomes too cold in the winter. But don't throw it away! It will snap out of this dormancy state when springtime comes around. You can prevent dormancy by keeping your home warm and by supplementing lighting with a grow light.
Trailing Jade
The pleasant Peperomia rotundifolia is a trailing houseplant that grows best with bright indirect lighting and well-drained soil. It doesn't like to be overwatered and prefers for the soil to dry out completely between waterings. For the best decorative pop, place your Peperomia rotundifolia on a shelf where its vines can dangle or trail them across a windowsill.
Aloe Vera
Besides being a popular ingredient in skincare products, Aloe plants are also extremely easy for even the most novice green thumb to keep alive. Plant these hardy ornamentals in cactus soil and place in a bright area for best results. They also make great gifts for friends who have trouble with other plants! They look great in just about any type of container and within any type of interior. They're just that flexible.
Watermelon Peperomia
This peperomia features an apt name, with its gorgeous light and dark green stripes reminiscent of a ripe watermelon. Peperomia argyreia features round flat leaves that grow in a compact format for a dense and healthy appearance. Choose a setting with bright to medium light levels and never skip watering – this plant loves moisture and would benefit from a soil mixture rich in peat moss and perlite.
Red Aglaonema
Aglaonemas, also known as Chinese evergreens, are beloved for the diversity of their foliage patterns. The dramatic Red Zircon variety begins its life with pale pink leaves when young and eventually matures into the vibrant red leaves pictured above. These are a slow-growing houseplant that will thrive under a variety of lighting and wetness conditions, ideal for plant parents who might be a little inconsistent with care.
Pothos Plant
Epipremnum aureum is an overwhelmingly popular houseplant for good reason. Supposedly, its other nickname of "devil's ivy" comes from its hardiness and the perception that it is nearly impossible to kill. The vines can grow almost impossibly long, making them a great choice for suspension from tall ceilings. Consider this plant if you need something for low or indirect light conditions. Water when dry.
Heartleaf Philodendron
Here's another houseplant beloved for its true hardiness. Philodendron hederaceum works well as a hanging plant or you can add a trellis and enjoy its potential as a climber. Avoid full sun and keep soil very lightly moistened to see it thrive. Once your plant starts getting unwieldy, you can propagate cuttings to give as gifts to friends.
Yucca Tree
Yucca is an easy and interesting plant to grow at home. The stocky trees prefer a little bit of neglect, performing better when underwatered than overwatered. As a desert native, these plants can tolerate large swings in interior temperature and prefer homes that are not too humid. Pruning is not for the fainthearted – instead of simply trimming back the leaves, a yucca needs to be sawed at the trunk to stimulate new growth. These plants grow slowly but can become massive if given enough years to thrive.
Calathea Elgergrass
This exciting Calathea features two-tone leaves that are green on the top and purple on the bottom, a quality emphasized by sleep cycle that raises and lowers the plant's foliage each day. Regular watering and high humidity will make this plant the happiest. Like other calatheas, this plant is considered an air-purifying powerhouse and can help remove impurities from the air that surrounds.
Chinese Water Bamboo
Dracaena sanderiana grow without the need for soil – simply place in water like a cut flower would be. You can even add your favorite river rocks or decorative shells to match your decor! The bundled arrangement pictured above ensures they grow strong and tall. Just make sure to replace the water every few weeks but avoid treated tap water if possible. Or, you can transfer to a well-draining potting soil mix for a more traditional houseplant experience.
Pine Kokedama
Kokedama is a ball of soil covered with moss, which takes the place of a traditional planter or pot when growing a houseplant. This unique plant composition is especially eye-catching and great for artistic placements throughout the home. Kokedama can be displayed on a decorative tray or hung from the ceiling – they work best with plants that require a shady placement to keep the moss from burning. Place the moss ball in a bowl of water whenever it begins to feel light and dry.
