Why Indoor Plants Are Worth It
Before we get into specific plants, let me tell you why this is worth your time. Indoor plants are not just decoration. Research published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that interacting with indoor plants reduces both physiological and psychological stress. People who have plants in their workspace report higher productivity and better focus.
Plants also add humidity to dry indoor air, which helps with dry skin, scratchy throats, and static electricity in winter. Some plants can even help you sleep better. A study from NASA found that certain plants release oxygen at night, which is unusual since most plants only do this during the day.
15%
productivity boost with plants nearby
37%
reduction in tension and anxiety
58%
reduction in depression symptoms
The bottom line: indoor plants make you feel better, look good, and cost very little to maintain once you pick the right ones. Let us find yours.
15 Best Low Maintenance Indoor Plants for Beginners
Plant 1
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Light: Low to bright indirect.
Water: When top inch of soil is dry (every 7-14 days).
Why beginners love it: Pothos is basically unkillable. It grows fast, trails beautifully from shelves, and it literally tells you when it is thirsty by slightly drooping its leaves. Water it, and within hours it perks right back up. You can even grow it in just a jar of water with no soil at all. Comes in several varieties including golden, marble queen, and neon. This is the number one plant I recommend for absolute beginners.
Shop pothos on Amazon
Plant 2
Snake Plant (Sansevieria / Dracaena trifasciata)
Light: Low to bright indirect.
Water: Every 2-6 weeks (seriously).
Why beginners love it: Snake plants are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it plant. They thrive on neglect. Overwatering is the only real way to kill them. Their tall, architectural leaves look modern and stylish in any room. They also release oxygen at night, making them great bedroom plants. Perfect for people who travel frequently or just forget to water.
Shop snake plants on Amazon
Plant 3
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Light: Low to bright indirect.
Water: Every 2-3 weeks.
Why beginners love it: The ZZ plant has thick, waxy leaves that look almost fake because they are so shiny and perfect. It stores water in its thick rhizomes underground, which means it can survive weeks without water. It handles low light better than almost any other houseplant. If you have a dark apartment or office, this is your plant.
Shop ZZ plants on Amazon
Plant 4
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Light: Bright indirect (tolerates low).
Water: When top inch is dry (every 7-10 days).
Why beginners love it: Spider plants are forgiving, fast-growing, and produce adorable baby plants (called spiderettes) that dangle from the mother plant. You can clip the babies and put them in water to grow new plants for free. They are also completely non-toxic to pets, which is a big plus.
Shop spider plants on Amazon
Plant 5
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Light: Medium to bright indirect.
Water: When top 1-2 inches are dry (every 7-14 days).
Why beginners love it: Big, glossy, dark leaves that make a statement in any room. Grows slowly but can eventually get quite tall, making it a great floor plant. The burgundy variety has deep red-tinted leaves that look dramatic. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to keep them shiny and help the plant breathe.
Shop rubber plants on Amazon
Plant 6
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Light: Low to medium indirect.
Water: When it droops slightly (every 7-10 days).
Why beginners love it: Peace lilies are one of the few low-light plants that actually flower indoors. They produce elegant white blooms multiple times a year. Like pothos, they tell you when they are thirsty by drooping. Water them and they bounce back within hours. They also topped NASA's air-purifying plant list.
Shop peace lilies on Amazon
Plant 7
Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Light: Medium to bright indirect.
Water: When top 2 inches are dry (every 7-14 days).
Why beginners love it: The big, fenestrated (split) leaves of a monstera are instantly recognizable and look stunning in any space. Despite looking exotic, monsteras are surprisingly easy to care for. They grow fast and make a room feel tropical without much effort. Young plants will not have splits in their leaves yet. The splits develop as the plant matures and gets more light.
Shop monstera on Amazon
Plant 8
Aloe Vera
Light: Bright indirect to direct.
Water: Every 2-3 weeks.
