30 Best Houseplants for Beginners

If you're looking to start a houseplant collection and haven't developed your green thumb yet, some plants are better than others. Houseplants for beginners are easy to grow and generally withstand erratic watering, uneven or bad light, and fluctuating temperatures. They thrive in dorm rooms, offices, and sometimes even dismal corners.

Here is a selection of the best beginner houseplants to help you get started.

Warning

Some houseplants listed below are toxic to humans or animals when ingested or through skin contact with sap, oil, or other plant parts.

The 22 Best, Easiest Houseplants to Grow in Any Home

01 of 30
Golden Pothos

The Spruce / Candace Madonna

There is a reason golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is one of the most popular hanging plants. As a houseplant, the plant grows vigorously in pots or trailing baskets with minimal care. It also will easily root in a simple glass of water. With good care, it develops large, mottled, mature leaves.
- Name: Golden pothos ((Epipremnum aureum)
- Light: Bright, direct to bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Size: 20–40 ft. long, 3–6 ft. wide
- Toxic: Toxic to dogs and cats
02 of 30
Spider Plant

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) grows easily in baskets or atop columns. The variegated variety is by far the most common of this plant with long, slender, arching leaves. Its plantlets, or offsets form an impressive hanging display. These plantlets are easily repotted to create new specimens. Spider plants are not picky about water, light, or temperature.
- Name: Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Size: 1–2 ft. tall and wide
- Toxic: No
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03 of 30
Snake Plant

The Spruce / Candace Madonna

Snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata) feature green on green bands on sword-like leaves. And they are exceptionally tough. They like plenty of light, but they tolerate lower light conditions too. And they are not too particular about watering, as long as it is not too much. They also thrive in an office environment. When repotting is necessary, the main clump can be easily divided.
- Name: Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Low
- Size: 2-5 ft. tall
- Toxic: Toxic to dogs and cats
04 of 30
Dragon Tree

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

Dragon trees (Dracaena marginata) are wonderfully easy plants that tolerate many conditions. These plants feature sword-like leaves with red edging that grow from a woody stem. Indoors, they grow much shorter than outside where they can reach 20 feet in height. Water when the top few inches of soil are dry.
- Name: Dragon tree (Dracaena marginata)
- Light: Bright direct to bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Low
- Size: 6 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide
- Toxic: Toxic to dogs and cats
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05 of 30
Moon Cactus

The Spruce / Alonda Baird

The moon cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii) needs only minimal watering, and it tolerates less light than many other cacti species. It also doesn’t need a lot of fertilization. Just make sure to plant it in a pot with drainage holes and fast-draining soil, and it should be happy. Water only when the soil has nearly dried out, as overwatering causes rot and other problems.
- Name: Moon cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Low
- Size: Depends on rootstock
- Toxic: No
06 of 30
Bromeliads

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae spp.) have gained an unfair reputation, probably because of the difficulty required to coax a bloom. To bloom, the plants need warmth and water, along with high humidity and filtered light. Many species have beautiful leaves that are attractive even without flowers. Bromeliads are usually watered by filling the central cup.
- Name: Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae spp.)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Size: Varies by genera and species
- Toxic: No
07 of 30
Lucky Bamboo

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is the perennial office plant. Untold pots of these thrive in awful conditions, such as sporadic watering with bad lighting and poor air quality. They make wonderful gift plants, and many people believe they bring good luck and enhance the chi, or energy, of their surroundings.
- Name: Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: High
- Size: 1–5 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
- Toxic: Toxic to dogs and cats
08 of 30
Fishbone Cactus

The Spruce / Cori Sears

The fishbone cactus (Disocactus anguliger) features unique angled and toothed stems—hence another one of its common names, the zig-zag cactus. This tropical species tolerates more humidity and less sun than typical desert cacti. Water when the top 2 inches of soil have dried out.
- Name: Fishbone cactus (Disocactus anguliger)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Low
- Size: 6 in. tall, 3 ft. long
- Toxic: No
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09 of 30
Aloe

The Spruce / Michael Marquand

As a succulent, aloe (Aloe vera) is quite tolerant of drought. So it won’t suffer if you forget to water it. And once you do water, its long, narrow, sword-like leaves should plump up again. It also doesn’t need much fertilization. Ensure that both its container and its soil drain well.
- Name: Aloe (Aloe vera)
- Light: Bright, direct to bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Low
- Size: 12-36 in. tall, 6-12 in. wide
- Toxic: Toxic to dogs and cats
10 of 30
Cast Iron Plant

The Spruce / Kara Riley

The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is as tough as, well, cast iron. It takes a lot of neglect, including low light and inconsistent watering, and still looks great. The plant features large, dark green, glossy leaves. Outdoors it does flower, but that’s not common indoors. Aim to keep it away from direct harsh sun, which burns the leaves.
- Name: Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Light: Bright, indirect light but tolerates low light
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Size: 2–3 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
- Toxic: No
11 of 30
Chinese Evergreen