Dragon Tree
When it comes to tree-like houseplants, it's hard to find low-maintenance options, but Dracaena marginata is the exception to the rule. You can often wait until the soil is dry to water it, so it's great for offices and far-off corners of the house that might not get much attention from caregivers. Bright indirect light and constant temperature will help this plant grow its strongest. Be prepared with several sizes of planters to accommodate its fast-growing root system.
Peace Lily
Sometimes flowering plants prove the most challenging to keep healthy, but certain lilies in the Spathiphyllum genus (the peace lily family) are on the more easygoing side. Peace lilies are forgiving plants but seem to do best in indirect sunlight with access to shade. Wait to water the plant until you notice a bit of drooping in the leaves for best results. These plants need reliable drainage. Consider planting in a simple pot to let the beautiful flowers take center stage. Please, keep in mind that peace lilies are toxic to dogs and lethal to cats. It's best to avoid these plants altogether if you have pets in the home.
Swiss Cheese Plant
The scientific name Monstera deliciosa refers, in part, to the edible pineapple-like fruit this rainforest plant can provide – just make sure to read about how to ripen the fruits properly to avoid irritation upon consuming. These stunning large-leafed plants make a great statement piece and add warm, tropical appeal to any interior.
Pineapple Plant
Did you know that you can grow a real pineapple plant indoors? These bromeliads produce beautiful spiky foliage and, if you provide the plant with enough sunlight and enough years to mature, it just might reward you with an edible fruit. Plus, this houseplant is sure to become a real conversation starter among visitors.
Cabbage Palm
Also known as the ti plant or good luck plant, Cordyline fruticosa is a tropical plant that comes in a variety of vibrant colorways including the beautiful "Tango" specimen pictured here. High light and humidity suit this plant the best – you will notice the leaves shifting in color from red to green if the light levels get too low.
Cast Iron Plant
The name says everything you need to know about the ultra-tough cast iron plant. Aspidistra elatior tolerates low light conditions for those tricky indoor placements and can thrive throughout periods of drought. They're slow growing but long-lived, able to thrive for decades with proper care. Your new cast iron plant just might become a family heirloom! And because it's considered nontoxic, it's a safe selection for homes with pets.
Zebra Haworthia
Haworthia are small succulents with big personality. These slow-growing plants feature thick green leaves with textural white details in speckles and stripes. Tuck these succulents anywhere that is warm and enjoys bright light, and make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot. You'll notice your Haworthia isn't getting enough light if the leaves start to fade.
Prayer Plant
Just look at that amazing color! Maranta leuconeura plants are certainly a work of art. The red veins make them an effective accent for interiors that need a little color. The leaves actually raise and contract based on the day-night cycle, quite interesting to watch as the day progresses. This folding effect is how it gained the common name of "prayer plant". Like many low-maintenance plants, these simply need indirect light and even moisture.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Ficus lyrata, or the Fiddle Leaf Fig, is a hardy tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall in its native tropical rainforest environment, but makes a lovely indoor tree for home decorating purposes. Be prepared to upgrade the size of the planter if you want your Ficus to grow nice and tall, which they are happy to do! This plant does best in bright indirect light and water once the top of the soil is dry and the leaves soften.
Areca Palm
Dypsis lutescens, commonly known as golden cane palm or areca palm, makes a lovely focal point with its height and playful fronds. These plants enjoy indirect sunlight or partial shade, preferably in a well-drained planter filled with loamy soil. If you tend to overwater plants, this species will prove rather forgiving. Keep the soil moist but avoid muddiness. A little nibbling won't hurt cats or dogs so pet owners can rest easily with this one.
Rattlesnake Calathea
The pet-friendly rattlesnake calathea is known for its bright high-contrast coloration and its unique wavy leaves. These belong to a type of plants called "prayer plants", which raise and lower their leaves according to the time of day. They can tolerate lower light settings but thrive in brighter settings, and they prefer a little extra humidity provided by an occasional misting.