Why beginners love it: Aloe vera is useful and beautiful. The gel inside the leaves soothes burns, cuts, and skin irritation. It is a succulent, so it stores water in its thick leaves and barely needs watering. Put it on a sunny windowsill and mostly leave it alone. It will even produce baby plants (pups) around its base that you can separate and pot up.
Shop aloe vera on Amazon
Plant 9
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Light: Low to medium indirect.
Water: When top inch is dry (every 7-14 days).
Why beginners love it: Chinese evergreens come in gorgeous varieties with silver, red, pink, and green patterned leaves. They handle low light and dry air well, making them perfect for offices and apartments. They are slow-growing and compact, so they do not outgrow their space quickly. One of the most forgiving plants you can buy.
Shop Chinese evergreens on Amazon
Plant 10
Philodendron (Heart-Leaf)
Light: Low to bright indirect.
Water: When top inch is dry (every 7-10 days).
Why beginners love it: Heart-shaped leaves on trailing vines that grow fast and look lovely cascading from a shelf or hanging planter. Very similar to pothos in ease of care but with a slightly different leaf shape. Incredibly forgiving of missed waterings. You can propagate new plants easily by cutting a vine and putting it in water.
Shop philodendrons on Amazon
Plant 11
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Light: Low to medium indirect. Water: Every 1-2 weeks. Why beginners love it: Named "cast iron" because it is nearly indestructible. It tolerates low light, low humidity, temperature swings, and inconsistent watering. This plant was a favorite during the Victorian era because it survived in dark, poorly heated homes. If you are convinced you kill everything, try a cast iron plant first.
Plant 12
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Light: Bright indirect to direct.
Water: Every 2-3 weeks.
Why beginners love it: A beautiful succulent with thick, glossy leaves that grows slowly into a miniature tree shape over the years. Jade plants can live for decades and are often passed down through families. They need very little water and actually prefer to dry out completely between waterings. Great windowsill plant.
Shop jade plants on Amazon
Plant 13
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Light: Medium indirect.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist (every 5-7 days).
Why beginners love it: Lush, full, and dramatic hanging plant that adds a lot of visual impact. Boston ferns are non-toxic to pets and great natural humidifiers. They do need a bit more watering than the other plants on this list, but they are very forgiving of other mistakes. Mist them occasionally or place them in a bathroom where they love the humidity.
Shop Boston ferns on Amazon
Plant 14
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Light: Bright indirect.
Water: Every 2-3 weeks.
Why beginners love it: Not actually a palm but a succulent. The bulbous trunk stores water, making it extremely drought-tolerant. The cascading leaves give it a fun, quirky look. Grows very slowly so it will not outgrow its spot anytime soon. Pet-safe and practically impossible to overwater because the trunk absorbs excess moisture.
Shop ponytail palms on Amazon
Plant 15
Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
Light: Low to bright indirect.
Water: Every 1-2 weeks.
Why beginners love it: Tall, tree-like plant with spiky leaves that looks like a mini palm tree. Dracaenas are extremely tolerant of low light and irregular watering. They grow slowly and can eventually reach 6 feet tall indoors, making them an impressive floor plant. Several varieties available including the dragon tree and corn plant.
Shop dracaenas on Amazon
Free Plant Care Tools
Track your plants, set watering reminders, and build your indoor garden with free digital tools.
Free Tools at spunk.codes →
Best Plants for Low Light Rooms
If your space does not get much natural light, you are not out of luck. These plants actually prefer lower light conditions. "Low light" means a room with a north-facing window or a spot several feet away from any window. The plant can read a newspaper but would not sunbathe.
- ZZ Plant — The absolute champion of low light. Thrives in offices with only fluorescent lighting.
- Snake Plant — Handles everything from near-darkness to bright sun.
- Pothos — Grows slower in low light but stays healthy. The leaves may be slightly smaller.
- Cast Iron Plant — Literally evolved for dark forest floors.
- Chinese Evergreen — The darker green varieties handle low light best.
