20 Best Plants for Beginners: Easy-Care Houseplants That Won't Die
Starting your plant parent journey can feel overwhelming. With so many plant options and care requirements, choosing the right first plant is crucial for building confidence. The good news is that many beautiful houseplants are remarkably forgiving and practically thrive on neglect. In this guide, we present twenty proven beginner-friendly plants that can tolerate inconsistent watering, varying light conditions, and the learning curve that comes with being a new plant owner.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Plant Easy for Beginners?
Not all plants are created equal when it comes to ease of care. Beginner-friendly plants share several key characteristics that make them forgiving of common new plant parent mistakes. Understanding these traits will help you choose the right plants and set yourself up for success.
Key Characteristics of Easy Plants
The easiest houseplants are drought tolerant, meaning they can handle periods of forgetting to water without dying. They are adaptable to various light conditions, thriving in anything from low light to bright indirect light. They are resilient, recovering quickly from stress and bouncing back from neglect. They have clear signals, showing obvious signs when they need something without immediately dying. And they are slow to develop pest problems, with tough leaves that are less attractive to common pests.
Signs of a Beginner-Friendly Plant:
- Thick, fleshy leaves or stems (stores water)
- Described as "low maintenance" or "drought tolerant"
- Native to harsh environments (deserts, forests)
- Can tolerate a range of light conditions
- Slow to show stress from care mistakes
- Commonly available at plant shops (usually because they are reliable)
Top 5 Nearly Indestructible Plants
These five plants have earned legendary status for their ability to survive almost anything. If you have killed every plant you have ever owned, start here.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria/Dracaena trifasciata)
The Snake Plant is often called the "impossible to kill" plant, and for good reason. It stores water in its thick, upright leaves and can go weeks without watering. It tolerates low light, direct sun, and everything in between. Snake Plants actually prefer to be neglected - overwatering is the only real way to kill them.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is the quintessential beginner plant. Its heart-shaped leaves cascade beautifully from shelves or hanging baskets, and it is incredibly forgiving. When it needs water, it will dramatically droop, then perk right back up after watering. It grows quickly, giving new plant parents the satisfaction of visible progress, and is easily propagated.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is a stunning choice for dark corners and forgetful waterers. Its glossy, dark green leaves emerge from thick rhizomes underground that store water, allowing it to survive months of drought. It thrives in low light conditions that would kill most plants and has a sophisticated, modern look that complements any decor.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plants have been popular houseplants for generations because they are practically foolproof. They produce charming baby plantlets on long stems that can be easily propagated or left to cascade. They tolerate a wide range of conditions and bounce back quickly from neglect. Their thick roots store water, making them forgiving of irregular watering.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Named for its iron constitution, this Victorian favorite is as tough as they come. It thrives in conditions that would kill most plants - deep shade, temperature fluctuations, neglect, and dry air. Its long, dark green leaves add an elegant touch to any room, and it grows slowly, never outgrowing its space.
Best Low-Light Beginner Plants (6-10)
Living in an apartment with limited windows or working in a dim office? These plants thrive in lower light conditions while still being easy to care for. Check out our guide on best low light indoor plants for more options.
6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lilies are one of the few flowering plants that bloom in low light. They are excellent communicators - drooping dramatically when thirsty but recovering within hours of watering. They also purify air effectively, removing common household toxins.
7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreens come in stunning varieties with silver, pink, or red variegation. They are remarkably tolerant of low light and neglect, making them perfect for offices and darker rooms. They grow slowly and maintain their compact shape without much maintenance.
8. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
The Dracaena family includes many varieties, from the corn plant to the dragon tree. All are known for being tough and adaptable. They tolerate low light well, though colors are brightest in medium light. Their architectural form adds height and drama to any room.
9. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
This elegant palm was a Victorian parlor favorite because it thrives in low light conditions. It brings tropical vibes to any room without demanding tropical care. It is pet-safe and grows slowly, making it ideal for apartments and offices.
10. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Similar to pothos but with darker, more heart-shaped leaves, the Heartleaf Philodendron is incredibly adaptable. It trails beautifully and can grow quite long. It tolerates low light better than many trailing plants and rarely has pest problems.
