There are so many perks to filling your home with plants. Not only does all that greenery instantly brighten up your space, but it can also help clean the air, improve your mood, and reduce stress. Just think about it: The second you walk into a greenhouse, being surrounded by all those plants makes you feel at ease. That can be your home, too.
Unfortunately, creating a lush, indoor garden is easier said than done. When you bring new plants home, they look happy, perfectly green, and thriving, but—depending on how finicky they are—it might be only a matter of weeks until you’re left dealing with a less-than-happy plant that looks like it’s on the verge of death.
Whether you’re a first-time plant owner, already know you don’t have a green thumb from past experience, or simply want options that are easy to take care of, these are the best picks for your home.
Good Houseplants for Beginners:
1. Snake Plant
Also called Mother-In-Law’s tongue, snake plants have leaves that grow nice and tall. They’re also one of the best plants for air purification, and they’re easy to care for. They do well in indirect light or low-light conditions and only need to be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.
2. Pothos
If you love the look of plants with long, trailing leaves, pothos—or Devil’s ivy—is for you. The houseplant grows like crazy, and its stems can get super long, allowing you to let them drape down from a cupboard or wrap them around decor on a shelf. The plant also removes potentially harmful chemicals from the air. It does best in bright, indirect light, and the soil should be dry before watering.
3. Aloe
It’s always great when a houseplant comes with an added bonus, and in this case, aloe might win. Its leaves contain aloe gel—the same stuff you buy in stores to spread on your skin after a sunburn. All it needs to thrive is plenty of sunlight. It also does best when you keep the soil dry between waterings.
4. Dracaena
If you want a bigger floor plant that will bring even more green to your space, try the dracaena plant. There are many different varieties to choose from, all of which make a statement. It likes bright, indirect sunlight, and you should partially dry out the soil between waterings, which will have you watering it about once a week.
5. Jade
With very simple care requirements, jade plants will thrive in your home. Basically, they just need to be put in bright, full sunlight. When it comes to watering, you’ll only need to do so about once every 2 to 3 weeks when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil dries out.
