Eight Beginner Houseplants That Are Easy to Keep Alive

I’m a huge plant lady, but not an expert! I just have lots of plants and many years of experience. Once of the most asked questions I get is where to start. If you are wanting to become a plant lady, but aren’t sure where to get started, this post is for you! Over many years of taking care of many types of indoor plants, these are the eight beginner houseplants that are easy to keep alive. I have multiple of these plants all over our home because they are easy to care for and maintain, even if you are new to the plant game!

Beginner Houseplants

As I said before, I’m not an expert or a horticulturalist, just a plant hobbyist. These are my findings after having taken care of houseplants for many years. I find that I don’t often as much as others do. Some homes get better light than others. You have to find what works for you and your plants in your environment! Most plants come with grow instructions when you purchase them and there is extensive knowledge to be found. These are just my recommendations if you are wanting to get started.

1. Snake Plant

This plant is easy to find, easy to take care of, and they are perfect for tight spaces because they grow up and narrow. These can handle all types of light, even very low light, but will grow best with medium/bright light. Don’t overwater! These like to dry out between waterings. I have found that snake plants like to keep their space tight, so only size up one size if you repot. Snake plants can be propagated by sticking a stalk in water, but it takes a lot of patience! When the stalks start to droop, I cut them off at the base. I have even had one of my snake plants bloom!

2. ZZ Plant

Much like the snake plant, the ZZ Plant grows fairly upright. And they also can handle many different types of light. You will see growth, as with any plant, with indirect sunlight. ZZ Plants are very forgiving and easy to maintain. I love the whimsy of a ZZ plant. I water every 2-3 weeks. There is also a raven ZZ plant, which starts out green and turns black, which look really cool! ZZ Plants can be propagated, but also need a lot of patience!

3. Monstera

Monsteras might be my favorite houseplant ever! They are tropical, but do well inside and prefer bright, indirect light. Because they can grow large and a little unruly, so I have to use uprights and plant string to secure them when this happens. One of my favorite things about a monstera plant is that they make for great cut stems to throw in vases. Simply cut a stem at the base and stick in water for instant drama! Monsteras also root really well and fairly quickly so you can create many plants from one plant! Monsteras produce aerial roots that can get really long. I recently chopped the aerial roots on my for a cleaner look. So far, so good!

4. Rubber Plant

I think I love this plant because of it’s unique color. So many houseplants are green, and this darker color provides a different look and dimension when styling houseplants. Because I always end up with so many plants, I like to combine smaller plants into one large one for a more dramatic look. That is what I did with the one below. Bright, indirect light always seem to be best for plants if you want to see new growth. It’s on the same watering schedule as the other plant, about every 2-3 weeks. You can propagate a rubber plant too! These can also get tall and might need to be tied up with an upright!

5. Bird of Paradise

I debated putting this one on the list because I have had to throw some of these out over the years. However, if in the right conditions, they can grow huge with little maintenance! Also a tropical plant, they like bright indirect light. To own these plants is to know that the leaves will not look perfect. Because of the size and weight, they can break on the ends. It’s part of the look. These do well outside in planters as well. Unless you live in a tropical climate, these will not produce those beautiful bird-looking flowers, but the dramatic size and leaves are unmatched! You can see in the photo the tall spike in the middle. This is a new leaf just starting out. It will eventually unravel over time. Such a cool plant!

6. Umbrella Plant

This might be the plant I have the most of because they are so easy to propagate (and quickly)! I purchased one large “mother plant” and I just keep cutting pieces off to propagate as it grows. Same water and light as all the others, easy to maintain. Basically water and sunlight and that’s it! I love the little umbrellas this plant produces. You can also cut a chunk off of an umbrella plant and use in a vase – this one has been in the guest bathroom for 9 months! It just keep growing roots and it’s in a dark bathroom. Very resilient!! I use these in regular pots and hanging pots.

Pothos

Also one of the easiest houseplants to keep alive. These are great because you can set in a pot or hang them from a hanging pot! They trail and the more you cut them back, the bigger and bushier they will grow! I have these everywhere. If you forget about it and it starts to look droopy, you can water it and watch it come back to life. Very resilient and forgiving. The one shown in the photo doesn’t have any drainage holes and it still keeps plugging away! Hard to hurt these guys and they are so pretty when they trail. Also, easy to propagate! They grow roots quickly.

8. Heartleaf Philodendron

This is on the list because of easy propagation and doesn’t need a ton of light to do well. Much like the pothos, this is trailing plant and the more you cut it back, the bushier it gets. The leaves look like hearts! One thing to be careful with – the stems are very thin and fragile. This plant is perfect for a hanging pot. I love the dark green hue of this plant.

Where to Purchase These Plants

I always get asked about where to purchase houseplants. For me, I buy them any and everywhere! Local nurseries and hardware stores and plant shops are everywhere! Think Walmart, IKEA, Costco, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. The good thing about these beginner plants is that they can be found at most run of the mill places. Plants also very in size and price depending on where you purchase them. Because these eight plants that I shared are “easy”, you can usually find them for a good price at most places!

If you would like, I have also rounded up some plants you can purchase online. I have only linked places where it would be easy to return if the plant shows up not looking great. These options have good reviews and it is definitely something to consider if you don’t want to do the shopping yourself!

Miscellaneous Plant Info

1. I usually water every 2-3 weeks, which is less often that most people I know. Find out what works for you! I always recommend Happy Happy Houseplant fertilizer for plants. It’s a game changer that I use every time I water, all year long.
2. Neem oil is also good to use on you plants for shine them up, clean them, and ward off any pests. I also use Happy Happy Houseplant Neem Oil.
3. Make sure you are dusting leaves, have drainage holes in your pots, you are not overwatering, and they have adequate light. Many of these plants will do well with lower light, they just won’t grow as fast! Plants like water and sun.

I hope this list of eight beginner houseplants that are easy to keep alive was helpful for your next shopping trip! Start samll, start with one or two. Plants are so fun to care for – relaxing and educational and you’re breathing your best air with lots of plants surrounding you! Happy planting! XO