Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • Home & Garden
  • Style & Culture
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • These Haircuts Are Going To Be Huge in 2021

      The trendy haircuts you’ll be seeing everywhere next year. Read More Next
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More Next
    • The Right Way to Heat a Pre-Cooked Ham

      It's so easy, trust us. Read More Next
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food

    Lost Cakes of the South

    These simple and spectacular Southern cakes deserve a comeback
    • All Food
    • All Recipes
    • Holidays & Occasions
    • Quick Fix Suppers
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Casseroles
    • Healthy Recipes
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining

    70 Wedding Vow Examples That Will Melt Your Heart

    Fight writer's block and find ways to express your love with these romantic, funny, and short wedding vow examples.
    • Christmas
    • Entertaining
    • Thanksgiving
    • Southern Weddings
    • Easter
    • Kentucky Derby
    • Valentine's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Mother's Day
  • Home & Garden

    Home & Garden

    See All Home & Garden

    7 Paint Colors We’re Loving for Kitchen Cabinets in 2020

    ‘Tis the season to ditch your all-white palette in favor of something a little bolder and brighter.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Before & After
    • Inspired Communities
    • Curb Appeal
    • House Plans & Builders
    • The Grumpy Gardener
    • Plant Names A-Z
  • Style & Culture

    Style & Culture

    See All Style & Culture

    50 Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime

    Curl up with a classic!
    • Southern Culture
    • Hair
    • Travel
    • Beauty
    • Pets
    • Southern Fashion
    • Healthy Living
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Gardening Ideas
  3. Indoor Plants
  4. 20 Easy Houseplants Even Beginners Can’t Kill

20 Easy Houseplants Even Beginners Can’t Kill

By Kaitlyn Yarborough
January 19, 2019
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save FB Tweet
Credit: The Sill
Try as we might, the word “green thumb” won’t necessarily make it onto the resumé anytime soon. While an indoor plant can purify your air, bring life to your home décor, and make you feel like you’re being a productive member of the ecosystem, some of us just don’t have time for a high-maintenance houseplant, okay? For those who feel the same way—you’re always busy, you’re juggling more things than a circus clown, or you’re maybe just a little scatter-brained—we’ve come up with a list of the best indoor plants that’ll take the work out of plant parenting. (Unlike children, these can survive a few days without water or light, thank heavens.) Certain types of houseplants won’t wilt, droop, or shrivel up at the first sign of neglect, and we’ll side with that science any day. Here are the 20 best houseplants for those who want a plant, but don’t necessarily “speak” plant.
Start Slideshow

1 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

10 Easy Houseplants Even Beginners Can’t Kill

1 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Credit: Amazon

We consider this indoor plant the exotic cousin of the Ficus—which means it’s just the low-maintenance indoor plant to spice things up in your home.

Buy It: $30; amazon.com

2 of 21

3 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Aloe Vera

Credit: Amazon

We love how fresh and modern this indoor plant looks in any space. It’s best placed in a sunny spot, and make sure to keep watering scarce. Just once every two to three weeks.

Buy It: $25; amazon.com

3 of 21

Advertisement

4 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Split-Leaf Philodendron

Credit: ProFlowers

With its shiny and lush leaves, this indoor favorite is highly coveted in Southern homes everywhere. It feels a bit tropical, making it perfect for a summertime refresh.

Buy It: $50; proflowers.com

4 of 21

5 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

ZZ Plant

Credit: The Sill

Consider the glossy greatness of this plant. Its deep green leaves are super attractive and will still be alive if left under low light without much water for up to four months. In other words, even the most scatter-brained can safely tote it home.

Buy It: $11; thesill.com

5 of 21

6 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Succulent

Credit: Amazon

Practically made for your tabletop or windowsill, succulents don’t ask for much. Just somewhere to get their sunning on. Tip: Don’t over-water.

Buy It: $16; amazon.com

6 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Peace Lily

Credit: ProFlowers

It doesn’t get more classic than the Peace Lily. It’ll look cozy when nestled in a corner or tucked beside the sofa. Let it purify your air, while looking pretty in this diamond-weave basket.

Buy It: $50; proflowers.com

7 of 21

8 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Pothos Neon

Credit: The Sill

This variant comes with a wonderfully bright hue, and we’re thinking it’s just the thing our home needs come springtime. These ceramic pots make it cute enough to accent any surface.