String of Hearts
Ceropegia woodii is a trailing succulent that grows long, slender vines adorned with adorable heart-shaped leaves. The plant linked here features light purple and sage green coloration that pops with pleasant contrast, although all-green types are also available for a brighter look. It can be used alone or placed in a pot with other succulents that have similar requirements. Place on a high sunny shelf and watch as your string of hearts transforms into a waterfall of foliage.
Rubber Plant
Rubber plants love bright indirect sunlight, moist soil, and high humidity. The waxy leaves really catch the light for a beautiful presentation. These trees – also known by their proper name of Ficus elastica – tend to grow quite tall unless pruned so they're a great candidate for beautiful spacious planters.
Jade Plant
Jade plants (Crassula ovata) are an especially interesting succulent due to its unique bush-like structure that makes it suitable to trim as a bonsai. And under the right conditions, you might even see pink flower blossoms! These plants might develop red or yellowish tint with too much sunlight, but they require very little water in the summertime and even less in winter.
Calathea Orbifolia
Smooth streaks of white stand out against the vivid green leaves of the Calathea orbifolia, like a living painting. These plants are a little tricky to care for compared to some of the others on the list, but the key is to stay calm and make adjustments slowly. Moist soil, good drainage, and low but reliable lighting conditions are a great place to start.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are one of the most popular houseplants to grow and they definitely rank among the easiest to care for. Chlorophytum comosum cast many slender arching leaves that can be solid green or striped with white. If you provide this plant with the partial sunlight and the well-drained soil it craves, it will start sending out long-stemmed flowers that eventually grow into baby spider plants that you can snip off and repot to multiply your plant collection.
Spotted Begonia
Begonia maculata is a true show-stopper! This popular houseplant features leaves that are dark green on one side and deep orange on the other side. Bright spots adorn the top of the leaves. With enough sunlight, your begonia might even bloom into fragrant flowers. Tropical conditions will let this plant flourish, so be prepared to provide warm temperatures and a touch of humidity. But keep it away from your pets! This plant is toxic to dogs and cats.
Giant White Bird Of Paradise
Now this is a statement piece! Strelitzia nicolai, or the giant white bird of paradise, grows up to 20 feet tall in ideal conditions and certainly tall enough to make an impression in any interior or atrium. While many plants are sensitive to full sun, this plant welcomes it. Keep the soil moist and remember to fertilize monthly to get the best results.
Anthurium
This cultivar of anthurium is especially popular for its persistent, constant blooms and eye-catching waxy red flowers. Guests won't believe it's real! Avoid direct sunlight and allow the soil to dry slightly between each watering.
Hawaiian Umbrella Tree
This versatile and attractive tree is officially known as Schefflera arboricola. Let your umbrella tree grow naturally or trim it into a distinctive shape. Let it grow tall, or restrict to a small pot as a desk decoration. These plants stand up wonderfully to a variety of lighting conditions and watering routines.
Ivy (Hedera)
Ivy looks wonderful in a variety of planter types, from pedestals to hanging planters and even large concrete bowls and other decorative pieces. It's hard to go wrong when dressing up a plant that has such spectacularly colorful leaves!
Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata is a topical fern that just bursts with energy and volume. These Boston ferns prefer damp high-nutrient soil and bright filtered light. They look spectacular as a hanging plant, on a pedestal, or even on an ordinary side table. It's hard to go wrong with a fern as gorgeous and hardy as this one.
Asparagus Fern
Feathery fern-like tendrils make the Asparagus setaceus look lighter than a cloud. They're a popular indoor plant due to their low-maintenance needs (preferring bright indirect light and watering when dry), but the dried fronds are popular in flower arrangements as well.
Corn Plant
Dracaena fragrans is a tropical evergreen tree that gets its common name from its spiky leaves that resemble stalks of corn. But unlike the crop, these plants are toxic to both cats and dogs and should be kept away from both. Stimulate new leaf growth by pruning the canes – this will be needed periodically as older leaves age and turn yellow over time.