- Peace Lily — Flowers less often in low light but the foliage stays beautiful.
A tip: no plant survives in complete darkness. Even "low light" plants need some light, even if it is just ambient room light from a lamp. If a room has zero natural light and you want plants, consider a grow light. Basic LED grow lights are inexpensive and can keep most plants happy.
How to Water Indoor Plants (Without Killing Them)
Overwatering kills more houseplants than anything else. It causes root rot, which is basically the roots drowning and dying because they cannot get oxygen. Here is how to water correctly.
The Finger Test
Stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle (about 1-2 inches). If it feels dry, water. If it feels moist, wait. That is it. This simple test works for 90% of houseplants and is more reliable than any fixed schedule because watering needs change with the seasons.
How to Actually Water
When you do water, water thoroughly. Pour water slowly and evenly over the entire soil surface until it runs out the drainage hole at the bottom. This ensures all the roots get moisture, not just the top layer. Let the pot drain completely and never leave it sitting in a saucer of water. Sitting in water leads to root rot.
Seasonal Adjustments
Plants use more water in spring and summer when they are actively growing. In fall and winter, growth slows down and they need less water. You might water every 7 days in July but only every 14-21 days in January. Pay attention to the soil, not the calendar.
Spring/SummerWater more frequently. Growth is active. Every 7-10 days for most plants.
Fall/WinterCut back watering. Growth slows. Every 14-21 days for most plants.
SucculentsAlways let soil dry completely between waterings. Every 2-4 weeks.
FernsKeep soil consistently moist but never soggy. Every 5-7 days.
5 Beginner Mistakes That Kill Houseplants
Mistake 1
Overwatering
This is the number one plant killer. People water on a strict schedule instead of checking the soil first. They see a droopy plant and assume it needs water when it might actually be drowning. Signs of overwatering: yellow leaves, mushy stems, soil that always smells musty, and gnats flying around the pot. When in doubt, do not water yet.
Mistake 2
No Drainage Holes
Planting in a pot without drainage holes is asking for trouble. Water has nowhere to go and pools at the bottom, rotting the roots. Always use pots with drainage holes or keep the plant in a nursery pot (the plastic one it came in) inside a decorative cover pot. When you water, take it out, water in the sink, let it drain, then put it back.
Mistake 3
Too Much Direct Sun
Most popular indoor plants are tropical understory plants. They evolved under the shade of taller trees. Putting them in direct, hot sun burns their leaves. Bright indirect light means near a window where the sun does not directly hit the plant. If the sun makes harsh shadows on the plant, that is direct sun. Move it back a few feet or filter the light with a sheer curtain.
Mistake 4
Repotting Too Soon or Into Too Big a Pot
A new plant does not need to be repotted immediately. Let it adjust to your home for at least a few weeks first. When you do repot, only go up one pot size (about 1-2 inches larger in diameter). A pot that is too big holds too much water around the roots, which leads to root rot. More soil does not equal a happier plant.
Mistake 5
Ignoring Pests
Check your plants regularly for pests. Look at the undersides of leaves and where the leaves meet the stems. Common indoor plant pests include fungus gnats (tiny flies near the soil), spider mites (tiny webs between leaves), and mealybugs (white cottony patches). Catching pests early is easy to deal with. Ignoring them for weeks means a much bigger problem. A spray of diluted neem oil handles most common pests.
Pet-Safe Indoor Plants
If you have cats or dogs, plant safety matters. Some popular houseplants are mildly toxic if a pet chews on them. Here are the best beginner plants that are completely safe for pets according to the ASPCA.
- Spider Plant — Non-toxic and fun for cats to bat at (the dangling babies).
- Boston Fern — Completely safe and adds lush greenery.
- Ponytail Palm — Non-toxic and extremely low maintenance.
- Prayer Plant (Calathea/Maranta) — Beautiful patterned leaves, pet-safe, and fun to watch as the leaves move throughout the day.
