20 Easy Houseplants Even Beginners Can’t Kill

By Kaitlyn Yarborough
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
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.

1 of 21

10 Easy Houseplants Even Beginners Can’t Kill

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 21

Fiddle Leaf Fig

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

3 of 21

Aloe Vera

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

Advertisement

4 of 21

Split-Leaf Philodendron

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

5 of 21

ZZ Plant

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

6 of 21

Succulent

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 21

Peace Lily

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

8 of 21

Pothos Neon

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

9 of 21

Rubber Plant

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 21

Yucca Cane

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

11 of 21

Calathea Rattlesnake

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

12 of 21

Anthurium

Etsy/@JacquelineHomeGarden

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

Buy It: $14; etsy.com

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 21

Snake Plant

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

14 of 21

Guzmania Bromeliad

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

15 of 21

Philodendron Silver

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 21

Bonsai Tree

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

17 of 21

Chinese Money Plant

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

18 of 21

Spider Plant

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 21

Asparagus Fern

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

20 of 21

Chinese Evergreen

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

21 of 21

Fittonia White

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Advertisement
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com