Buy It: $40; thesill.com

8 of 21

9 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Rubber Plant

Credit: Amazon

Let’s take a walk on the dark side. This plant comes in a gloriously vampy hue, making it the perfect complement to a more formal or moody space. It does well with medium light and a weekly watering, which is very “middle child” of it.

Buy It: $50; amazon.com
Buy It: $16; thesill.com

9 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Yucca Cane

Credit: Amazon

Talk about a houseplant with a big personality. It loves being in lightly shaded areas, but from there it’s smooth sailing.

Buy It: $24; amazon.com

10 of 21

11 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Calathea Rattlesnake

Credit: The Sill

The cool factor of this plant is second to none. Not only does it feature long, wavy leaves, but those leaves also close at night, which is where this plant got its nickname: prayer plant.

Buy It: $19; thesill.com

11 of 21

12 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Anthurium

Credit: Etsy/@JacquelineHomeGarden

Give your desk a bright pop of color. This indoor plant grows best in bright, indirect light.

Buy It: $14; etsy.com

12 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Snake Plant

Credit: The Sill

Characterized by its upright sword-like leaves, the Snake Plant makes a great air purifying plant option for beginners. You only need to water it once about every two weeks, making it way easier to take care of than most.

Buy It: $16; thesill.com

13 of 21

14 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Guzmania Bromeliad

Credit: Amazon

This houseplant is bold and stylish, just like you. Its colorful, long-lasting blooms only make us more impressed that this plant takes very little upkeep. This ceramic potter will liven up your space.
Buy It: $38; amazon.com

14 of 21

15 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Philodendron Silver

Credit: The Sill

This little guy is so compact and cute we’re putting one on every shelf, windowsill, and tabletop. This plant only needs watering once a week and indirect sunlight.

Buy It: $35; thesill.com

15 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Bonsai Tree

Credit: Amazon

Bring balance and serenity to your space with this Japanese plant. You’ll want to prune it to keep its shape, and be weary of over-watering. From there, it’s all mindful care that’ll help center your soul. (Supposedly.)

Buy It: $16; amazon.com

16 of 21

17 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Chinese Money Plant

Credit: patnowa/Getty Images

You don’t see this houseplant quite as much as the common fern, but it’s easy to care for and grows with gumption. The round leaves lend a unique look to this pick.

Buy It: $14; amazon.com

17 of 21

18 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Spider Plant

Credit: Adkasai/Getty Images

This long, arched foliage is full of life, no? These houseplants are easy to grow and propagate, which makes it a longtime staple of beginner gardeners.

Buy It: $6; walmart.com

18 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Asparagus Fern

Credit: Garden Goods Direct

Indoor hanging basket, anyone? This bright green fern will hold its own and inject some much-needed life into any room. It doesn’t like to dry out too much between watering, so keep that in mind when taking care of this plant. (The needles will start falling out when too dry.)

Buy It: $10; gardengoodsdirect.com

19 of 21

20 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Chinese Evergreen

Credit: White Flower Farm

Compact but oh-so full and bushy, the Chinese Evergreen will give a lush feel to every space. Place your plant by an east-facing window to provide it the perfect balance of indirect light.

Buy It: $14; lowes.com

20 of 21

21 of 21

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Fittonia White

Credit: Airubon/Getty Images

This houseplant is so pretty it’s like Picasso could’ve painted the vein-like details. The design gives the indoor plant its nickname: the nerve plant. Let this one dry out a little between watering.

Buy It: $10; gardengoodsdirect.com

21 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Kaitlyn Yarborough

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 21 10 Easy Houseplants Even Beginners Can’t Kill
2 of 21 Fiddle Leaf Fig
3 of 21 Aloe Vera
4 of 21 Split-Leaf Philodendron
5 of 21 ZZ Plant
6 of 21 Succulent
7 of 21 Peace Lily
8 of 21 Pothos Neon
9 of 21 Rubber Plant
10 of 21 Yucca Cane
11 of 21 Calathea Rattlesnake
12 of 21 Anthurium
13 of 21 Snake Plant
14 of 21 Guzmania Bromeliad
15 of 21 Philodendron Silver
16 of 21 Bonsai Tree
17 of 21 Chinese Money Plant
18 of 21 Spider Plant
19 of 21 Asparagus Fern
20 of 21 Chinese Evergreen
21 of 21 Fittonia White

Share options

Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Login

Southern Living

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Books from Southern Living
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Southern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

View image

20 Easy Houseplants Even Beginners Can’t Kill
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.