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

The Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum) is grown for its attractive foliage. The leaves are large, glossy, and oval, and they come in a variety of colors. This plant isn’t overly picky about its soil conditions, though it should never sit in waterlogged soil. If you have a dark green foliage variety, you don’t need to give your plant much light. The variegated varieties should receive bright, indirect light.
- Name: Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)
- Light: Bright, direct to bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Size: 1–3 ft. tall and wide
- Toxic: Toxic to dogs and cats
12 of 30
Echeveria

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

Echeveria (Echeveria spp.) are popular succulents for good reason. They produce stunning rosettes with plump leaves that come in a variety of colors. These low-maintenance plants like lots of bright light, although direct afternoon sun burns the leaves. And they need well-draining soil. Water when the soil has mostly dried out.
- Name: Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)
- Light: Bright, direct to bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Low
- Size: 2-24 in. tall, 2-12 in. wide
- Toxic: No
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13 of 30
Holiday Cactus

The Spruce / Kara Riley

The holiday cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) is beloved for its bright blooms in the late fall and early winter. It is actually a rainforest plant, meaning it needs more water than desert cacti. Still, its needs aren’t excessive; water when the soil is dry about 2 inches down. It’s also not picky about its soil, as long as it has good drainage.
- Name: Holiday cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Size: 6–12 in. tall, 12–24 in. wide
- Toxic: No
14 of 30
Ox Tongue

The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak

Ox tongue (Gasteria spp.) gets its common name due to its long leaves with a rough texture. The leaves are commonly green but come in different colors and patterns. This succulent likes bright light but protection from strong afternoon sun. Water when the soil has nearly dried out, and don’t let water accumulate in the leaves.
- Name: Ox tongue (Gasteria spp.)
- Light: Bright, direct light
- Water Needs: Low
- Size: 4-24 in. tall, 12 in. wide
- Toxic: No
15 of 30
Jade

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Jade (Crassula ovata) is a popular succulent and is said to bring good luck. It features deep green, oval leaves on woody stems. It’s a relatively hands-off plant. Make sure it has well-draining soil. Water more frequently in the spring and summer than the fall and winter, making sure the soil is never soggy.
- Name: Jade (Crassula ovata)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Low
- Size: 3–6 ft. tall, 2–3 ft. wide
- Toxic: Toxic to dogs and cats
16 of 30
Peace Lily

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum spp.) are tropical plants popular to grow indoors. They feature large, oval, dark green, glossy leaves and bloom with white or yellow flowers. The key to their care is moderation: They like relatively moist soil and filtered sunlight. Also, use a houseplant fertilizer during the growing season.
- Name: Peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
- Light: Filtered light
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Size: 1–4 ft. tall and wide
- Toxic: Toxic to humans and pets
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17 of 30
Donkey's Tail

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Donkey’s tail (Sedum morganianum), also known as burro’s tail, is a succulent that produces trailing stems of small, bright green, teardrop-shaped leaves. This plant tolerates some neglect, such as short periods of drought. It likes direct morning sunlight but should be shielded from harsh afternoon sun.
- Name: Donkey’s tail (Sedum morganianum)
- Light: Bright, direct light
- Water Needs: Low
- Size: 1–4 ft. long, 1–2 ft. wide
- Toxic: No
18 of 30
Prayer Plant

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

The prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) gets its name because its leaves remain flat during the day and fold to look like praying hands at night. This plant is grown for its decorative foliage, which also comes in a tricolored variety. Give your plant indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate moisture to thrive.
- Name: Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Size: 6–12 in. tall, 6–12 in. wide
- Toxic: No
19 of 30
English Ivy

kuppa_rock / Getty Images

English ivy (Hedera helix) does great in a hanging basket indoors, where its vines are allowed to trail over the sides. This plant doesn’t need much light, and it grows in a variety of soil types. Just make sure it’s never waterlogged. Repot it every year or two if it’s cramped.
- Name: English ivy (Hedera helix)
- Light: Bright, indirect to low light
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Size: 10 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide
- Toxic: Toxic to humans and pets
20 of 30
String of Buttons

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

String of buttons (Crassula perforata) is a relative of the jade plant. Also known as necklace vine, this succulent features tiny, gray-green leaves encircling a central stem. Good drainage and not overwatering are key for growing success.
- Name: String of buttons (Crassula perforata)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Low
- Size: 1-2 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
- Toxic: Toxic to dogs and cats
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21 of 30
Maidenhair Fern

The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak

Maidenhair ferns (Adiantum raddianum) have a delicate look thanks to their tiny, fan-shaped leaf segments that grow in clusters on wiry black stems. These ferns don’t grow very large, and they’re fairly hardy. Just make sure to keep them in a warm, humid environment, such as a bathroom. And keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Name: Maidenhair fern (Adiantum raddianum)
- Light: Bright, indirect or filtered light
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Size: 1–2 ft. tall and wide
- Toxic: No
22 of 30
ZZ Plant

