Low-Maintenance Houseplants for Beginners

This COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a curveball in our lives and is creating a new normal. We’re now all tasked to be more careful, to wash our hands more often, and not to touch our faces. It’s also recommended that we stay indoors if leaving our homes isn’t necessary, which isn’t easy or fun. Staying home all the time, even if it is to stay safe and healthy, can get pretty boring. So what better way to spend our time indoors than to start doing something new. Of course, you can start a new hobby, like working out, cooking, knitting, learning a new language, or playing an instrument. But what about taking care of plants? It's easy to buy houseplants online, and taking care of plants is not as hard as it seems either. As long as you pick the right plant for you, you’re good to go. Besides, having indoor plants has a lot of benefits. It helps clean the air in your home, reduces toxins, and produces oxygen.

Sounds perfect for a time with a virus.

They’ve also been known to reduce stress and increase productivity, which seems helpful, considering a lot of us are working from home these days. Plus, they’re adorable and can add beauty and color to a home. It’s something exciting and new that we can add to our new normal.

Here are seven indoor plant suggestions. These best plants for beginners are low maintenance and perfect for new plant owners.

Snake plant

A highly recommended plant for improving air quality, the Snake Plant, depending on the variety, can grow from 6 inches to up to 12 ft. tall.

They’re adaptable when it comes to light so they can handle anywhere from indirect sunlight and low light conditions to full sunlight.

This plant also doesn’t need a lot of watering, especially during the wintertime. It’s recommended to wait until the soil is dry to the touch before watering it again.

Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Pothos, or Devil’s Ivy, is one of the easiest plants to keep alive.

Like the Snake Plant, they’re flexible when it comes to lighting conditions and prefers indirect sunlight or low light conditions. It’s also easy to tell when Pothos is getting too much light because their leaves get pale.

You also won’t have to worry about overwatering this plant, as it prefers to dry out in between watering times. Check out this POTHOS CARE GUIDE if you have any other questions in regards to keeping this plant healthy.

Spider Plant

Spider Plants, known to be safe for children and pets, also have the reputation of being an impossible plant to kill.

The key is not to overwater them. Let the soil dry, keep them moist, especially for the summer, before watering again.

With regard to lighting, an indirect one is best.

Philodendron

Philodendron is one of the most popular indoor plants. They’re stunning with their glossy, kind of heart-shaped leaves, and they’re one of the easiest plants to take care of.

They thrive with indirect bright light and a weekly watering schedule.

One thing to watch out for, though, with this plant is that it can be harmful to pets and humans when ingested.

Peace Lily

Peace Lilies can brighten up your home with their dark green leaves and flower-like white leaf bracts that kind of curl around the actual flowers.

If you think you’re one to forget watering plants, this is an excellent plant for you, as they do better being under-watered. As long as the soil feels damp, there’s no need to water them.

This plant also does well with low light. Although, if you want those white leaf bracts and flowers to grow, bright, indirect light is recommended.

Rubber Plant

An indoor plant that absorbs chemicals in the air and makes them harmless, as well as absorbs mold spores and bacteria, the Rubber Plant is recommended for a first plant.

They grow well in medium to bright, but indirect sunlight. However, if you place them indirect light, they’re able to tolerate it.

Watering it every one to two weeks is enough, depending on the lighting provided, but it is recommended to be watered more frequently during warmer months. The key to watering is to check whether the soil is dry.

Watch out for the leaves, though. They’re toxic.

Succulents and Cacti

Succulents and cacti help with cleaning the air and increasing focus.

They grow well in medium to bright light, as long it’s not under direct sunlight.

During the spring and summer, as long as you water them weekly, they’re good. During the colder months, however, watering them even less is best.

These are perfect for homes or apartments with small spaces. You can just place them on a shelf or a table, and they won’t take up a lot of space.

Final Thoughts

If you're new to houseplants, succulents are an excellent option for low-maintenance greenery in your home. Unlike other plants and flowers, succulents will last for years with minimal care. Succulents can be decorated in many ways, such as gift-wrapping succulent birthday gifts and selecting succulents based on zodiac signs. Try adding succulents to your home for an easy way to brighten your living spaces. Happy planting!