- Parlor Palm — A true palm that is compact, pet-safe, and handles low light well.
- Peperomia — Hundreds of varieties, all pet-safe, and very easy to care for.
Plants to avoid with pets: Pothos, snake plant, ZZ plant, philodendron, jade plant, and aloe vera are all mildly toxic if ingested. They usually cause mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting. They are rarely life-threatening but can make your pet uncomfortable. If your pet has a habit of chewing plants, stick to the safe list above.
Where to Buy Indoor Plants in 2026
You have several good options depending on what matters most to you.
Local NurseriesBest plant quality and expert advice. Staff can help you pick the right plant for your specific space. Prices are usually reasonable.
Home Depot / LowesAffordable and convenient. Quality varies by location and season. Check plants carefully for pests before buying.
AmazonConvenient home delivery. Many nurseries sell through Amazon with live arrival guarantees. Great for ordering specific varieties.
EtsyBest for rare or unusual varieties. Small growers who care about plant quality. Read seller reviews carefully.
You do not need much to get started. Here are the basics.
- Watering can with a narrow spout — Lets you water precisely without splashing everywhere. A long neck helps reach plants on shelves.
- Moisture meter — Takes the guesswork out of watering. Stick it in the soil and it tells you if the soil is wet, moist, or dry. Great training tool for beginners learning to read their plants.
- Good potting soil — Do not use outdoor garden soil for indoor plants. It is too heavy and does not drain well. Get a quality indoor potting mix that contains perlite for drainage.
- Pots with drainage holes — Essential. Never pot directly into a decorative pot without a drainage hole unless you use a nursery pot insert.
- Neem oil spray — Natural pest prevention and treatment. Mix with water and spray on leaves monthly as prevention or as needed for pests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest indoor plant to keep alive?
The pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is widely considered the easiest indoor plant to keep alive. It thrives in low light, tolerates irregular watering, grows fast, and tells you when it needs water by slightly drooping. You can grow it in soil or just in a jar of water. It is nearly impossible to kill and looks beautiful trailing from a shelf or hanging basket.
How often should beginners water indoor plants?
Most low-maintenance indoor plants should be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. For most plants, that means once every 7-14 days depending on the season, humidity, and light. Overwatering is the number one killer of houseplants. When in doubt, wait another day or two. It is almost always better to underwater than overwater.
What indoor plants do well in low light?
The best low-light indoor plants are ZZ plant, snake plant, pothos, cast iron plant, peace lily, Chinese evergreen, and dracaena. These plants evolved on the forest floor under dense canopy and are naturally adapted to limited light. They are perfect for apartments, offices, or rooms with small or north-facing windows.
Are indoor plants safe for pets?
Some popular indoor plants are mildly toxic to cats and dogs if chewed on. Pet-safe options include spider plants, Boston ferns, ponytail palms, prayer plants, parlor palms, and peperomias. Plants to be cautious with around pets include pothos, snake plants, ZZ plants, and philodendrons. Always check the ASPCA toxic plant database before buying if you have pets.
Do indoor plants actually purify the air?
While NASA's 1989 study showed certain plants can remove toxins from the air in sealed chambers, the effect in a real home is minimal. You would need hundreds of plants in a small room to meaningfully filter air. However, plants do increase humidity slightly, produce oxygen, and studies show they reduce stress and improve mood. The mental health benefits are well-documented even if air purification claims are overstated.
Where is the best place to buy indoor plants?
Local nurseries offer the healthiest plants with knowledgeable staff. Home Depot and Lowes have affordable options. Amazon and other online retailers ship plants directly to your door with guarantees. Etsy is great for rare or unusual varieties. Always inspect plants for pests and disease before buying or immediately after delivery.
More Free Tools at spunk.codes
Explore free digital tools and resources for your home, garden, and lifestyle.
Visit spunk.codes →
Share on X
Related reading: Beauty Tips · Mom Life · Online Guides