The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) sports oval, deep green leaves that grow upward. The leaves are so glossy and uniform in color that they might be mistaken as fake. This low-maintenance plant also tolerates some drought. It adapts to many light conditions, except for harsh direct sunlight. Water the soil when it’s nearly dry.
- Name: ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Light: Bright, indirect to low light
- Water Needs: Low
- Size: 2-4 ft. tall and wide
- Toxic: Toxic to humans and pets
23 of 30
Philodendron

The Spruce / Alexandra Shytsman

Philodendron species (Philodendron spp.) tend to have large, glossy leaves. There are both vining and non-climbing types, and do well as houseplants. Keep them in a fairly warm and humid environment, and shield them from strong direct light. Water when the top inch or so of soil has dried out.
- Name: Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Size: 6-72 in. tall, 6-36 in. wide
- Toxic: Toxic to humans and pets
24 of 30
Monstera deliciosa

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Nicknamed the Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa), its large leaves develop holes (also called fenestrations) as the plant ages. This plant is quite easy to care for, though it needs a support structure, such as a moss pole in its container, as it grows. Maintain moist but not soggy soil.
- Name: Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Size: 3 -15 ft. tall, 3-8 ft. wide
- Toxic: Toxic to humans and pets
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25 of 30
Satin Pothos

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) is notable for its variegated foliage. Its heart-shaped, dark green leaves feature silvery splotches that almost make them shine. This vining plant looks great trailing over the side of a hanging basket. Water when the top 2 inches of soil has dried out.
- Name: Satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Size: 4-10 ft. long, 4 in. wide
- Toxic: Toxic to dogs and cats
26 of 30
Wax Begonia

The Spruce / Kara Riley

Wax begonias (Begonia semperflorens) are cheerful flowering plants grown indoors and outdoors. Their blooms typically come in pink, red, white, and bicolor. They are tropical plants, preferring a fairly warm and humid environment. Water when the top inch of soil dries out.
- Name: Wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Size: 6-12 in. tall and wide
- Toxic: Toxic to dogs and cats
27 of 30
Zebra Plant

The Spruce

Zebra plants (Haworthiopsis attenuata) are hardy little succulents that look like mini aloe plants. Place them by a window with bright light, but protect them from direct afternoon sun. And ensure that they have sharp soil drainage. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil have dried out, and prevent water from accumulating in the rosette.
- Name: Zebra plant (Haworthiopsis attenuata)
- Light: Bright, direct light
- Water Needs: Low
- Size: 3–5 in. tall and wide
- Toxic: No
28 of 30
Corn Plant

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

The corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) produces thick canes, or stems, from which long, narrow leaves grow—similar to corn stalks. As a houseplant, it doesn’t require much maintenance or take up much space, thanks to its narrow, vertical growth habit. Keep it in a warm, humid spot with filtered bright light, and maintain even soil moisture.
- Name: Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans)
- Light: Filtered bright light
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Size: 3-6 ft. tall and wide
- Toxic: Toxic to dogs and cats
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29 of 30
Polka Dot Plant

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Polka dot plants (Hypoestes phyllostachya) are grown for their interesting foliage. The most common variety features leaves with a pink base color and green speckles. Keep your plant in bright, indirect light from an east- or south-facing window for optimal foliage coloring. Water when the top 2 inches of soil have dried out.
- Name: Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Size: 1-2 ft. tall and wide
- Toxic: No
30 of 30
Aeonium

The Spruce / Kara Riley

Aeonium (Aeonium spp.) species are succulents with glossy or waxy leaves that form rosettes. They come in an array of colors and sizes, from low-growing types just a few inches tall to others reaching several feet in height. Use a container and soil with good drainage. Water when the top 2 inches of soil have dried out, and reduce watering over the winter.
- Name: Aeonium (Aeonium spp.)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water Needs: Low
- Size: 3–36 in. tall, 6-12 in. wide
- Toxic: No

FAQ

What is the easiest houseplant to have?

The easiest houseplants to grow generally aren’t too picky about their environment and bounce back from some neglect. How easy a plant is also depends on your home’s conditions. For example, if you live in a dry climate, you might fare better with plants that need low humidity and moisture.
How many houseplants should I start with?

If you’re a beginner with houseplants, start caring for a few with similar growing needs. That way, their care is easy to integrate into your routine without worrying about individualized care.
What is the most hardy houseplant?

Hardy houseplants can handle a range of growing conditions where many plants would die, as well as some neglect in their care. The cast iron plant is a prime example, as it can thrive even in low light and with inconsistent watering.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Plants Toxic to Cats. ASPCA.
Plants Toxic to Dogs. ASPCA.
Common Poisonous Houseplant Species in Florida. University of Florida Extension.
Hedera helix. North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia. North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
Philodendron. North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.