Easy Trailing and Vining Plants (11-15)
Trailing plants add dimension and interest to any space. These beginner-friendly options are perfect for shelves, hanging baskets, or allowing to climb. Learn how to multiply these plants with our propagation guide.
11. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
This delicate-looking plant is surprisingly tough. Its heart-shaped leaves on thin, trailing stems create a romantic, cascading effect. It stores water in its leaves and tubers, tolerating drought well. It loves bright light but survives in medium light.
12. Tradescantia (Tradescantia zebrina)
Also known as Wandering Dude, Tradescantia features stunning purple-striped leaves that shimmer in the light. It grows incredibly fast and propagates easily in water. It does lose lower leaves naturally, but its rapid growth means it always looks full when pruned regularly.
13. Hoya (Hoya carnosa)
Hoyas are semi-succulent vining plants with waxy leaves. They are drought tolerant, slow growing, and eventually produce fragrant clusters of star-shaped flowers. They prefer to be slightly root-bound and neglected rather than fussed over.
14. Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia)
This old-fashioned trailing plant deserves a comeback. Its grape-like leaves and vigorous growth make it perfect for hanging baskets. It tolerates lower light and irregular watering better than true ivy and rarely has pest problems.
15. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Classic English Ivy is beautiful and vigorous, though it can be prone to spider mites in dry conditions. The key to success is keeping humidity reasonable and inspecting occasionally for pests. It comes in many varieties from solid green to variegated.
Beginner-Friendly Statement Plants (16-20)
Want something more impressive? These larger plants make a statement while still being manageable for beginners.
16. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant is a much easier Ficus relative than the Fiddle Leaf Fig. Its thick, glossy leaves come in dark green, burgundy, and variegated varieties. It is more tolerant of irregular watering and lower light conditions.
17. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
The iconic Swiss Cheese Plant is surprisingly easy despite its exotic appearance. Its dramatic split leaves develop as the plant matures. It is adaptable to various light levels and forgiving of irregular watering. It does get large, so give it space to grow.
18. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
This dramatic plant brings tropical resort vibes to your home. While it needs bright light to potentially flower, it is otherwise quite forgiving. Its large, paddle-shaped leaves make a bold statement, and it tolerates drought well once established.
19. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Not actually a palm, this quirky plant stores water in its bulbous base, making it extremely drought tolerant. Its fountain of curly leaves adds whimsy to any space. It is slow-growing and can live for decades with minimal care.
20. Yucca (Yucca elephantipes)
Yuccas are desert plants that thrive on neglect. Their sword-like leaves and woody trunks add architectural interest. They need minimal water, tolerate bright light (even some direct sun), and rarely have pest problems.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Even with forgiving plants, there are some common mistakes that trip up new plant parents. Being aware of these will help you avoid them. For more troubleshooting help, see our guide on why plant leaves turn yellow.
Top Beginner Mistakes:
Getting Started with Your First Plant
Ready to begin your plant parent journey? Here is a simple approach to get started on the right foot.
Step 1: Assess Your Space
Before buying a plant, evaluate where it will live. How much natural light does the spot receive? Is it near a heating or cooling vent? How is the humidity in your home? Match your plant choice to your conditions rather than trying to change conditions for a plant.
Step 2: Start with One or Two Plants
Resist the urge to buy a dozen plants at once. Start with one or two from our "top 5" list and learn to care for them successfully before expanding your collection. This builds confidence and helps you develop good habits.
Step 3: Establish a Routine
Set a regular day each week to check on your plants. Check soil moisture, look for pests, and rotate the plant for even growth. Consistency is key to success with houseplants.
Step 4: Learn and Grow
Every plant teaches you something. Pay attention to how your plants respond to care and adjust as needed. Read care guides, join plant communities, and do not be afraid to ask questions.
Start Your Plant Journey with Plantle
The Plantle app is the perfect companion for beginner plant parents. Get personalized watering reminders, care tips tailored to your specific plants, and notifications so you never forget to care for your green friends. Stop killing plants and start growing your confidence.